If you plan on venturing out into the woods, then you’ll bring something to keep you prepared. Packing suitable gear for protection can be crucial for staying safe in the outdoors. If you go outside then carrying a neck knife may be a great option for you. The knife hangs on a cord from a person’s neck, for quick and easy access.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best neck knife:
Who Needs To Use A Neck Knife?
Anyone who spends time outside or would like to stay protected could use a decent neck knife. These knives work great for their excellent level of convenience. They have utilitarian use for anything from cutting twigs, to even self-defense. Keeping a small knife handy can also work for meal preparation, or as an extra blade.
Not to mention a neck knife can be that last line of defense. For safety, it’s advised that you never walk into the woods with only a single blade. Thus, if you misplace other knives or tools, you’ve got an extra one at the ready.
The materials used to design a neck knife consist generally of steel or stainless steel on the blade. Common sheaths will feature leather or even a metal case. Additionally, the knife will hang from a loop. These come in paracord, leather, or even a breakaway ball chain such as ones used for military dog tags.
The following YouTube video explains neck knife use:
Are Neck Knives Different To Regular Knives?
Neck knives feature a different build quality than other more traditional knives. These knives instead have a smaller design, meant for compact use and self-defense. Instead of resting in a regular sheath on a belt-loop or waist, neck knives feature a hanging sheath. These then rest along the front of your chest.
Additionally, some question the safety of using a neck knife. Some campers, outdoor people, and survivalists tend to carry it underneath their shirt. Others even opt to carry it under their shoulder for easy access. It depends on how the user wants to use their knife. Yet, most wear neck knives on the outside of a shirt. All positions follow safety standards, it’s up to the user to keep the knife sheathed and protected. Not to mention, it’s also important to maintain a safe rope length to avoid any accidental choking.
How Do I Choose A Neck Knife?
One of the most important parts of choosing a neck knife, is to pick one with your desired length. Longer knives work better as a self-defense weapon, or for hunting animals. Yet, shorter knives work best for preparing food or cutting small twigs. Any length will do the job, it’s more so about personal preference.
Buy a neck knife with the proper blade style. Each kind of blade will affect how it cuts objects, and it’s holding position. If you want a more stable knife, then go for a blade with a fixed grip handle. Narrower knives may not feel as stable, yet they’re more efficient and can move faster.
Choose a neck knife that is well made so it lasts. Your knife will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Additionally, you want your knife to survive any close calls out in the wilderness.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a neck knife:
- Ensure the knife has your desired length.
- Buy a blade with your ideal style.
- Choose a neck knife that is well made.
What Is The Best Neck Knife?
We’ve looked at a range of neck knives that work for all types of environments and have selected five knives. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and shape. We’ve reviewed these five neck knives and listed some pros and cons for each knife.
our #1 rated
Tegoni
CSGO Karambit Claw
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Tegoni CSGO karambit claw knife is available in over 15 different color options. The knife features a karambit blade with a finger ring along the end of the handle. The blade also has an included sheath and rope for placement around the neck.
Customers who purchased this knife liked the amount of colors that the knife came in. People said that the blade was lightweight and small to carry along. Customers also said that the knife was quite sharp, and built of good quality materials.
A few customers who used this knife found it to lose the paint job over time from wear and tear. Some people also said the blade started to rust a little when exposed to water. Some customers said the knife was a little heavy around the neck.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Bailianfang
Pocket Paw Knife
Quality
Price
Our rating
The pocket paw knife from Bailianfang is available in one size and color. The blade comes in a small form factor for light cutting tasks. The knife stores inside a compact leather pouch that can hang around the neck.
Customers who purchased this knife said that it’s great for fishing and solid for cutting line. Some customers also said the blade’s handle fits snug around your fingers for a tight grip. Other customers commented that it’s a high quality metal knife.
Some people who purchased this knife said that it’s a bit smaller than expected. Others reported that the blade on the knife is a little dull, and would need sharpening for some tasks. A few customers also said the handle didn’t fit for their larger hands.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
HaoMing
Fixed Steel Knife
Quality
Price
Our rating
This fixed steel neck knife made by HaoMing is available in one size and color. The blade features a swiss style with a D2 steel blade and handle design. The knife works well for woodworking, or other tasks at a length of about 7 inches. Additionally, the blade comes with a form fitting sheath and neck chain.
Customers who purchased this knife said that it sharpened quite well. People said that the blade has a durable handle, and lies good in your hand. Many customers found the level of quality impressive. One customer even said that they cut through raw meat and cartilage for a meal without any problems.
A few customers who purchased this knife said that the handle was a little thin. Some customers said that they found the blade to be somewhat short. Other people also reported that the knife rattles inside the sheath, yet it does not come out.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
HaoMing
Mini EDC Knife
Quality
Price
Our rating
The HaoMing mini fixed steel EDC knife is available in one size and color. The blade features a G10 handle along with steel material. The sheath also fits form factor the blade’s shape and design.
Customers who used this knife said it was strong for cutting wood and other materials. People also said it was still light enough to carry around the collar or neck. Customers also commented that the blade was sharp even when they first got it.
Other people who used this blade said that the beginning of the grind was almost too sharp. Customers also said that the tip of the blade was very fine, and could break if dropped.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
BGT
Pocket Tactical Knife
Quality
Price
Our rating
This pocket tactical knife made by BGT is available in one size and color. The blade features a long stainless steel body with titanium coating. The knife also comes with a form factor sheath that matches the shape of the blade.
People who purchased this knife said that it fits well inside the sheath. Customers said that the blade features high quality materials and has a sturdy feel. Customers also said that the blade sharpens well to cut anything thrown at it.
Some customers who used this knife said that the handle was a little short. A few customers said the front tip of the blade was a bit sharp. Some people also expected the knife to come with a rope for hanging as a neck knife.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each neck knife we’ve reviewed works for those looking to carry a blade around their collar. All the boards have decent materials, sharp blades, and a portable size.
After comparing all the products the best neck knife is the Tegoni CSGO karambit claw knife.
This blade is both sharp and long, making it perfect for those looking for a portable blade. The knife can work for any kind of cutting needs. We also like the fact that the blade comes in a wide variety of colors and camouflage.