Why Neck Knives Suck
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.พ. 2016
- #edcgear #neckknife #edcknife
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I quit at the 14 minute mark. I'm not offended that you don't see a purpose for neck knives, but you completely failed to make a case for anything being wrong with these knives if they fit another person's system. When I hear someone say that something "sucks," I expect that person to be able to make a compelling case that the object of their disdain has key fundamental flaws that make use of that object wrong for anyone in any circumstance. In your first 14 minutes, you made no case for that idea, and nothing suggested that you were going to make a case.
The only neck knife I have is a little one that I got for a couple of dollars because I thought it looked cute. I'm not an advocate for neck knives. I may never bother to own one, but I could see where they would fit into some people's systems. If someone does a great deal of cutting under messy conditions, there's no doubt that cleaning a neck knife is going to be easier than cleaning a similar folding knife. Hunting, particularly for small game, would be an obvious example where a knife may become messy and yet a smaller knife is handier than a longer knife. If the knife is being used on something that requires an aggressive solution to clean or may cause abrasive particles to get into the works, the mechanism of a folding knife may be more vulnerable.
If you'd titled the video, "Why I think neck knives are overrated for most uses," I wouldn't be writing a critical response and might even be writing a response where I praised the video for raising some interesting points. The same goes for titles like, "Neck knives: Cute but not the best choice," "Neck knives: A waste of space," "Why I no longer use neck knives," etc.. If you'd just taken the line in your description and titled the video, "Neck knives: useless for my EDC and Outdoor needs," you'd be perfectly communicating the substance of the video.
I understand that we live in a click-bait world where marketing triumphs accuracy, but when I look for information about anything remotely important, I still prefer a real commitment to accuracy over click-bait sensationalism.
VTPSTTU I fully agree. I couldn't have said it better.
me too i also find they are quicker than most folders, i rarely carry a folder now.
Hmmm, no reply from the OP to your excellent post. Lessens his credibility a bit further.
well said
it is his opinion,,, ole USN vet
This should be titled : Why My Neck Knives Suck
Agree
Or why I suck because because my knife philosophy is shallow.
I have had some great neck knives, they are just too small for me for my systems and I don't think I am alone it the feeling.
gideonstactical Yeah, too small for your "System". I'd like to see you pick a 4-inch folder over a 3-inch full tang "unbreakable" fixed-blade when you only get to choose 1 knife and be left out in the wild with no other survival gear...
gideonstactical do you think you could include facts and why they suck? I mean why they're not good . I mean I'm really into bushcraft and i consider neck knives as a back up since sometimes my friends go camping with me and they forget to bring there knives . My neck knife has been able to do everything that my folder has. I mean could you at leat title it differently as why I don't like neck knives.
I wear neck knives when I'm being discrete and I don't want a pocket clip showing (great for countries that the Air Force sends me or in formal attire), or when I'm going to exercise and a folding knife would slip out of my workout shorts or if I'm in the woods as a back up to my main fixed blade. 🙂🔪
BudgetBugout yea its pretty dumb to count out a whole group of knives. There are purposes that he might not utilize or see. I enjoy being able to have that choice if i want to be discreet aswell .
Hey man! When I exercise, dress in formal attire or want to be discrete I just clip my folder IWB underneath the belt. During exercise I would also be afraid that the knife would shake out and it shaking around still annoys me even under the shirt. And if I have a knife clipped IWB in basketball shorts during workout I don't even feel it at all because it's so close to my center of gravity and very secure. But to each their own!
Thank you for your Service.
Thank you for your service
💪🇺🇸
Why do you need a knife when you're exercise. Seems like it would be more of a nuisance. Especially if you're running. Heck I even find wired earbuds a nuisance when exercising.
I like neck knives not only for their strength over folders, but also because they require almost no maintenance. Folders need the pivots properly adjusted, cleaned, and lubricated. If grit gets in the pivot area in the field, it's hard to properly clean it out. I rarely use my neck knives for anything that most folders couldn't handle, but in the desert where I live, there's plenty of small particles of dirt waiting to wreak havoc on the pivot bushings in my folders.
I mean if you don't want them I'll take them :)
😂
My thoughts exactly Arlis
I second that ! : )
Izula all day everyday...10 years and still going STRONG.
My favorite neck knife is My Esee Stainless Steel Izula with black G-10 handles 💪 🇺🇸
I have the izula 2 it has saved my life and is one of my favorites without a doubt
Just bought an Izula yesterday. Love it.
Waiting on my first izula. II
@@carlostovar8585 Same here!!!
okay not to throw a nutnfancy term at you but Philosophy of Use. If you take a neck knife camping and intend to perform all of your tasks with it, the knife doesn't suck, you suck. You brought the wrong tool. For EDC I carry a Rajah 2 by cold steel everyday. I also carry a Kiku Matsuda Karambit Claw (KM-635) Neck Knife on a lanyard under my shirt just for a last ditch defensive option. If anyone picks up a neck knife and thinks "Yeah this is awesome, I want to take this camping and split wood with it all day" They need their head examined. In that regard neck knives suck. But that's not what they're for. Good vid tho bud. I enjoy the discussion.
