What is a Neck Knife? 🔪
It is a small and lightweight knife that can be worn around the neck or on a lanyard. It is typically designed for everyday carry (EDC) tasks such as cutting, slicing, puncturing, whittling, and other small-scale tasks.
Please watch this video to learn more information 📺
Features ⌛
⚪ It is important to note that the neck knives typically exhibit a compact and lightweight construction. This compactness is essential for their intended purpose, as it allows wearers to carry them discreetly and comfortably.
✔️ Unlike traditional fixed-blade knives or folding knives, these knives are specifically designed to minimize bulk and weight, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a minimalist and easily accessible cutting tool.
⚪ Moreover, they usually feature a fixed-blade design, which distinguishes them from folding or pocket knives. This fixed-blade configuration enhances their durability and reliability, as there are no moving parts that can break or fail during use.
✔️ This robust construction is particularly advantageous in demanding outdoor and survival scenarios, where a reliable cutting tool is of utmost importance.
⚪ Additionally, they often incorporate a sheath with a lanyard or cord for wearing around the neck. This sheath serves multiple functions. It securely holds the knife in place, preventing accidental injuries and ensuring quick access when needed.
✔️ The lanyard or cord allows the wearer to adjust the knife’s height for optimal comfort and accessibility.
⚪ Furthermore, many of them feature a tanto, drop point, or similar blade shape optimized for specific cutting tasks. Tanto blades, for example, excel in piercing and slicing, while drop point blades are versatile and suitable for a wide range of cutting applications.
✔️ The choice of blade shape depends on the user’s intended use, highlighting the versatility of neck knives.
Advantages 🔥
| 🎯 Quick and Easy Access: You have instant access to a cutting tool without the need to dig through pockets or bags. It can be quickly drawn and used when needed, making it highly convenient. | 🎯Portability: They are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They don’t take up much space and can be worn comfortably around the neck, allowing for hands-free operation. |
| 🎯 Outdoor and Survival Use: These knives are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and survivalists. They serve as reliable tools for activities like bushcraft, fishing, hunting, and wilderness exploration. | 🎯 Personal Defense: These knives can be used as self-defence weapons in situations where personal safety is at risk. They provide a compact and discreet option for protection, offering peace of mind. |
| 🎯 Minimalist EDC (Everyday Carry): They serve as a minimalist option for everyday carry. They provide a practical tool without the bulk of larger knives, allowing for discreet and efficient use in daily tasks. | 🎯Gift Option: They make great gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, or those interested in self-defence. They are unique and functional presents that can be appreciated by individuals with various interests. |
What They Are Needed For 🔊
❇️ They serve a variety of purposes, making them valuable tools for individuals across different contexts. To start with, they are suitable for self-defence. In situations where personal safety is a concern, wearing a neck knife can provide a quick and inconspicuous means of protection.
❇️ Furthermore, they are favoured by outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. These individuals often require a versatile cutting tool for tasks ranging from food preparation to woodcraft. Their ergonomic handles and blade shapes cater to a wide array of outdoor needs, making them indispensable companions during camping, hiking, or wilderness exploration.
❇️ In addition to outdoor activities, these knives find utility in survival scenarios. Their robust construction and fixed blades make them well-suited for tasks like shelter building, fire starting, and food procurement in emergency situations.
❇️ Moreover, these knives are embraced by individuals in professions that require quick access to cutting tools. These tools enable them to cut through ropes, seatbelts, or clothing efficiently, potentially saving lives.
❇️ Additionally, these knives serve as valuable utility tools in everyday life. Their discreet presence allows them to be worn under clothing, reducing the need for carrying bulkier knives in pockets or on belts.
TOP-15 Best Neck Knife 🔪
| Image | Product | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cold Steel Double Agent II Fixed Blade Knife | Cold Steel |  |
 | ABKT Tac 3 Inch Neck Knife AB0016 | ABKT | |
| Cold Steel Secret Edge Neck Knife 11SDT | Cold Steel | |
 | Boker USA Bp Besh-wedge Neck Knife Clam TK275 | Boker | |
 | CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife | CRKT | |
 | Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker Neck Knife | Ka-Bar | |
 | Smith & Wesson SW991 | Smith & Wesson | |
 | Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade | Morakniv | |
 | MTECH USA Mt-665Bk Neck Knife | MTECH | |
 | Kilimanjaro 910106 Men's Stretta Tactical Neck Knife | Kilimanjaro | |
 | Off-Grid Knives - FAT BOY BLACKOUT | Off-Grid Knives | |
 | MT Knives Genesis EDC Survival Neck Knife | MT Knives | |
 | Esee Knives, James Gibson Pinch Fixed Neck Knife | Esee Knives | |
 | Tactical Neck Knife | MASTER USA | |
 | Survival Neck Knife | Survival Frog | |
1# Cold Steel Double Agent II Fixed Blade Knife
The knife is made of a double blade, balanced handle, Japanese steel, and holes in the handle. The handle weight is only 2.4 oz and has a blade thickness of up to 2.3 mm. The knife has a comfortable grip that facilitates sliding of the hand and it is very convenient. The edges of the blade are made in such a way that it is difficult to pull the knife from the hand and injure the owner. The knife can be used for self-defence and for cutting small items.
