Neck-Knives vs. Folders?

ChrisB507

ChrisB507

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Mar 29, 2005
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I got a CRKT Folts Minimalist as a gift recently. I've seen Alan Folt's custom work, and think it is beautiful. So I thought, "I'll try try the CRKT out as a daily carry and move up to the 'real' Folts soon enough!"

But (to me), there are very few things a necker can't do that folder can't, especially for my light, daily EDC duties. The access doesn't seem as easy, re-sheathing requires two hands, and it just didn't work for me.

I'd love to love neckers, because among the Beckers, the Bark Rivers and a number of customs, there are some beautiful blades.

So my questions: Is there anyone that prefers neckers over folders? And when does a neck-knife really make sense to use over a folder or a fixed blade on your belt? Or is it all personal preference? :p
 
sometimes. I always were a small neck knife, but I rarely use it, always opting for a folder, or a pocket fixed blade
 
I prefer a necker when I am wearing pants that don't have pockets, but I use them other times as well. However, my opinion is that it is a matter of personal preference.
 
For hiking or other activities where I'm scrambling around I like neck knives as I find I'm less likely to lose them. It's incredibly disheartening to wade through some bushes and reach down for your folder only to realize it snagged on some branch and fell out. It's only happened to me once, but I did not enjoy the hands-and-knees searching.
 
I carry my neckers scout style and that works better then anything for me so far. sheathing just requires some practice
 
I love neck knives but I hate hate hate carrying around my neck. They are all belt carry for me.
 
I've got a Morris mini necker on right now and a ZT 560 in my pocket. I used the necker to cut the tape on my tattoo bandage just a few minutes ago. But I still usually reach for the folder.
 
I prefer my Izula sooo much more over any folders I have or have used. It's sturdy and I trust it to stay solid over a folder. While some folders are stellar and amazing, and hold up to the same strength as a necker, they cost 2 or 3 times as much. Anything below that price and it definitely wont last as long. Moving parts and multiple pieces eventually get the better of folders.

The most amazing parts about my Izula, is that in the cold, I can take it out to cut my apple while wearing my gloves without a problem, even put it away and clean it! Something that was a HUGE problem with a folder. Maintenance is half what a folder needs. With the paracord and sheath, I can put the knife almost anywhere I want onto my body.

HERE'S A NIFTY TIP: My dad shared a trick that he learned in the military, that inspired how I carry my necker. I tie paracord into the sheath and loop it onto my belt. I leave enough paracord so that the knife can reach to the bottom of my pocket from the belt in any position. It doesn't bother me, stays put, isn't bulky and I can easily grab it from the cord with my gloves and yank on the handle to get it out of the sheath. Very handy, convenient and safe.
 
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I have really grown to prefer EDC'ing a fixed blade. I carry mine horizontally on my belt though. One-hand sheathing, and I can get to it as fast or faster than I can get my folder deployed. I do still carry a folder though.
 
I usually carry both. The advantage of a neck knife is it's easier to access if you are sitting, such as in a car or a canoe. Of course the ease of access depends on the clothing and how you wear the knife. Under a pull-over shirt not tucked in your pants, or button up shirt, easy. Under a pull-over shirt tucked in or under winter clothes, not so easy access.
 
I tend to favor neck knives and small fixed blades to folders. Having said that, my preference for folders is typically more of the delicate, ultra-light folders like the Spyderco Dragonfly II or Benchmade 440, not the ZTs or Striders. For me, the neck knives fill the "hard use" role in my EDC, such as just the other day when I found a felled tree strewn across a bike path with dense, woody vines stretched taught across the pavement. I'm sure my Dragonfly II could have handled the task, but I just happened to have my BK-11 with me as well, affording me the luxury of worry-free hacking and cutting to clear the path.

For me, a quality neck knife is:
Easier to clean and maintain.
An excellent way to carry a redundant blade.
Considerably more hard-use.
Much more affordable than a folder equivalent.
Just as easy to deploy, since my folders are all clip-free.
And much easier to deploy with dirty or gloved hands.
 
I carry a neck knife and a folder. Neck Knives imo are meant more for SD (to deploy quick when your main knife in inaccessible) than EDC

For accessing it when around my neck I lower the cord so the hilt of the knife is hand width above my belt so I don't have to dig up my shirt to get it

One other way to carry besides belt and neck is static cord. Basically keep it sheathed in your pocket and tie the cord to your belt.
 
I wear extra large gloves and I EDC an Izula and a Delica FFG. The size is not an issue if the design is done right.

I use the Delica for most everyday type tasks and I try not to use the Izula as much for those things so it stays nice and sharp for when I do really need it. The Delica is such a terrific slicer so it works well for finer, detail type work.

The Izula is thicker so I use it for tougher tasks. For example, I re-did the flooring in our bathrooms and replaced the tub seal this morning. I had to do some cutting against some hard surfaces so I used the Izula. I knew it was super sharp and would do what I wanted/needed when I needed it. Wearing my "house shorts", I don't have any decent pockets so keeping the Izula around my neck is great (also being down on my knees, it's much easier to get to). I also used the rear of the handle to smooth down some adhesive caulk stripping which worked great. It wouldn't have worked so well with the Delica.

So I carry both and use both. If I had to choose, it would be tough, but it would be the Izula. I can do more with it.
 
My necker, a Rick Hinderer Flashpoint, is for when I don't have a suitable pocket for a clip on folder. e.g. sweatpants.
 
I carry a necker, although it is usually in my front pocket. I find fixed blades to be better for every task, and easier for me to maintain if I have a dirtier job to perform.
 
ChrisB507 said:
And when does a neck-knife really make sense to use over a folder or a fixed blade on your belt?
Click to expand...

When u need to baton something. For instance I would opt for a small fixed over a folder while running the dog in the woods. But otherwise, a folder will do just fine.
 
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