I completely agree...great comment.
+Ethan Roberts Exactly. A neck knife is for a fight situation. Close and dirty work in bad situations with bad people. A neck knife that sits low near the belly is quick to pull and not as noticeable when you reach for it while pulling out exactly where you want to stick your attacker.
It's a defense weapon and a very good one at that.
agreed
prefect comment. spoken like a true TNPer!
+Ethan Roberts
Good point but what I think Gideon is getting at here is in situations where you would use a neck knife, a quality folder would be more suitable.
The issue of self defense is also not addressed in this review...
Well I mean a 3 - 4 inch blade on any knife isn't the best for defense anyway. I use Ontario knife Company's knives "Specifically the SP series" for combat reasons. But yes I think he should've included that anyway
Thats what the magnum revolver is for.
It rarely is. Should be called Gideon's Camp Knives. Tactical sounds tacticooler I guess.
There's plenty of good tactical folding knives, and if you really needed a weapon you may as well carry a handgun or a fullsize fixed blade. I suppose there's places that won't let you carry folding knives that lock but might still let you carry a small fixed blade so maybe that'd be your best option, however, in places like there's probably some pretty significant restrictions on what counts as justifiable use of force in self defense.
My understanding of A neck knife is that the advantage is the size enables it to be easily concealed under the clothes and the fact that it's a fixed blade enables it to be drawn considerably more rapidly than the vast majority of folders. It also has The added benefit of having no moving parts whatsoever so things like Springs and mechanisms won't fail over time. I love big fix blades myself but in a place where it might be difficult to say carry a gun for self defense a neck knife as a concealed EDC self defense tool is not a terrible option.
Which can you deploy quicker, a neck knife under your clothes, or a folder clipped on your pocket?
I carry a neck knife rarely but I do edc small fixed blades over folders any day. I also prefer to use smaller fixed blades in the woods. The biggest knife I actually use in the woods is a Mora Garberg everything else is smaller than that. It entirely depends on your skill set and use in the woods. If I'm camping I dont need a giant slab of steel that bounces on my hip, that is what an axe is for. I dont baton wood, pretty much ever unless it's with a hatchet or axe or wedge. I've used an izula for about 5 years as my primary outdoor and edc knife. I've probably made 100 fires with my izula ...
Well your pseudo "bait & switch style" vid title fooled me and likely others....most neck knives are carried as a back-up or last ditch defensive option. In this scenario, they don't suck. Your title should have been more honestly, "Why Neck Knives are inferior for EDC." Your credibility drops when you do this stuff.
+Julius Gonzo Well said man!
+Julius Gonzo The Click Bait though.
+Julius Gonzo Other than that, they do suck. Only knives I felt that were worthwhile carrying around my neck were puukkos during the winter time.
I couldn't agree more. Obviously we have too many "weekend nature enthusiasts" giving opinions and not enough "real world urban" realists that know what a neck knife is truly used for. Anyone going out in nature and using a knife to hack down trees and baton wood for a fire, instead of bringing a small axe or a hatchet, is a complete idiot. The neck knife can be a last ditch survival knife, but that isn't what they're made for. I really doubt that Folts created his minimalist series, or Jason Brous made his silent soldier series, thinking that people were going into the woods with it to process fire tinder and try to survive with these neck knife designs. Neck knives are for self defense. If you're within 7 feet of me, I can pull my neck knife (which happens to be a Real Steel Observer) and put it in your throat before you can even get your pistol out of your holster. Neck knives don't suck. People that try using them for purposes they were not intended for suck. Like trying to use your EDC folder for chopping down a tree. Good comment. Thanks.
This elaboration on the topic says it all.....
You dont account for having a folding knife fail on you. As someone who has had that happen, it's fixed blade all day.
I carry a fixed blade, I love them, but I hate neck knives. Such an awkward way to carry, I don't see any benefit. That's just my opinion though, there's clearly a market for it
@@chimchu3232 being on a kayak… makes it easier than reaching for my deep concealed edc.
Cold steel, spyderco, benchmade, etc etc Plenty of brands nowadays that make folders that won't fail on you (unless you're doing something really ridiculous)
The examples you gave of the durability of folders were Cold Steel knives with triad locks, known as being some of the most durable folders. Many folders are much less durable.
Esee candiru over a folder any day. But a neck knife is a back up to my primary blade for me.
+Danny O'Dair Fellow Candiru owner..folders will never be more than a "keep in the car for extremely light tasks" knife now.. CANDIRU...One mean little fish. plus fits in your pocket just as well as these folders..no offense against this guy but it seems he hasnt had enough plastic folders crack, break and fail on him in extreme cold or wet conditions..booo plastic..
Hi Aaron. I actually waited to view the entire video before beginning to "crack" my knuckles. I respect your opinion and admire your courage knowing that haters are going to reply. Personally, I love my neck knives and I own several even a Mora Companion conversion. Knowing that I have a knife around my neck ready for immediate use (STAT as we know it in the medical field) is comforting to me...no fumbling with my pockets, my belt, my pack or my boots...my knife is readily available 6 to 8 inches under my nose. Quick deployment. Visible. A deterrent to someone who may not have good intentions. It is NEVER my primary cutting tool. My primary is normally a Gerber Strongarm, Schrade SCHF9, Ontario SP8 or even an axe. I never use my neck knives to process wood. They are superb for cutting into my juicy steak or sausages though. I'm 70 and have been in the woods since age 10 and literally around the world. No one ever questioned me what was hanging around my neck; however, I usually had to empty my pockets and lost several great pocket knives. Of course, now with metal detectors and x-ray you might get by with a ceramic version. Aaron, I love your videos but to make a profound statement that neck knives suck is rather offensive to those of us who love and believe in their usefulness.
Loop
For most purposes, a Buck Folding Hunter and an Estwing Sportsman will be all you will ever need. Total: about $80. They are tough, low-maintenance and can last a lifetime. I carry also a Buck 119 sometimes. Can you guess I'm an old guy? Those knives are fifty years old. If you do lots of skinning or fileting, then make your choices. Personal preferences play a part, but Gideon's on target.
Thanks for the comment and the good perspective!
I miss my Buck 119 so much! I let this neighborhood kid in my garage when I was working and he took it. I didn't notice til about a month later. Pissed me off!
I love my neck knife, having a quick draw on the belt just feels right, plus you know its not going to fail you when you need it..
I carry a small fixed blade horizontal on my belt. Carrying this way, I hardly notice it's there. Plus, this allows me to access it quickly and easily with either hand. I find this very useful, and not possible with a folder. Cleaning and maintenance is also much easier with a fixed blade. No pivot to worry about, no lock to worry about. I like a comfortable handle though. The izula and other skeletonized knives just aren't comfortable to use. The Fallkniven WM1 is about perfect for an edc fixed blade in my opinion. I don't even carry a folder a lot of the time anymore...just don't really have a use for them since I find a small fixed blade so useful and reliable.
well... it goes on your neck... I don't carry anything else on my neck so its the perfect place for it.
that's why i like neck knives because having it around my neck saves space in my pockets
+Drewster556 you guys should try the crkt civet bowie. it's tiny but comes very sharp factorie and is perfect for day to day
todd pacheco thanks for telling me about this knife I didn't even know it was around, and it looks really cool.
Drewster556 np m9
iTheGeek how much is it. Cad or usd. Because the civit is kinda pricey
Excuse me sir, but I’ve broken 19 folders since I started listening to my Navy SEAL affirmation tapes. So now I carry a samurai sword. It’s extremely cumbersome, but the upside is that I no longer have people confronting me in public about my cars extended warranty. So I consider it a win. 👍🏻
I value opinions, but thats all this is.
an in my opinion, youre wrong. See how much weight that holds? none.......what you think doesnt mean anything to anyone except you.
+nizmojoeblows you got real butthurt for no reason man. all he said was that it was an opinion and hes absolutely right.
@@sadmageboi472 i agreed with this gut in the beginning, then i read his follow up comment and was like "naww man sorry I don't feel that"
The only time i carry a neck knife is when i am on or around water in the summer. When you got a pair of swim shorts but you still are going to bbq, have some lunch or go fishing a neck knife works great, because you don't need a pocket to carry it on you.
If an animal pins you down, it's easier and quicker to draw a knife from a sheath that's hanging from your neck than to pull out a folder from your pocket and fumbling with it to get it open.
That Izulla 2 will run circles around any of those folders in a real-world application outside of cutting a tomato or opening a letter.
RIP Gideon's neck knives. Moment of silence while I pour out some of my fourty.
Haha
I remember the time where every self-respecting (!) bushcrafter was carrying a neck knife, it was such a hype about them :D
If I'm going camping or feel the need to carry a knife but don't want to take up space in my pockets, I carry a neck knife. There are so many other options that are smaller and lighter to carry around your neck. If you're not smart enough to figure that out, that seriously calls into question your knowledge of knives and personal protection and survival. Fixed blades are much easier to deploy in a self defence situation than any folder could ever be. This video is full of your personal opinions. And that doesn't make neck knives suck. At all. I hate when people generalize off of their own personal opinions and not off of multiple situational options.
Very nice video. I was just thinking of getting a neck system. I appreciate your emphasis on oz. or weight. It does ad up quickly! Thanks for taking the time to make this!
I got a neck knife because I felt like it was a better way to carry two knives on me at once. I think the video should maybe be called fixed blades under 4 inches take up more room than folding knives of the same blade size. Not surprising..
I prefer neck knives and small fixed blades personally. no moving parts to maintain. and I don't worry about busting the handle.
+Wildman I do as well, but look at how big the blades he is showing as a neck knife.. All my Fred Perrin designs are small and compact. This is just his personal opinion it isn't the end all be all that neck knives don't have their place.
Danzig Rulze agreed
Exactly. Fixed blades you can trust with your life. My favorite neck knife is My Esee Stainless Steel Izula with black G-10 handles 💪 🇺🇸
I agree. Thanks for just being honest and addressing the fact that most neck knives have grips that are too small. Not counting certain regular knives that can be worn around the neck (Mora), most are just too small to be of much use.
If you don't wear it on your neck, it's not a neck knife. Just a tiny fixed blade. The only point of them is to wear them around your neck. One handed access standing, seated, in a hammock, etc.
*You can not go wrong with a Mora. That`s an awesome tool.*
Agree
Folder OR neck knife??? I think this video is missing the point of the neck knife. IMO a neck knife is to help fill a roll in the philosophy of redundancy, 1 is none & 2 is one. It's meant to be a backup or even a backup to your backup & to be worn on your body & not in a pack to be sure you always have at least one edge tool. Hiking, backpacking, or camping? 1 full tang fixed blade of 5"+, a folder, AND a neck knife
Anyway if I accidentally hang myself on the neck knife lanyard I need another knife to cut myself loose.
Adamast most that I've ever seen break away for emergency use & for that exact reason
jozsua mcdonald The usual: going downhill when the 550 paracord lanyard gets caught by a branch. Using 25# cord for lanyards? The problem is that I could lose my knife.
+Adamast in that case, take the 550, but melt the ends together, creates a built in break away
You are so right! This guy is talking about using a neck knife in a manner they are not meant for, of course they don't work good for everyday use, they are for backup!
Me sitting in my office watching this. Never using a knife for anything other than opening boxes. “They don’t know about my 2cm neck knife”
I carry a neck knife along with a folder. The neck knife is useful to me mostly when I am going places I wouldn't want a pocket clip showing in my pocket.
This is my first video and I really like it, subbed! I still like fixed blades more though, for some reason they make me feel safer when holding them, i've always had this irrational fear that a folder will close on me.
Their window of usefulness is slim. Two uses for me are: Running shorts and a tee I use a small 1.5" blade under the tee. If I need one around my neck for outdoor use it will be a full size light weight like Mora, CS Lite etc. Need a full handle and more than 3 inches to get work done. I would never rock any of the neckers you showed here.
I use a mora 511 as a neck knife. When I go ultralight backpacking my mora is my primary and only knife I carry.
Great discussion topic. I think the conversation of smaller fixed blades really comes into intended purpose. If you are a hunter or work on a farm, having a that sub 4inch knife or neck knife is just much more nimble when it comes to skinning or doing muck jobs. Not to say you can't use a folder for the task, I do all the time (convenience), but then you have to worry about clean up. Personally, I like both and rarely do not have a folder on me. Like I said, intended purpose and where I am. Day to day around the city and hiking, folders just work better because the knife tasks are really diminished. But on a hunting trip or doing dirty work where residue, be it dirt, sand or blood is an issue, a small fixed blade is preferable for me. I learned that after my first hunting trip and general work on the farm. Your opinion is always appreciated, keep up the good work.
I have a super-specific use case for my neck knife … I have a very strong, very active dog that I have to walk with a waist leash (or he’ll pull my arm out of socket), so anything on my waist is a non-starter, and pockets are dodgy. We hike in the woods every day and I like to have a small knife with me just in case, so a neck knife is perfect.
Otherwise, totally agree (even though I love my Izula II!).
I use neck knives as a fashion accessory 😂
The Izula 2 has a belt clip, I use it as a belt knife. I don't like anything around my neck.
I have a lot of folders but my the BK24 is my favorite edc knife. Just more durable, no blade play, quicker deployment and much easier cleaning because nothing can get into the knife and impair the action. And I actually had folders like my Griptillian fail on me when trying to make holes or chopping off branches
Great video !, can't wait for the follow up vids. It's awesome to see someone actually go out and use their gear to see what really works, and develop a system of carry/use from those experiences.
Thanks so much!
Dude... Neck knives are back up tools... For emergency... 😂 of course you can't use them as daily tools...
Nice video. I think your right on when it comes to selecting a tool for utility tasks. But, you neglected to address the main purpose of a neck knife, which is self defense weapon. In that role a fixed blade no matter how small will be superior, because no folder will deploy as fast (with a fighting grip) as a fixed blade.
Very true. Which is why I have a pistol gripped Benchmade (Azeria, you can get on Ebay for 100 plus still) modeled after the ka bar tdi series which are issued to police for self defense. Pistol grip is a cam changer. Reverse tanto wharncliffe is lovely as well.
Also have just a pure aluminum Skallywag MDV knife which is the lightest and thinnest I've ever owned. Only good for self protection compared to the other's EDC abilities.
There’s more than just strength for a fixed vs a folder. A small fixed blade is also way easier to maintain clean than a folder. I use my small blade to skin animals when i’m hunting but i also use it to cook and eat while camping. It’s just easier to maintain in general.
