The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Neck Knife

Neck knives have always been something of a quandary for even the most ardent of preppers and survivalists over the years. The question that divides opinion is normally whether a neck knife is a worthwhile addition to survival kit, or is it yet another novelty survival item that can definitely be done without?

Our view on the neck knife is that it should never be considered a primary choice when it comes to choosing a survival knife.

If you are thinking of using a neck knife as your main survival or self-defense knife, then think again, they’re really not up to the long term task. If you want a main knife for survival purposes then a high quality fixed blade survival knife is 100% what you should be looking to buy AND a high quality folding EDC knife as your backup.

However, that isn’t to say that a neck knife isn’t worth having.

There will always be an advantage to be had in having a knife that is small, lightweight, and can be easily concealed under a shirt.

The bottom line is that the neck knife should be considered as a last resort self defense weapon which can be highly effective in the hands of someone who is skilled in using it.

So if you’re eager to learn a little more about these fearsome little knives then read on…

The Importance of Adding a Good Neck Knife to Your Survival Kit

What Is a Neck Knife?

For thousands of years, people have been trying to find the ideal way to carry a knife without hurting themselves and with the added benefit of maximizing the time required to pull it out and use it. While many knife designs have come and gone throughout the centuries, the neck knife remains to this day one of the most practical and well thought out designs you can find.

But what is a neck knife anyway? Simply put, any type of tactical knife that comes with a cord or string that goes around your neck is called a neck knife. It can be anything from short-bladed Tanto blades to long combat knives. As long as they can be worn around your neck, they are neck knives.

This practical design is thought to date back to the stone age, when it was a real challenge for hunters to wear a sharp blade without stabbing themselves. Today, neck knives come in all shapes and sizes, and while some are still purely functional, others are mostly for show.

Why Do You Need a Neck Knife?

The practical quality of a neck knife’s design cannot be emphasized enough. Aside from the fact that, being worn around your neck eliminates the need for any type of belt or tactical backpack required for storing it, the knife is available for easy access any time you need it.

If you’re in a crisis situation, sometimes that split moment needed to pull your knife out can count a lot. With a good neck knife, you won’t need that moment. You’ll be ready for action in no time.

Another important benefit is intimidation. When you’re in a SHTF type situation where people are trying to find resources and some are even willing to attack you for yours, wearing a neck knife sends a clear message: ‘I’m armed and dangerous. Don’t try anything funny!’

Since a lot of people that you can consider a real threat will only attack when they perceive their opponent as weak, most will leave you alone when they see an awesome looking weapon hanging around your neck. So that means in many cases, an intimidating neck knife can even help you win battles without even fighting them.

Finally, neck knives are portable, lightweight, easy to carry and very handy if you want to attract attention. There’s no better way to let other people know you mean business than by carrying a cool neck knife, especially if you know how to use it properly.

The best thing about a neck knife is that there’s almost no limit to the type of knife you can wear around your neck. While some designs might be too heavy or long to wear in a practical way, everything from curved, serrated and drop point blades to various multi-purpose tool knives can be worn as neck knives.

Basically, if you’re serious about putting together an awesome survival kit, the neck knife is one survival tool that you will not want to miss out on.

Neck Knife Buyer Guide: A Look at Choosing the Best Neck Knives

Making Your Selection

Before you think of buying a neck knife, it’s very important to think of the right criteria for making your choice. Although it’s not overly important all the time, choosing your knife based on the best brands that manufacture neck knives can be a good place to start. Some brands are known for their superior craftsmanship, so it’s best not to ignore their high quality products, before you select a product.

The next step, after finding all the most relevant brands, is to make a list of the most popular and well-regarded products made by them. For that purpose, look up the name brand and their neck knives on review sites and large retail websites like Amazon, where there is an accurate rating system and lots of people review what they buy. Although you can’t believe all the reviews you find there, they will provide you with an accurate enough guide to at least help you decide on which products to narrow your search down to.

You’ll also have to consider your budget. Even if the knife you find is in high regard and made by the most popular manufacturing company you can find, it won’t help you much if the price goes above your budget. In that case, it’s best to first establish your budget range and filter out any of the neck knives that are too expensive, before you make your final selection.

Your Choice Based on Neck Knife Features

The features of the ideal neck knife you might be looking for are also very essential when making your choice on buying a weapon of considerable quality and good proportions:

1. Compare what you need your new knife for with the intended use of the neck knives you find. The size, grip and sharpness should fit the use that you have in mind for it.
2. Make sure the knife you buy has a stainless steel blade. The material the handle is made from can vary, but it’s important to also check to see that the blade goes deep enough into the handle so it won’t snap while being used in a crisis situation.
3. Get a neck knife that features a strong sheath and chain, so it won’t easily fall out or be ripped away if an assailant gets to it. The sheath should also have an especially secure construction, so that you won’t run the risk of injuring yourself with the blade.

Legality and Other Issues

When buying a weapon such as a neck knife, it’s very important to consider whether it is legal in your area or not. In some parts of the world, certain types of weapons are banned, even though others can be used freely for self-defense. So make sure you research the laws that apply to your specific areas, before you think of buying a neck knife.

Other alternatives to neck knives are also viable, and you can always buy a simple combat knife along with a belt or backpack that can house it. However, it’s important to remember that neck knives are highly practical. There are very few other weapons that can be kept at the ready as practically and conveniently as a neck knife, so you can use it in an extremely efficient way in survival and self-defense situations, even against a larger or more capable opponent.

Best Neck Knives – Our Top 5 Selection

CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife