The Best Neck Knife: Top Blades for Self-Defense and Bushcraft

Human beings have been carrying blades for centuries, with one of the oldest EDC tools being neck knives. Before the invention of folding knives, our ancestors had to carry knives everywhere they went for security purposes.

Therefore, they had to come up with a simple way to carry their knives without hurting themselves. And one of the best solutions they came up with was neck knives.

By simply tying a cord around the handle of their knives, they could easily carry their weapon around their necks. This means of neck knives have been used for centuries, and it is still one of the best methods of carrying a knife. In fact, several top brands have embraced this idea and designed some of the best neck blades in the market.

Modern neck knives are made with tougher materials, and they come with a sheath for security purposes. They are useful for self-defense and survival purposes, but I know you already know that. What you might not know is what the best neck knives in the market are.

So, please read on, if you want to find the best neck knife.

Our favorite is the reliable CRKT Minimalist Bowie Knife, as it can fit comfortably in your hand and still tackle numerous tasks. Other than its beautiful design, this tool doesn’t seem too bulky to conceal under your shirt.

The Best Neck Knives Are:

ProductDetails
1. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Knife

  • Lifetime warranty
  • A fob for an extended grip
  • Glass-reinforced nylon sheath
  • Bead blast blade
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2. Spyderco Ark Defense Neck Knife

  • Fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle
  • H-1 steel blade
  • Curved edge
  • Neck sheath
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3. Boker 02SC743 Magnum Knife

  • Kydex sheath
  • Ergonomic G-10 handle
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Lifetime warranty
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4. Vulcan Gear Tactical Neck Knife

  • Sheath with nylon cord
  • An ergonomic rubber handle
  • A 4-inch blade
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5. Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife

  • Curved shape
  • Hard plastic sheath
  • Plastic handle
  • AUS-8A steel blade
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6. Ka-Bar BK11 Neck Knife

  • A 1095 Cro-Van steel blade
  • A glass-filled nylon sheath
  • Nylon handle
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7. Schrade SCHF16 Neck Knife

  • A G-10 handle
  • A 3.1-inch tanto blade
  • Blade made from 9Cr18MoV steel
  • Thermoplastic sheath
  • A forefinger groove
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8. ESEE Candiru Molded Sheath

  • Black molded Kydex sheath
  • A 2-inch razor-sharp blade
  • Blade made from 1096carbon steel
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9. Sog Instinct Neck Knife

  • Hard-molded nylon sheath
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Stainless steel blade
  • A full tang blade
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1. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Knife — Best Neck Knife Overall

CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife: Compact Fixed Blade Knife, Folts Utility Knife with Bead Blast Blade, Resin Infused Fiber Handle, and Sheath 2387

Designed by Alan Folts, the Minimalist Bowie is one of the most reliable neck knives in the market. And thanks to its beautiful handle and carved blade, this tool stands out among its peers. The main attraction of this knife is its unique handle.

This knife comes with a resin-infused handle and a 2.125 inches long bead blade. Its blade is made from 5Cr15MoV steel; therefore, it has a high edge-retention rate. CRKT Minimalist has a perfectly designed handle with three grooves that provide a perfect grip.

The CRKT Minimalist comes with a lightweight and sturdy sheath that is built from glass-reinforced nylon. And thanks to the blade size, this neck knife doesn’t seem too bulky when placed under your shirt.

The whole idea behind this type of knife is for them to look natural when carried under the shirt. This CRKT tool comes with a fob on its handle to create extra gripping space for individuals with huge hands.

However, some users have complained that it is small for their hands.

Specs

  • Lifetime warranty
  • A fob for an extended grip
  • Glass-reinforced nylon sheath
  • Bead blast blade

Pros

  • Made using high-quality materials
  • A reliable and inexpensive knife
  • Comes with a razor-sharp edge
  • High-quality sheath
  • An ergonomic handle that provides a perfect grip

Cons

  • Extremely sharp, so it can cut your hand if mishandled
  • A bit small for some users

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

Weighing about 1.6 ounces, the Minimalist Bowie knife is a perfect EDC neck knife. And its small size, unique handle, and high-quality sheath make it the world’s best neck knife.

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2. Spyderco Ark Defense Neck Knife — Best Neck Knife for Self-Defense

Spyderco Ark Fixed Blade Knife - Black FRN Handle with SpyderEdge, Hollow Grind, H-1 Steel Blade - Includes Polymer Sheath - FB35SBK

Even though this Spyderco knife looks simple, it is one of the most expensive neck knives on our list. One of the main reasons for its high price is the high-quality material used to make this knife.

This knife comes with a 2.5 inches long blade that is made for H-I steel. H-1 steel is a nitrogen-based material that never rusts and rarely breaks. It might seem simple, but this blade is really tough. This long-lasting knife also comes with a nylon handle that is reinforced with fiberglass.

This Spyderco knife is ideal for self-defense. And other than its usefulness, this blade doesn’t have any feature that would help an outdoors or survivalist individual. Spyderco curved this blade to create a longer cutting edge.

The clip point profile makes it possible for you to perform various chores effortlessly. Since it comes with a small handle, this knife can strain your hand if you use it for a long time.

Specs

  • Fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle
  • H-1 steel blade
  • Curved edge
  • Neck sheath

Pros

  • High-quality blade
  • Curved blade to create a long cutting edge
  • A reliable sheath and neck chain

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Due to its small size, this knife can strain your hand if used for a very long time

Overall rating – 4.4 out of 4

Conclusion

Even though it is quite costly, this durable knife can serve you for a lifetime. Plus, the fact that it is rust free is a bonus.

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3. Boker 02SC743 Magnum Knife — Best Value

Boker 02SC743 Magnum Lil Friend Micro with 1-3/8 In. 440 Stainless Steel Blade,Multi-Color

For an essential knife, this Boker blade has more than what you can see. Boker 02SC743 is the ideal neck knife for individuals on a tight budget. And for such an affordable tool, the Boker 02SC743 can be quite reliable.

It is a small and light blade that weighs about 1.3 ounces. This neck knife comes with a grippy G-10 handle and a sharp blade made from 440 stainless steel.

This small tool can handle a wide range of survival and tactical activities. Its ergonomic handle scales provide a solid grip. Boker 02SC743 has a sharp blade that works perfectly every time. Boker 02SC743 comes with a Kydex sheath that can keep the blade sharp for a very long time. However, some users claim that the blade’s tip is blunt.

Specs

  • Kydex sheath
  • Ergonomic G-10 handle
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Lifetime warranty

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Lightweight and small

Cons

  • Kydex sheath not well-fitted
  • The tip of the blade is blunt

Overall rating – 4.3 out of 5

Conclusion

Besides being one of the world’s cheapest neck knives, Boker 02SC743 is one of the lightest EDC knives. For its price, it is a very durable knife that can help you out of a sticky situation.

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4. Vulcan Gear Tactical Neck Knife

Vulcan Gear Tactical Karambit Hawkbill Knife

If you think cheap neck knives are not reliable, think again. This Vulcan tactical gear is sold at more than half the price of most neck knives in the market. And yet it’s a reliable and durable blade that can tackle a wide range of tasks.

This tactical karambit from Vulcan comes with a razor-sharp 4-inch steel blade that can handle numerous tasks. This blade has a high edge-retention rate.

This karambit has an ergonomic rubber handle for maximum grip. Thanks to the hole at the bottom of its handle, it is quite easy to control this knife. For easy carrying, it comes with a nylon neck-cord and a high-quality sheath.

This knife can be a great addition to anyone’s survival kit. However, its sheath is not that impressive. This karambit is quite long, and most users believe that the sheath does not provide the needed protection.

Specs

  • Sheath with nylon cord
  • An ergonomic rubber handle
  • A 4-inch blade

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable
  • High edge-retention level
  • A neck-cord for easy carrying
  • A sharp blade

Cons

  • The sheath doesn’t provide the required protection.