In town: folder
In the wood: big fixed blade paired with a small fixed blade
I just use both. what I carry is pretty large for a neck knife. (about 6" overall) My folder is a Cold Steel Voyager. (5.5" blade) I use both knives equally.
I wonder how many people disliked the video without watching the video all the way through and actually listen to what you're saying. Awesome video =)
I'd guess +/- 50% of dislikes were placed immediately based on the title alone lol
+EveryDay Knife Guy I wouldn't be surprised!
Eh it's just a preference of blades.
Good video, good info, helpful perspective. I don't really think the equation works for me, but it's always good to find something that makes you keep your gear in check. A few things that keep me with a small fixed over a folder: 1. I can unfold with one hand, but on some blades I need both hands to close it. 2. Even unfolding with one hand still adds a step. Many instances where I'm one-handed for whatever reason, it's great to just draw/cut/sheath without a thought. I don't necessarily think "neck knives" suck, but I do agree that wearing a knife, or anything else, around my neck totally sucks...at least for me. Horizontal belt carry keeps it out of the way and always available. I never had to try batonning with a tiny knife, but now I definitely want to try it with my izzy. Thanks for the video.
honestly i think its even a mental advantage too. knowing that the knife will not fail rather than probably won't is enough for a lot of people including myself to say id rather have a small neck knife rather than a folder...
This is funny lol. Great video, good production. I take the exact opposite view on my channel. Caught a lot of flak for my spyderco pm2 SUCKS video, but after testing a folder in an "emergency" type scenario I've found that carrying a neck knife/small fixed blade is the safest/wisest route(for me). In a mindset where everything COULD go wrong and if I can't have a 6in fixed blade, I'd rather have a small fixed blade and have one less thing to worry about in a survival situation. ESEE izula 2, scout style in the belt? I barely even notice it's there along side the CCW, great thoughts though, I find using a folder is for certain the easier more efficient option, but for me, being prepared to be abducted by aliens and hunted by the predator makes me more likely to carry a fixed blade ;p. Thanks for sharing
If it works for you cool, don't change it. It just doesn't work for me. My goal is to help many people who go out to buy a neck knife but end up never using it. That is where I am at in my systems. If it has less then a 4" blade I just never end up carrying.
+gideonstactical fair enough, do you at least have access to a fixed blade all the time? In the car or a carry bag of some kind?
I COMPLETELY get where you're coming from, especially within the context of usage on multi-day hiking trips, hunting, and camping. In fact, for camping, my preferred "neck knife" is a Mora.
In urban settings though, I feel naked without a necker. A neck knife is part of my EDC and is my last-ditch concealed blade almost around the clock.
I put some elastic cord on the sheath for Izula II, forming a cross on the back of the sheath. My belt slides right through the cross, and holds it quite firmly. Simple, cheap and light. I love the knife, and it feels great in hand. Some people clip them to their pack. Your tastes may vary, and thats fine.
I carry a neck knife when I am wearing athletic shorts or sweatpants or other clothing that will sag if I don't tie them down tight. It's just another option for me, and I do like it for that. I would put my percentage between pocket and neck carry at around 90%-95% pocket and 5-10% neck. Not really a better or worse scenario for me, but it's more of a "what will work with my current outfit and load out" scenario. Just my thoughts, and do note it is solely for edc and not hiking or camping or "combat" as some may think they carry a knife for.
Man chill out carry both geeeez
just what I was thinking. there is zero reason not to carry both. I always thought of a neck knife as a last ditch blade, in case I break, lose or my others get taken.
I think a neck knife is really highlights for the lazy. A lot of the time I'm just wearing sweats or shorts around the house which sometimes lack pockets. Ever since I got a neck knife I've always wear it around the house and it's right there just in case I gotta make a run. I "open carry" my neck knife since it's illegal to carry a fixed blade concealed in MD so the access isn't really ever a problem. Also sometimes I like to carry a small satchel like bag for fishing that covers my entire right pocket. Having the neck knife hanging there is accessible. The cases are rare but if I have pockets I'd rather carry my Benchmade Mini barrage, unless showmanship is involved lol. You brought up some great points and glad someone brought up the issues with neck knives.
I have to agree with everything you said. For me a neck knife is a great lightweight option for long backpacking trips. On a hot weather hike it's not uncommon to be wearing lightweight shorts and not much else besides your pack. If I put my pack down at camp it's nice to still have that blade on you when you need it instead of strapped to the pack or even worse, buried inside it clipped to a pocket of the pants I'm not wearing. For thru hike trips, or anything longer than a few days, where every ounce counts then a small simple fixed blade is all you need and even attached right to the shoulder strap of my pack it makes more sense than a 3lb beast. My biggest reason for not going with a folder is less about overall durability and more to do with general care. Camping in areas full of gritty sand I don't want to worry about what kind of debris is crudding up my knife.
+nick sousa I think a totally underestimated plus of a neck knife too is going to the bathroom. If you gotta drop drawers your knife isn't hitting the floor and at risk of coming out. And if God forbid you get caught with your pants down it's there.