2# ABKT Tac 3 Inch Neck Knife AB0016
The knife is made of completely durable steel. The knife includes the key chain, neck wearing, blade, rope, and handle. The knife is decorated with a stylish handle that is very comfortable to take into the hand. The knife reminds the Middle Ages and can become a part of the collection.
3# Cold Steel Secret Edge Neck Knife 11SDT
The blade length is 3.5 inches. The package includes the blade finish, handle, blade, and neck sheath. The thickness of the blade is 2.5 mm which is durable enough for cutting operations. The knife is made of cold steel that can be used for many years for self-protection and good option for carrying.
4# Boker USA Bp Besh-wedge Neck Knife Clam TK275
The knife is used mostly for the cutting and opening operations. The kit includes the titanium material, blade, G10 handle, and two layers of protection. Using this product, our team found that the handle has a comfortable edge that is very soft for the hand. The kit can be used by boys and young men in different cases. The blade length is 4/25 inches, which is enough to cope with danger.
5# CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife
The knife is made in Columbia and has a lot of advantages. The package includes the blade knife, fiber handle, blade part, paracord rope, and finish hole. The blade is made of high-quality carbon steel. The sheath is made from thermoplastic that gives high durability in hot and cold weather. The kit is used mostly in wild nature. The kit will be good for professional hunters and hikers.
6# Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker Neck Knife
The knife is completely black and has a designed outer part. The kit includes the nylon material inside and a sharp blade. The kit was highly tested by many adventures. The kit is perfect for outdoor needs and campers. The kit is made of 1095 carbon steel and protected enough from the wet. The back part is made like a BK11 model that helps with easy fixing to hand and other things. The kit can be mainly used for high-quality cutting tasks.
7# Smith & Wesson SW991
The knife structure includes the skeleton’s main part, blade, decoration, logo, and sheath. The mail length is about 6.35 inches. The knife is made from black oxide high carbon material, which can cope even with stones. The kit also includes a chain for easy attachment to the belt or wear. Based on our experience the kit can be used on trips or for self-protection. The product is reliable for the wide blade.
8# Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade
The kit is designed in an olive colour and is very attractive to its users. The package includes the blade, spine, firestarter, paracord, secondary lock, and sheath. The lengths are 2/2 inches but it is enough for small works and cutting. The compact knife is mostly used by hunters and outdoors. The secondary lock protects from unpredictable openings and makes it a safe thing.
9# MTECH USA Mt-665Bk Neck Knife
The knife is made in karambit style and has a very attractive outer pack. The kit includes a stylish neck knife and black handle, and sheath. The knife can be used for self-protection, cutting of meat wood, and hard materials. The form changes make the knife easy and very flexible. The knife can become a good gift for a birthday.
10# Kilimanjaro 910106 Men’s Stretta Tactical Neck Knife
The knife is made of stainless steel tang and high-quality elements. The overlay is rubbered and well protected from outer influence. The kit includes the blade, sheath, and carry chain. The full tang construction will help with the cutting and slicing of anything. The kit can become a good gift for a birthday or Father’s Day. The big home helps to attach the knife to the tree or wood stick and for easy carrying.
11# Off-Grid Knives – FAT BOY BLACKOUT
The knife includes the centre button, black razor, wide handle, and folding part. The knife is used for tactical operas, hunters, hikers, and travellers. The liner lock helps to fix the blade in a stable condition and prevent opening. The kit includes the deep pocket clip, titanium nitride coating, and thumb hole. The combination of such elements makes the knife the most durable thing of the survival gear.
12# MT Knives Genesis EDC Survival Neck Knife
The knife includes the black Kydex Sheath, blade, sharp razor, and skeleton handle. The main colour is silver, which means that the knife has a good washing condition. The knife is perfect for the needs of climbers, campers, or kayakers. Our research has shown that the razor-sharp can cope with the trees and stones. This model is made in the US and approved of high quality among users.
13# Esee Knives, James Gibson Pinch Fixed Neck Knife
The knife can be worn as a decoration. The blade is short enough and reminds the accessory. The kit includes the blade, sheath, and rope. The main aim of such a knife is full men’s protection while walking in the dark streets or at night. The first such model was used in early 1997.
14# Tactical Neck Knife
The outer part and design include the number of straps. The kit is decorated with black and white lines that make it a stylish thing. The kit includes a sharp blade, handle in a combination with the blade part, and holes for easy handling. The main length is 5 inches and the knife is easily put to the sheath. The knife can be easily used in the countryside or forest.