Overall rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

With its 4 inches long blade, grippy rubber handle, and curved blade, this karambit is one of the best affordable neck knives.

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5. Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife

KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade

This neck knife was designed with the police officers in mind. In fact, the officers can use it as a last resort in case a suspect manages to take their handguns. This Ka-Bar knife was designed by John Benner, a retired officer who owns the Tactical Defense Institute.

One of the most striking characteristics of this knife is its shape. This banana-shaped neck knife can fit in someone’s hand, which is beneficial in self-defense situations.

This tactical knife features an AUS-8A steel blade and a plastic handle. Its razor-sharp drop point blade can slice through anything. Another incredible thing about this tool is its sheath.

Ka-Bar made its sheath using hard plastic, which they mounted onto protective clothing. The main drawback was the fact that the blade is not made from high-quality steel

Specs

  • Curved shape
  • Hard plastic sheath
  • Plastic handle
  • AUS-8A steel blade

Pros

  • Durable
  • Well-designed
  • Can be a useful tactical knife
  • Razor-sharp blade

Cons

  • Blade made from inexpensive steel
  • Not ideal for survivalists

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

With its curved shape, grippy handle, and sturdy blade, this Ka-Bar can be useful and subtle in self-defense situations.

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6. Ka-Bar BK11 Neck Knife

Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker Neck Knife

Even though it is a bit costly, Ka-Bar BK11 is loved by EDC enthusiasts. Ka-Bar BK11 is a reliable tool that is used by all the branches of the military. Ka-Bar BK11 is a versatile tool that is loved by avid collectors and can handle several outdoor tasks. It is a durable knife that features a 1095 Cro-Van steel blade and a nylon handle.

Its sturdy blade makes it one of the best neck knives for camping and bushcraft tasks. It has a very high edge retention rate. In fact, its blade will remain sharp even after splitting several pieces of wood. However, people with big hands have complained that its handle is a tad small.

Specs

  • A 1095 Cro-Van steel blade
  • A glass-filled nylon sheath
  • Nylon handle

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Razor-sharp blade
  • An ergonomic handle

Cons

  • The handle can be a tad small for some users.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Weighing about 0.15 pounds, this knife can be a great EDC, especially with its razor-sharp blade. Ka-Bar BK11 might be costly, but it can handle a wide range of indoor and outdoor tasks.

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7. Schrade SCHF16 Neck Knife

Schrade SCHF16 7in High Carbon S.S. Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with 3.1in Clip Point Blade and G-10 Handle for Outdoor Survival, Tactical and EDC

A perfect neck knife should be durable, lightweight, and have a razor-sharp blade straight out of the box. And the Schrade SCHF16 is precisely that; this knife comes with a clip point tanto blade that can handle tough tasks.

Its sturdy blade is made from 9Cr18Mov steel alloy; therefore, it has high rust-resistant and edge-retention levels. It also comes with a textured handle that is quite comfortable to use. In fact, with its firm grip and unique blade, you can tackle any outdoor task effortlessly.

For easy carry, this knife comes with a useful sheath that will keep it sharp and a lanyard hole. Its thermoplastic sheath is quite durable, and it has a neck chain and four lanyard holes.

Several users weren’t impressed by the thermoplastic sheath. They claimed that removing the blade from the sheath was quite difficult.

Specs

  • A G-10 handle
  • A 3.1-inch tanto blade
  • Blade made from 9Cr18MoV steel
  • Thermoplastic sheath
  • A forefinger groove

Pros

  • Sturdy blade
  • Durable
  • Grooved handle for more control
  • Compact design and lightweight
  • Razor-sharp

Cons

  • Removing the knife from the sheath can be quite hard.

Overall rating – 4.5 out 5

Conclusion

Schrade SCHF16 is a perfect neck knife that comes with a razor-sharp blade straight out of the box. And its high edge-retention rate, lightweight, and 3 inches long blade make it an ideal EDC tool.