That's a good point but I certainly hope I never find myself in a situation where I'm in a life or death knife fight with my pants at my ankles.
+lucky13sj I mean it's not like I'm walking around the city with it. It's more if I go to the pump the night before a busy day, get food, go to wash the car, or anything else that's relatively quick and really on my own. Also I tend to keep an eye out whenever I'm out in public even without the neck knife.
Gary I agree with neck knives being great for no pockets situations. Especially in the summertime, women's clothes often lack pockets and I'd rather take a neck knife than nothing because I don't have anywhere accessible to carry a folder.
I don't carry folders outdoors with me for 3 reasons:
1. I'm usually out in deserts or hills of Texas. Sand gets everywhere, including your pockets, and my folders get dirty fast.
2. Whatever's on my belt sits right above my right pocket and gets in the way of me getting anything out of it. The only things I keep in my right pocket are things I will hardly need when I'm out (wallet, keys etc.)
3. I lose folders. I don't know what it is, but I end up losing them quite a bit, and I don't notice it when it happens. I'm aware of my neck knife, I forget my folder is even there until I need it or until it's not there anymore.
Just my perspective.
Good point in regards to the ergonomics. I own an Izula 2 which I love because of the micarta scales. I clip on the strap of my backpack as a secondary knife.
Thanks for the informative video.
Sell me the izula 2 if you don't use it anyways!
I use both and I like both.For EDC purposes I prefer a folder...but I wouldn't be caught dead with a folder in the backcountry.
Aaron, I was hours away from buying an Izula, after loosing my favorite pocket knife in the woods. I thought a solid neck knife would be a better, stronger alternative. I was hoping you had something to say about them, and you did...just not what I was expecting.
This was a refreshing review about the superiority of the price point and portability of the folders vs. neck knives. It's not like the extra stability of my Izula neck knive is going to help me baton through more wood. These smaller knives are predominantly for basic camping chores...which my brand new Finn Wolf will do just fine at!!!
Cheers, Aaron. Keep on rocking the reviews!
I bet CutleryLover is one of the dislikes Haha
Ha!
Hahaha that's fucking great..
Lmao...if you know me you should know I respect others opinions :) just saw this vid today...plus everyone knows I carry both a neck knife and a folder or two...Lol
+cutlerylover thanks for watching! That is all our videos are on TH-cam our opinions. I just hope this video gave some people some food for thought. A lot of respect for you and your channel my friend. Keep up the good work!
+cutlerylover I just thought it would be funny to post this because I know your love for neck knives haha
Main purpose of a neck knife was originally to have a last ditched self-defense edged weapon on you. If you buy one for that purpose, then it isn't shit. Buy it for some utility uses and you're an idiot. It's biggest strength isn't in its utility, but rather its conceal-ability as a backup.
No tool sucks unless you use it correctly.
Well with a neck knife, I don't have to worry about opening it. Its already to go. Also what if you only have one hand to use your knife. Sure, there are knives that you can open with one hand, but you still have to open it. With a neck knife, its ready to go, right out of the sheath. As for what I use my neck knife for, standard cutting and slicing duty, and self defense if needed. P.S. the neck knife that I use for the most part, is the Cold Steel Brave Heart, its based on the Scottish Sgian Dubh knife. That a Scotsman would stick in the top of his sock. It has a very nice handle, but is no longer made my Cold Steel.
Completely agree with this for the vast majority of EDC situations. I've been toying with the idea of picking a neck knife up very specifically for warm weather fishing/camping trips. On a given day, depending on how I feel, I've either got my MUT, a Buck Vantage Avid, or my Endura 4. All of those are cumbersome when all you're wearing is a set of swim trunks for hours in a day. Last summer during a 4 day trip, I ended up just clipping my Endura to my t-shirt collar, but wished I had something like these. So for a very specified use, I can see how it could come in handy. Obviously in colder weather, when I'm wearing heavier clothing in the wilderness, I'll have some sort of fixed blade on my belt and this conversation is irrelevant. Like you said, all depends on your system.
Great channel man and I agree with most of your opinions except for this one. I have almost cut my fingers off with a folder a few times way more than with a fixed blade and I rarely use folders. I've had them break on me and with over a dozen friends that have experienced similar situations folders are just foolish in my opinion . First I look at history humans have done fine for a very long time without folding knives. Second I look at physics more moving parts more problems. Third user error we all know if you're tired, hungry, sick or just distracted sharp knives are not the best thing to be using specially one with moving parts. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing. Aloha!!!
No problem! Thanks for watching!
I agreed with you that neck knives suck, but when you said small fixed blades suck that made my head hurt. I personally don't like carrying a knife around my neck its bulky. Any fixed blade knife over 6 inches usually goes out of my bushcraft bag, because its just too huge to use for fine carving. I never baton I usually use my tomahawk, or hatchet. if i want a chopper i use a machete. I use the right tool for the job, and don't like the one tool option philosophy. a large knife is a jack of all trades, but master of none.
