Sal! How's about a fix blade Spyderco neck knife?

Well said, Sal. It is refreshing to hear praise for another maker coming from one who is confident in his own products. (I proudly carry several Spyderco knives and the requisite sharpeners
wink.gif
)

Fred Perrin's neck knives ARE great. I own three of them. And a few more of his little creations.

Still, if you decide to come out with one of your own design, I'm sure many of us would line up for one.

After all, one can never have enough quality knives, can one?
wink.gif


Blues
 
What's the big advantage of a "neck knife" vs a folder in a neck sheath?

The latter is shorter and safer...not to mention that if questioned by LEO, a neck carried folder concealed under the shirt is not illegal (in CA, at least), whereas the fixed neck knife is.

My BF Native in its sheath seems like a great neck knife, and if I went with another folder/sheath like the Dragonfly, I sure I could get into even smaller and less intrusive carry.

If this was discussed before on another thread (in another forum?) I'd appreciate a link if anyone knows where.
 
Longden,
The advantage of a fixed versus folding neck knife is the fixed blade when removed from the sheath is ready to use without the added step of unfolding the blade. Granted, the folded neck knife is safer than the fixed blade to a degree, in that the knife is folded into itself and tucked inside a kydex sheath to boot.
BUT!
The fixed blade in a well made kydex sheath is not very likely to fail it's wearer in the event of an accidental fall where the wearer falls on the knife. The blade is tightly molded to the kydex, eliminating any internal movement of the knife, the knife cannot turn inside the sheath and punch thru. Couple this with rivets placed in such a manner as to block the knife from punching out the end of the sheath and this appears to be a safe carry system. I make my kydex sheath's in such a way that the knife is not going to come thru that sheath. When I make a kydex sheath, safety of the wearer is my main number one concern and I'm sure it is the main concern of the majority of sheathmakers. A well made kydex neck sheath can and should be as safe as a well made kydex belt sheath. If the maker is not willing to take the extra steps to make a safe kydex neck sheath, they should not be making knife sheaths.
You guys are right about Perrin's neck knives. I've got an Emerson LaGriffe and it comes off my neck only at showertime and bedtime. I added another rivet to the sheath to make it "punch proof".
BTW, Has anyone ever had or heard of a kydex sheath failure?

I would really appreciate any replies to this Q!

------------------
The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.




[This message has been edited by misque (edited 05 November 1999).]
 
Misque,
With a River City Sheaths' concealex kneck sheath a folder becomes just about as fast as a fixed blade. Maybe a split second slower, but literally just a fraction of a second. These work especially well on Spydercos. Mike Sastre has designed it so that when the knife is withdrawn it is opened via the "drop" which a lot of people use on their Spydercos when carried in a pocket. I don't mean to say that you are incorrect about the fixed blades, just that there are some really fast folder neck sheaths out there.

------------------
Paul Davidson

Them:"What's that clipped to your pocket, a beeper?"
Me:"Uuh....yeah, something like that."


 
Paul,

I have one of Sastre's rigs. It's beautifully done and, yes, it's almost as fast as a fixed blade. But it lacks the sleekness and small print of a fixed blade neck knife and sheath.

sing

AKTI #A000356

 
Paul,
I really don't doubt that what you say is true. As a matter of fact, I've been eyeballing my Calypso Jr. Lightweight for the last couple of days and seriously considering losing the clip and making a kydex sheath for it. I might just do this tommorrow before the Jaguars' game.
I like a fix blade neck knife because for me it comes into play faster and makes less of a print. I also like the idea of small fixed blades, they are kinda like non-folding folders without the possibility of folder lock failure. Not that it happens very much, but "better safe than sorry" don't-cha-know?

I have to admit that the neck sheath for a folder idea has got me intrigued, so I'm gonna try it and see what comes up. Spyderco's Zytel folders are just thin enough to work. Not too much print and lightweight too!

------------------
The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
Alright, I hit my fav knife shop today and it happens they've got an Emerson La Griffe (Fred Perrin) for sale ... and I was SUPER tempted.

I could see the utility of having something that small and light as an emergency knife. There's no doubt people can be quick with their folders, but I could see where there are situations where simply yanking the knife free puts it in ready (ie dumped in the river and needing to cut yourself free from something ... or grabbed from behind).

The Perrin design is very well suited as a knife to use when a split second counts ... might even get one for my wife ... don't know if the curved blade might disqualify it as a Calif. "dirk or stabbing instrument", but I could see my wife wearing one during those night classes at the college.

It looks like a lousy utility knife tho ... my Native and its sheath would still suffice for that. I'll be interested if you guys come up with a Spyderco answer to the Perrin.
 
Longden,

I don't much care about deployment speed on neck knives, because I know I can get at a belt knife or clipped folder faster. But what I demand in a neck knife is that it be able to survive a daily trip through the shower. No folder can meet that criterion because its enclosed action just begs for rust and will accumulate soap scum and gunk.