15# Survival Neck Knife
This is a first-class knife that can be used for survival situations. The knife includes the blade, mirror, signal, sheath, compass, and fire starter. A kit is a multifunction tool that can be ideal for survival conditions. The knife can be attached with a paracord rope. The company will help to find the way into the deep forest. The kit can be used by talented travellers.
Maintenance 🧲
Firstly and most importantly, cleaning is a fundamental aspect of knife maintenance.
- After each use, it is advisable to clean the blade thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or residue. ➡️ This can be achieved by using warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.
- Pay special attention to the area where the blade meets the handle, as this is a common spot for debris accumulation.
Than, it is important to maintain the sharpness of the blade. A sharp knife is not only safer to use but also more efficient.
- Regularly sharpen the blade using appropriate sharpening tools, such as sharpening stones or honing rods. ➡️ Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific type of steel used in the knife.
- Additionally, maintaining the knife’s edge angle is crucial for optimal performance. ➡️ This can be achieved through consistent and controlled sharpening techniques.
Moreover, proper lubrication of moving parts, if applicable, is essential for neck knives that have mechanisms like folding blades or pivots. Applying a small amount of lubricant to these components helps reduce friction and ensures smooth operation.
- ❌ However, be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dust and debris, potentially impeding the knife’s functionality.
In addition to cleaning and sharpening, inspecting the knife for wear and damage is an integral part of maintenance. Regularly examine the blade, handle, and sheath for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose components.
Furthermore, maintaining the sheath is crucial for neck knives, as it not only secures the blade but also protects the user from accidental cuts. Inspect the sheath for any signs of wear, such as fraying lanyards or weakened attachment points.
- ✔️ Moreover, keeping the sheath clean and dry is essential to prevent corrosion or damage to the knife blade.
Additionally, proper storage is a key aspect. Consider using a blade cover or protective pouch to prevent contact with other objects that could cause damage or dulling of the blade.
FAQ ❓
Conclusion 🏆
Neck knives are a great tool for outdoor adventurers, anglers, bush crafters, and everyday utility users. They provide a compact yet powerful cutting option that can be easily carried and accessed in various scenarios. With proper care and maintenance, neck knives can last for years when used correctly. Whether you’re looking to buy one as an EDC or gift it to someone special, make sure you consider all the factors discussed here before making your purchase. Be safe out there! 🔪🛒
That is why it is important for me to find good items that will help me and my family have a good time without too much hassle. I like to look for stuff for myself or gifts for my loved ones. We also share the high-quality products we find with each other, and I think it is really important to transfer your opinion and knowledge, that is why I am pleased to share the useful information I find with other people. I'm so happy that my family helps me in this matter. We hope that someone really finds this helpful and interesting enough!
Read more about our team of expert authors.
Affiliate Disclosure: Rotorm.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Optics Planet, Lucky Gunner, Brownells, Cabelas, Rainier Arms, 5.11 Tactical, Bass Pro Shop, etс. Clicking a link helps keep Rotorm.com free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article on our site is written by experts in survival and tactical equipment, gun enthusiasts, extreme travelers, military, law enforcement and desperate professionals, read about the author at the bottom of the article or visit "About Us" page.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency.
Great explanation, I learned something more about EDC knives
Thank you for your feedback👍
I purchased the Smith and Wesson HRT boot knife that had a bonus neck knife included. Surprisingly, I find myself carrying the neck knife more frequently. The reason behind my preference is that the neck knife has a handy bottle opener, which I tend to use often.
What do you think – are neck knives suitable as gifts?
✅ Neck knives can make thoughtful and practical gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, or those interested in self-defense. However, ensure that the recipient understands and follows the local laws and regulations regarding knife carry and use.
The biggest advantage of wearing a neck knife is that it is easily accessible, especially when seated in a car. You no longer have to reach into your pocket and awkwardly shift around to retrieve it. 🙂
I have noticed that during my camping trips, I end up using the bottle opener on my knife a lot. The Knucklehead caught my attention because it seems like it functions as a multitool. I plan on purchasing one from Smith and Wesson during their next batch release.
In NYC, any knife with a finger hole that allows your finger to fit through it is considered an illegal knuckle knife, even if it’s a smaller size.
Hello. Why do some of these knives have a California Prop 65 warning on them?
The California Proposition 65 warning is required under California law for products that contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The warning is not specific to neck knives but applies to a wide range of consumer products.
⭕ It is important to note that the presence of the Prop 65 warning does not necessarily mean that the product is unsafe or poses a significant risk. The warning is often provided as a precautionary measure to inform consumers about the potential exposure to certain chemicals, even if the exposure is at levels below regulatory standards.
⭕Manufacturers and retailers are required to provide the Prop 65 warning if their products contain any of the listed chemicals, regardless of the actual risk associated with the product’s use. It is a legal obligation to provide the warning, ensuring that consumers are informed about the potential exposure