I carry neck knives sometimes around my neck or in my pocket. Neck knives are great for strength but really shine when cutting messy stuff which would gum up a folder with intricate parts. Neck knives are good in a filthy environment. I carry a Mora Eldris most of the time. I carry a Marttini Little Classic in my pocket at times. Folders are fine in cleaner environments or tasks.
great points all around, including y'all who've commented before me. I have an extensive "collection" of both and, after a year of forcing myself to wear and rely on neckers, I tote about 4 different folders as my ESDC. occasionally I will wear either my Kabar / Snody Boss or CRKT/ RMJ No Bother...
great video Aaron.
Thanks!
Gonna have to disagree brother............ that's a fact.
Spoof Outdoors no problem with disagreement just had to get my perspective out there
I hear ya. I basically quit using folders when I got my first Bk-11 5 or 6 years ago and ever since been carrying small fixed blades for EDC. Not necessarily around my neck but always on me. I just believe a small fixed blade can do more and handle more abuse than a folder and has less chance to fail. But hey, everyone has their own preference and ours just happens to differ.
Buck 110 any day.....
I kind of agree, I only use neck knifes for cutting fruit and food because there so tiny, I mainly use a Kershaw Shuffle or Chive for EDC
Great video, awesome topic. I recently went on a little survival over night challenge/trip. I brought a BK10 and a Dozier design hunter as a backup blade. I think I used the Becker twice. So that little Dozier did 90% of the work in prepping a fire and building a shelter. ($20 knife) So I agree that a folder can do a lot of what a fixed blade/neck knife could do. (Didn't baton with the Dozier) However, I ended up getting kinda tired of going in and out of my pocket to get the Dozier. It was Mid January and pretty cold so I was wearing gloves most of the time. Ended up using way more cordage for the shelter than I wanted so I ended up cutting a lot. Was thinking it might have been nice to have an exposed neck knife to save the pocket drama. Not that it was a huge deal, just another angle on a good topic of discussion. Thanks for the video. P.S I get it, I could have just used the Becker. Just didn't seem right to unleash the BK10 on a piece of Para Cord.
I have been shooting, camping and hunting since 1960 and never had a use for a neck knife. Folders ARE superior to neck knives....hands down.
+bratanvova I have been doing that shit since year 1 and I find long fingernails and teeth are better than any knife.
+mike call Spyderco for me then and tell them that. They might hurry up and put the screws back in it.
I've got a knife around my neck on the outside of my shirt, the handle faces the ground and is pulled towards the ground to unsheathe. You have a folder in your pocket. Who do you think would be able to strike first? I rest my case.
I have been eating since 1996 and never had a use for a folder knife. kitchen knifes ARE superior... hands down
mike - If you have never used a small fixed blade how can you state folders are superior? In fact if you look objectively at the two types of knife the ONLY area a folder us superior is in it's smaller size. Other than that a fixed blade is superior in every way.
Honestly I thought neck knives were meant for last ditch self-defense
Greenman Bushcraft and survival you are thinking of a boot knife, not a neck knife.
Thats what i thought to i mean honestly to cut things i use a folder or my sog i keep on my back. i dont see any reason to pull a neck knife out other than last resort in a bad situation
Greenman Bushcraft and survival
I agree totally! I almost bought an esee 2. Beautiful little knife but certainly not better than any of my folders. As cool as it is, I couldn't think of a use for it.
I tried using a smallish very light Finnish Puukku as a neck knife and put it in my pack long before I finished a couple of hours of hiking. The issue isn't the knife the issue is having something hanging from my neck and groping for it when I want to use it or groping for the sheath when I'm done. A neck knife is a back up tool as is a folder and I find a sturdy folder like the CS Finnwolf works just fine in that role and can be quickly deployed with one hand much more easily than a neck knife when needed.
It is refreshing to see someone finally denounce the absurdity of the neck knife concept. Too many hyped concepts out there. You are not afraid to tell that the "king is naked" and I appreciate that very much. One of the FFG Ganzos can do great feathersticks and SPARK a ferro rod like nobody´s business and pack small.
+Pedro Marcos It's only absurd if you can't fathom the idea of someone day hiking on relatively secluded hiking trails with just one small knife and a water bottle and lighter.
+Pedro Marcos Dig the king reference, bet 80% wont get it, but totally the appropriate statement when it comes to neck knives. I have an Izula hanging from a carabiner on my pack strap but I would never EDC it as a neck knife.
why are americans so paranoid?
Say these words with me: Paris and Belgium attacks, etc., etc. Charlie Hebdo attacks? Got your attention yet? Gun control working in Europe (France) ?? NOT! It sure seems like those bad guys HAD GUNS didn't they? What if I said "Why are Europeans so NAIVE"?It is not paranoia when you look at actual events that are happening ALL around you and then prepare practically for them. According to your logic, or lack thereof, wearing my seatbelt (even though statistically will protect me vs. not) would be, as you put it...Paranoid? What ignorance.And, yes, I carry a DOCTORATE of Science. So, YES, I can look at research with an objective eye and discern the garbage from the valuable research.
rather be called paranoid and be ready for things that could happen than be afraid of being called paranoid and not be ready. Paranoid = prepared. You should try it instead of hoping for the best and leaving your fate in the hands of everyone else in the world.