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8. ESEE Candiru Molded Sheath

ESEE Black Candiru, Black Molded Sheath w/Kit

A huge percentage of the EDC enthusiasts consider this American made knife to be a perfect everyday carry tool. ESEE Candiru is a lightweight and compact neck knife that is quite sturdy and durable. This knife is made from 1096 steel, which has a high edge-retention level. Therefore, it will not disappoint, since it can stay sharp even after being used several times.

This neck knife has a unique powder coat finish that sets it apart from the other knives in the market. ESEE Candiru has an ergonomic skeletonized handle that provides a perfect grip.

For easy carrying, it comes with a Kydex sheath. And despite its 2-inches long blade, this knife can handle a wide range of tasks. However, several users have complained that the handle is a bit bulky.

Specs

  • Black molded Kydex sheath
  • A 2-inch razor-sharp blade
  • Blade made from 1096carbon steel

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Razor-sharp blade
  • A unique powder coat finish
  • A Kydex sheath

Cons

  • The handle can be a bit bulky for some users.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Esee Candiru is a durable and razor-sharp knife that can handle several tasks, both indoors and outdoors. In fact, it’s compact, and lightweight makes it an ideal EDC tool.

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9. Sog Instinct Neck Knife

SOG Small Fixed Blade Knives – Instinct Mini 1.9 Inch Full Tang Belt Knife and Boot Knife w/Tactical Knife Sheath and Neck Knife Chain (NB1002-CP)

This SOG neck knife is a light and small tool that you can easily hide under your shirt. The SOG instinct merges a full-tang fixed blade with a G-10 handle. Weighing about 2.3 pounds, the SOG instinct is a slim neck knife that can serve as a great EDC tool.

SOG instinct’s blade is made from satin-polished 5Cr15Mov steel that has a high rust-resistance level. Its full-tang blade makes it a solid and reliable tool that can handle tough tasks.

SOG instinct’s handle is an extension of the blade that is covered with a G-10 material. The handle is covered by highly textured material that has small grooves for your fingers. SOG instinct comes with a reliable sheath that is made from hard-molded nylon.

It has a small skull with a beret that gives it a sinister look. It is an excellent and reliable knife that can get you out of tough situations. The only disadvantage of this tool is its necklace. The necklace is not tough enough, and it can be easily ripped from your neck.

Specs

  • Hard-molded nylon sheath
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Stainless steel blade
  • A full tang blade

Pros

  • Durable razor-sharp blade
  • Reliable sheath
  • High edge-retention level
  • The G-10 handle provides a solid grip

Cons

  • SOG instinct’s necklace is not tough enough

Overall rating – 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

SOG instinct has a full blade that extends to the handle, making it a sturdy neck knife. Its razor-sharp blade can handle a wide range of outdoor tasks.

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Buyers Guide: Factors To Consider When Looking For A Neck Knife

Neck knives are very practical tools, and they can be great for either opening a pesky box or defending yourself. Therefore, when purchasing a neck knife, there are numerous factors that you must take into consideration. Some of these unique factors include durability, intended use, weight, and price, among others.

Neck knives are popular everyday carrying tools that incorporate a wide range of essential features. So, make sure you look for something that fits your needs.

Here are some crucial factors that must be considered when purchasing a neck knife:

Blade Materials

The blades of most neck knives’ are made from steel alloys. The type of steel alloy used for each knife varies with the high-end neck knives built from high-quality alloys. High-end neck knives are durable with some like Spyderco Ark Defense neck knives having H-1 steel blades.

Remember, high-quality steel is rust free and cannot easily break. So, instead of purchasing a cheap knife with a weak blade, why don’t you get a high-end and durable neck knife? After all, replacing a low quality steel blade can be expensive in the long run.

Blade Shape

These tools come with a wide variety of blade shapes that are designed for specific purposes. Therefore, the type of blade shape you select will be determined by your plans for the knife. If you need a neck knife to handle general tasks, you should go for Bowie-style neck knives.