Also, neck knives can be surprisingly long and remain undetectable, but if they have much thickness they "print" terribly. It's one of the few positions you might find it easier to conceal a slim 8" (OAL) FB than a thicker 4" folder.

I'm not against this trend for neck-carry folders, it's just not the thing for me. I want a neck knife that's tiny and unobtrusive, and can handle 24-7 carry. I carried a CS Mini-Pal (uck, CS, don't tell!) on a neck chain for several years and I've yet to find anything I like as much for the role. Just for those times when you're in your bathrobe and fingernails aren't enough.

-Drew
 
I hear what you all are saying, but when I wear my Military in it's River City Neck Sheath you don't even know it's there. I know it's there but other people don't. I've asked. When I pull it out people are surprised. I'm talking about with t-shirts too. Put on a flannel and it's invisible. Am I trying to sell you one? Nah. Different strokes and all that. I just know that where I live any size sheath knife concealed is a big time no no. I'm also not saying I don't own any neck knives. Just trying to offer some options for people wanting a Spyderco around their neck.

------------------
Paul Davidson

Them:"What's that clipped to your pocket, a beeper?"
Me:"Uuh....yeah, something like that."


 
Drew, in the case of getting one for my wife, it's more than a concern about deployment speed (tho for sure neither she nor most non-knuts practice her draw daily) ... it's about KISS (keeping it simple).

The Perrin knife is small (about 4-5" long) and thin, so it meets the unobtrusive criteria.

You draw the knife with the same grip as when you wield it, and the fingers go thru the holes so the grip is more secure. For sure, it's a great desperation knife when you don't have to worry about all that fine motor training to flick that thumb or wrist to get in business.

I've no doubt that any folder-fan can deploy quickly, like when I'm anticipating the need in the next second or two. I just know I'd hate to try flicking my knife open during an emergency, when I (or my wife) are possibly disoriented (try drawing and flicking a knife in a submerged car upside down). The neck knife would be sorta like "in case of emergency, break glass".

My folder (and hers) will always still be there (except in the shower) ... and I still anticipate carrying a neck-sheathed folder for hikes and general utility ... just not 24/7.

I know, as Paul mentions, that everyone's anticipated need differs, so this isn't to dispute what others are saying ... this is just my take on why I'd see it (the Perrin) as a nice failsafe for me/her.

Paul, I like your sig. Here's a variation:

Them:"What's that around your neck, a good luck charm?"
Me:"Uuh....yeah, something like that."

 
In the FWIW department, the Emerson version of Fred Perrin's "La Griffe" is only one variation of the knife (and imho, not the best incarnation).

Fred makes many versions of the Griffe.
Two versions of which can be seen on my little knife page at:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=123592&a=905828

Please don't use any of the photos for any commercial applications. Otherwise enjoy.

Blues



------------------
Live Free or Die


 
Guys,
For warehouse type of work, the Emerson LaGriffe works pretty well for me.
It opens boxes and cuts rope and twine with the best and the rest of'em.
It works as a utility knife pretty well, BUT!, like all hawkbill type knives, it has it's limitations.
And if those limitations are more than one wants to deal with, then the REKAT Hobbit Fang is about as close to the ideal neck knife in standard format that I've found to date. It's pretty light and inconspicuous and has a lot of potential.
As a matter of fact, my IDEAL neck knife would be a Fang blade on a LaGriffe type handle. OOooohhhh!

------------------
The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
Blues, the Talisman!! Oh man, "I gotta GIT me one-a those!!"

That is a SWEET little knife. Even in something other than Talonite, it would be a nice knife.

------------------
It's just a ****ing staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy

 
Thanks, O.D.

It is a great knife. Rob Simonich gets highest marks in my book.

Eventually, I hope to get on board with a scanner or digital camera so I can put a few of my other "babies" on the site, but right now I am "challenged" in that arena.
wink.gif


Blues

------------------
Live Free or Die


 
Looks like I'm gonna have to bug Rob YET AGAIN! I keep getting these ideas on what knife I'd like, and then contacting him to find out how much one would cost. Then, something happens to suck up my knife money, and I don't order. Starting to feel bad, I think I've done it 2 or 3 times. I'm gonna HAVE to keep that little gem in mind, though. What a beauty!

------------------
It's just a ****ing staple!
Outlaw_Dogboy

 
I am with Drew on this one.

I have been thinking of having a titanium or Talonite knife made for just that sort of 24/7 carry, working out, sweating in the yard, showering, everywhere.

No rust.

Of course with me, I look at steel and it discolors. Bad form for a knife guy.

------------------
Marion David Poff aka Eye, one can msg me at mdpoff@hotmail.com If I fail to check back with this thread and you want some info, email me.

My site is at: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/1770 Including my review of the Kasper AFCK, thougths on the AFCK and interview of Bob Kasper.

"We will either find a way, or make one." Hannibal, 210 B.C.


 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top