Not really so much paranoid but found something thats kinda cool to waste money on that is considered legal in certain areas.
Why are people in most of the world so naive and oblivious to the dangers in the world? Murders , rapes , robberies and assaults occur all around the world every day!
Koo m not paranoid I just like knives. Any other questions?
folders are fine but I can NEVER trust a frame lock.
Once i pry-opened a beer bottle with a spine of a folder... well, that was The most expensive beer bottle in me life. Done with folders.
I love all types of knives!
But I do agree with some people in the comments, folders are finicky they can be misaligned pivots could work horribly, hardware can fall out and render it dangerous or useless...they hate getting dirt and grime in pivots bushings get ripped ....etc etc. Probably why alot of people go fixed blade neck knife style..wash it, oil it, sharpen it and ur good to go again
The place I see neck knives really out shine their folder counter parts is in processing fish and small game. That all metal design is really easy to clean the nasty bits out of, much easier than a folder. And if it's paracord wrapped, you take of the 15 cents worth the paracord off and re wrap it, no biggie.
I prefer using my CRKT minimalist over many of my folders as a backup for my bushcraft belt knife. Grip is solid and ergonomic. Perfect for defense, game cleaning and small camp task. It really is a different knife than most other fixed blade EDC knives.
I totally agree with your overall point! - I almost never used my neckknife and i just dont like it dangeling round my neck. But i don't use my folder very often either, ist more like a EDC tool in my MOAB10. For the wilderness, i use my TOPS BOB and i like to carry those couple of extra ounces, because thats my one-for-all-situations.
You make a great point here. If you carry a folder, and a fixed blade that is basically the same thing, what's the point? If you're gonna carry two knives similar in size, they should have very different blade shapes, with different functions. A good example would be a tactical folder, like a Cold Steel Voyager with a tanto shape, and fully serrated, with any neck knife you had in this video. Or, any folder in this video, with a small fighting style fixed blade. This is just around town though. If you're backpacking, just take the folder. I carry my neck knife inside a leather card wallet, in my left rear pocket.
I totally agree. What I've thought myself it'd be good for EDC is mostly a 4+ inch knife, in which case I would probably go for a tops or something like that, they have plenty of those whether is with leather or kydex sheath. But anything less than 4 inch I agree is just better to go folder, it's more portable anyway you just throw it in there and don't even remember vs the neckknife which will dangling and taking personal space even if it's just a small piece of steel.
I disagree. I've been carrying and using an Izula for over a decade now. It's far better than any folder I've ever had. I even bought a new izula for my AT thruhike this year. It was the perfect knife for such a demanding backpacking trip. I actually just ordered a Tops MSK just to try something new. In my very experienced opinion no folder will ever be as reliable or safe as a fixed blade. Love your channel, respect your opinion and usually watch your reviews first before buying any knife. Keep up the great work.
I think you're right, you convinced me! Thanks, you made me discover the Finn Wolf, looks like an amazing folder. Any advice for an axe?
As for the izula 2, I mostly heard about it as a self defence knife, not even EDC.
I love my neck knifes. I wear them when bushcrafting. They are not my EDC, though I do carry an ESEE Izula 2 in a stealth pocket sheath made of kydex.
i agree with your point about edc..but for biking/hiking i take my minimalist over my folders almost every time bc its harder to use when im taveleing through the woods and easier to access off the outside of my shirt than a pocket knife is out of my pocket. that being said my buck 110 is a common carry when in the woods aswell bc i trust the belt sheath to keep me from loosing it
harder to lose* not use
I hear your thoughts and I prefer a quality folder but, in an environment where I can wear the neck knife not concealed I prefer to get the knife out of my pocket because there is already plenty of weight hanging off my belt. EDC, walking around town though I have 3 quality folders and bet I'm carrying one of them.
Good points in this video. Thank You for taking a time to do this clip
+muaythai6656 No problem.
funfact: in germany the folders in this video are illegal to carry (folding one-hand knife with lockable blades are illegal to carry, while the neckknifes with less than 12cm blade are legal)
Very helpful and informative video. Thank you.
Very good point. something to think about.
You make some really valid points. I personally EDC 3 knives and a multi tool. My main fixed blade is a PLSK1 by Blind Horse Knives or my PKS Kephart. A pocket folder. (Usually my Ontario Rat 1) I have 2 neck knives that I switch out for the situation. In the woods it is my Jeff White Sloyd Knife. In a urban setting it's My KaBar BK11 (It's more of a last ditch self defense knife). And my multi tool is the Leatherman Wave. Each one is designed for a specific task and different scenarios.
I take both a neck knife and a folder. I usually have a 4" fixed blade also.