Bowie-style blades are versatile, and they are the best tools to carry during your next hiking or camping trip. The best blade style for a hunting trip is the drop point knife. You can use it to prepare your meals and also skin your game after a successful hunt.

The Handle

The best neck knives are easy to control and use; so, invest in a knife with a great handle. A durable handle will keep your knife safe. Remember, the better the handle quality, the longer the knife will serve you.

Most neck knives have ergonomic handles that are quite comfortable to use and grippy. Therefore, you can perform numerous tasks without the knife slipping off your hand.

A high-quality handle provides maximum control. And they can make it possible for you to slice anything with great precision.

Sheath

Besides keeping your knife safe and sharp, a sheath helps you carry the knife everywhere. Ideal sheaths are made from high-quality polymers like Kydex. Leather and plastic sheaths will not hold your blade well since they aren’t sturdy enough.

A good sheath can prevent your knife from falling down and accidentally injuring you. And at the same time, it should allow you to draw your knife quickly when you need it.

However, if you are not looking for a tactical neck knife, then the amount of time it takes to remove your blade shouldn’t be an issue. Test the strength of your sheath by shaking it up a bit. A good sheath must hold your knife tightly. If it doesn’t, then you should look for another one.

Chain/Necklace

How your knife will hang around your neck is really important. After all, you will be carrying it the whole day, so get something comfortable.

Remember, heavy chains can be very uncomfortable, so get an adjustable and light chain. Make sure it is very strong; after all, you don’t want someone to yank it off your neck?

Size and Weight

Since you will be hanging your knife around the neck, you shouldn’t get a heavy and large knife. The size of a concealed blade is determined by the knife laws in your jurisdiction. Heavy and huge neck knives can be very bulky.

If you love wearing tight clothing, do you really think purchasing a huge neck knife is a good idea? Therefore, get something that is comfortable, lightweight, and small in size. But most importantly, make sure the handle fits perfectly in your hand.

Legality

Just like firearm laws, there are several knife laws that dictate the type and size of concealed knives that anyone can carry. These laws apply to knives with concealed blades, and they vary with location.

To confirm if neck knives are legal in your hometown or anywhere you plan to visit. Find out if you need a license to carry a concealed knife in your jurisdiction.

Usage

A reliable neck knife should be well constructed, so check for consistency around the knife. Make sure the blade is secure deep enough in the handle so that it does not snap.

Other than the design and construction, another critical factor that you must consider the intended purpose. If you need a general-use tool to do several miscellaneous tasks, you should go for a simple push dagger.

If you are looking for a tactical tool, you must consider numerous factors, such as material and design. A tremendous tactical tool should have a hole on the back of the handle that can help you control your blade.

It should be durable and have a razor-sharp blade. So make sure you always match your knife with the task.

Design

There are numerous neck knives in the market that have unusual designs. Some have unique shapes, while others have a scary design that can frighten anyone who wants to harm you. So, if it is a tactical knife you need, you can go for an unconventional looking knife or an aggressive one

When deciding on the design of your neck knife, you should consider the following:

  • The purpose of the blade
  • Will you be carrying it every day
  • The weight and size of the knife

These factors will help you get an excellent tool that fits your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Neck knives are reliable EDC tools that can handle a wide range of tasks. They are lightweight, durable, and sharp knives that can get you out of a sticky situation.

And the fact that you can easily hide them under your shirt is a bonus. However, before you even start looking for the best neck knife in the market. You should find out if it is legal to own a neck knife in your jurisdiction.

Every outdoorsy person requires a reliable neck knife for their next survival adventure. These knives come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and price. But, with the many neck knife models in the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. So, we have prepared this list of the most reliable neck knives for you.

From our research, we concluded that the best neck knife is the CRKT Minimalist Bowie Knife. It is a lightweight EDC tool that can fit perfectly in everyone’s hand thanks to the fob at the back of its handle. It is a durable knife that can serve you for a very long time.

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