The 24/7/365 neck knife

[dios]

Hello all,

I am doing a research trying to find the best knife to have it all the time with me. Even in the shower, no exceptions. 24/7/365. The main purpose would be a last resort self defence and maybe rescue tool, but also it will be used for some cuttings and openings.

This choosing task might look simple, but it's not I think it needs double edges, or at least a sharp tip so the bushcraft type is out of the question.

In no particular order, I looked for:


1. Boker Plus Besh-Wedge Neck Knife - a tad too small and it absolutely needs smaller sheath

2. ESEE Knives IZULA (too bushcraft)

3. Coldsteel Double Agent series (i don't like the two holes, you can't loose the knife if you need to change hands )

4. Chris Reeve Professional Soldier - sheath hard to remove, too thick maybe.. (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/664883-Chris-Reeve-Professional-Soldier), but very close to the one and only, very good quality.

5. Spartan: Velos (blade too small) / Enyo (a tad too small, but very nice otherwise) / CQB (sheath too thick to edc), all of them rather expensive and I think the Chris Reeve would be a better option in this price range..

6. Push daggers - here i'm not sure i need to carry such a knife which does not have at all the utility part.. but I like the Benchmade 175CBK and the Coldsteel Safe Maker 1 (maybe too thick in hand for 24/7/365)


I think the best for what I like would be something between the Professional Soldier and Spartan Enyo, but lighter and double edged dagger or similar, ambidextrous and easely removable from sheath, ready for action, flat on the chest, etc.

Where should I look? I think i need to make it custom.. or there are any other options? Thanks!

 

[jday2727]

Not perfect, but the Spyderco ARK might do it?

 

[dios]

This sounds interesting..

I think a double edged more like dagger Eskabar would be just perfect!

 

[craytab]

Yes, the spyderco ark is made especially for this. It is impervious to rust.

 

[dios]

I will take a look, it's not bad at all.

also the spyderco pigmy warrior with the handle removed.. rather expensive but great looking knife and very close of what I am searching but clearly too big to carry 24/7, what do you think?

 

[Comeuppance]

Yes, the spyderco ark is made especially for this. It is impervious to rust.

I came here to say the same.

 

[craytab]

I have one. It is flat and thin. You don't even notice wearing it. I believe they are working on a serrated version which I would rather have than the PE. When that one comes out I will do a swap.

 

[brancron]

As has been stated already, the Spyderco Ark is your answer. There's nothing else out there I can think of that is as light (.9 oz.) and unobtrusive, as well as completely impervious to rust. It is specifically designed for exactly the purposes you mention.

 

[bflying]

As others have said, the Spyderco ARK. If really wearing 24/7 just for self defense, I would think weight would be as big of factor as anything. The ARK weighs in under an oz. for the knife only. The kydex "like" sheath adds a bit of weight. Even though I think the sheath is well crafted and designed, a few fractions of an oz. could possibly be shaved off using light weight Kydex. But I wouldn't worry about that. Personally I wouldn't use the ARK for medium to heavy tasks because it's a very thin blade. But no problems with mail or package opening type things.

The ARK is the one in the lower left corner.

An inexpensive option may be the Schrade SCHF5N. I have a number of them, but don't wear around neck. Great little knives for the size and price.

Another option would be the Spyderco Dragonfly Salt. Made with the same H1 (rust resistant steel) as the ARK and all Salt models. You could simply add a quick release device to through the lanyard hole (I like barrel connectors because they're cheap and light). Would probably be as light if not lighter than the ARK + Sheath, but you would have to deploy the blade. Would allow for more utility use than the ARK. Always trade-offs.

Dragonfly Salt is top right in this pic, and in the first pic.

One more pic with smallish neck knives.

The ESEE Candiru with no handle scales and custom kydex sheath would probably be my second choice. I folded this sheath myself and tweaked the retention level I wanted with a standard blow dryer. A little heavier than the ARK, but it is much thicker for heavier jobs. Although the edge and any chips (any part not coated) would need constant maintenance whereas the Spyderco H1 steel would be a no brainer for upkeep. The Candiru with handles removed in first pic, upper left.

Heck, in the 2oz range, you could also carry a Salt 1 folder on a chain with quick release barrels connectors. Even more utility and rust proof. The blade could be deployed at the same time as popping it off the chain...1 second flat. Of course you would want to remove the pocket clips from any neck worn folders to keep from catching on things.

 

[dios]

I think you are right and i will have this.I was hoping for a bit bigger, but .. the ease of carrying is much more important so it seems Thank you so much, great answers! :thumbup:


edit - there's also the Mini Tac, not the same steel, but POU is the same..

 

[SALTY]

The Becker Necker BK-11 is also worth looking into.

It's a stout unit.

 

[Mjr69]

Another vote for the ARK. I gave an ARK to my girlfriend several months ago and she always has it on her and uses for just about anything. No rust and it has seen lots of shower time, food prep and who knows what else.

 

[Spectre]

The ARK was specifically designed for 24/7 carry by deployed service members who always have an issued firearm, except when they go to the showers (typically in another tent or trailer).

The ARK is not a great general EDC knife for rough use, but does a fine job on light food prep.

I am proud to say Spyderco has helped make the ARK the best true neck knife I know, but have you considered carrying two knives? That way, you could use the heavier folding knife most of the time, and still have the ARK for emergency use.

John Shirley

 

[ThePeacent]

ARK, or CRKT Minimalists on the cheaper side.

Both lightweight

greatest sheaths on the neck knife world

easy to sharpen, pretty rustproof, H1 wins here

great slicers

unobtrusive, comfortable to wear, secure retention and re-sheathing.

ARK is unbeatable, CRKT are great, my favorite is the wharncliffe.

But the bowie ain't no slouch. I even sleep with one of these three from time to time.

 

[T.K.C.]

My perfect neck knife is the Todd Begg Tree Frog, it has a kyex sheath, which I did not take a picture of. I have gone through a lot of neck knives over the years, and this one is perfect for ME. It is small & light, and wicked sharp. I love this knife!! And it look me a long time to hunt one down too.

 

[Hawgsnawt]

seems to me the older cold steel spike series with the cord wrapped handle removed, ceracoated to prevent rust, then plasti dipped the handle section would be just about perfect.... but that's just one man's opinion.