Best Neck Knives for Survival and Self Defense
From getting lost in the wilderness to fending off attackers, be prepared with the best neck knives for survival and self defense.
Best Overall
CRKT Minimalist Drop Point Neck Knife
- Refined edge
- Lightweight
- Higher Chromium – No rust
Best Upgrade
ESEE Knives Candiru Knife
- Full tang
- ESEE’s excellent no-questions warranty
- Retains edge well
Best Budget
Cold Steel Spike Bowie Neck Knife
- Price
- Good sheath retention
- Long blade length
Where and when the use of neck knives began is open to debate. But it’s safe to say they have been around for a few thousand years.
In more recent history, they were used as a self-defense weapon for sailors. Sailors would wear the knife under their clothes next to their skin, so it could be quickly drawn in case of an attack by pirates.
They also found that the blade was useful for other tasks aboard ship, such as cutting rope and rigging lines, or slicing food.
Fast forward a few centuries and neck knives still provide that same discreet protection.
In today’s world, it’s still necessary to be prepared for anything that may come. Whether we like it or not, there are certain situations in which personal defense is necessary. If you’re out in public, you may be vulnerable to those who want to steal your belongings and harm you.
Danger lurks in every dark corner of the world, and you never know when a situation will turn dangerous. With neck knives, you’ll always have protection on hand, hidden under your clothing. You can never be too careful with safety in today’s climate!
Now, let me clarify something.
I know a neck knife is not as good as having a gun.
But in situations where you don’t or can’t have a firearm with you, it sure beats having nothing at all. You never know when you’ll need it and when you do, it’s right there safely against your chest.
Hopefully, you’ll never have to use a knife for self-defense and you end up using it for everyday purposes instead. With that in mind, I have assembled what I consider the 7 best neck knives for survival and self defense you can get today. Just a reminder, before you choose to carry a knife for personal defense, check with your local and state laws.
Best Neck Knives
- Best Overall: CRKT Minimalist Drop Point Neck Knife
- Best Upgrade: ESEE Knives Candiru Knife
- Best Bang For Your Buck: Cold Steel Spike Bowie Neck Knife
- Best Stainless Steel Option: Bradford G-Necker Knife
- Best Small Neck Knife: SOG Snarl
- Best Self Defense Specialty: Schrade SCH111 Karambit Fixed Blade Knife
- Best Budget Friendly: MTECH Xtreme MX-8035 Fixed Blade Tactical Knife
How To Choose a Neck Knife For Survival and Self Defense
Price
The bottom line is you don’t want to buy an inferior knife if you’re going to rely on it for your safety, just to save a few bucks. However, there is a silver lining. There are some great affordable options out there. So you can find a good quality knife you can wear as a neck knife. You’ll be able to find a knife that fits your budget.
Sheath Quality
The most important thing you need to look for when buying a neck knife is the quality of the sheath. You can get away with half decent quality knife and it’ll get the job done.
However, you must have a good quality sheath that effectively secures the knife.
Why?
A neck knife rests against your body when you wear it. Having a knife fall out of its sheath while you’re wearing it can result in a very bad day for you.
So look for a good quality knife with a great sheath. It’s a must.
Ease of Carry and Concealment
There are two main things to look for when it comes to a neck knife.
Easily concealed and easily carried.
Some knives can be difficult to hide, while others don’t offer an easy way of carrying the knife on your body. So if you’re looking for something that is easy to conceal, while still being simple in terms of carrying, it’s important to find that balance.
Weight
When you’re carrying a knife on your body, you should be able to easily do so without feeling weighed down by the knife.
If a neck knife is too heavy for your body, it may cause problems with how much the knife moves when you move about. So if weight is important to you, it’s best to find a knife with a smaller blade.
Most Neck Carry Knives are about 4-6 inches in length, so this is a good measurement to keep in mind.
Blade Material
Different types of materials are used in the making of different blades, so they all offer their own benefits.
Some blades are harder than others, while some may be more resistant to wear and tear.
So when choosing a neck knife with a blade material that is the best for you, think about your personal preferences.
Blade Style
Blades can be designed with different features which determine how they work. Think about the type of blade you should go for depending on what situations you are most likely to be in.
In a dangerous situation it’s better to have a versatile blade rather than one that is suited only for one use.
Some knives are better at cutting while others are better at stabbing or piercing. And then there are some that are decent at all three.
BEST OVERALL: CRKT Minimalist Drop Point Neck Knife
Why It Made The Cut
This knife gives you the ability to easily carry a high-quality and affordable knife on your person at all times.
It has a unique design with 3 pronounced finger grips so it stays firm in hand with no slipping.
You get an EDC knife that is tough and can handle a variety of tasks.
And a blade style that is well-suited for personal defense, if so needed.
The CRKT Minimalist Drop Point Neck Knife is the perfect solution for you. It sits comfortably around your neck, it’s tough enough to handle many tasks, and it’s compact enough to be concealed under your shirt.
Key Features
- Overall Length: 5.25″ (133.35 mm)
- Blade Length: 2.16″ (54.86 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.11″ (2.67 mm)
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Blade Steel: 5Cr15MoV Steel
- Blade Finish: Stonewash
- Weight: 1.80 oz. (51.03 g)
- Handle Material: G10
- Sheath Material: Thermoplastic
- Sheath Weight: 0.60 oz. (17.01g)
- Sheath Lanyard: Black Cord; quick release
Pros
- Refined edge
- Lightweight
- Higher Chromium – No rust
- Grippy handle design
Cons
- Sharp tip susceptible to blunting
- Handle design may not be for everyone
Product Description
The CRKT Minimalist Drop Point Neck Knife is all the EDC you need.
This small and compact knife features a comfortable three finger handle that is easily concealed, has a strong blade that can handle a variety of EDC tasks like cutting boxes, de-barking branches, or harvesting roots for later use, and is tough enough for any job.
The blade design is also well suited for thrusting and stabbing so it’s well suited for self defense.
Its overall versatility is what puts this blade at the top of our list.
The CRKT Minimalist Knife is an excellent choice for any situation! It’s portable enough to be carried anywhere without being cumbersome. It’s affordable without sacrificing quality.
We checked out both the drop point blade and Bowie blade versions. I chose the drop point because of its better utility with EDC tasks — but still one formidable little blade for personal defense. It makes for a more well rounded knife.
But if a Bowie blade is more your style, check out the CRKT Minimalist Bowie Knife.
BEST UPGRADE: ESEE Candiru Knife
Why It Made The Cut
When you need a strong, reliable, and dependable knife but you don’t want it to be too big to conceal.
Because of its smaller size, the Candiru edged out its sibling, the ESEE Izula – a spectacular knife in its own right. The Izula II even topped our Best EDC Fixed Blade Knives list. So the Candiru had a lot to live up to. And it did not dissappoint – it excelled.
ESEE Candiru neck knife is the strongest, sharpest knife I could find that comes in a neck knife size.
Comes with a good steel that is easy to sharpen. Holds an edge well and is light enough for backpackers.
In fact, in my opinion, this is the best neck knife for backpacking.
If your willing to spend a little more, you get so much more knife. This high-quality, best-made, small, light and effective knife will take your outdoor adventures to the next level.
This is why it is our choice for Best Upgrade.
Key Features
- Overall Length: 5.13″
- Cutting Edge Length: 2.0″
- Maximum Thickness: .125″
- Weight: 1.7 Ounces
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Bade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel – 55-57 Rc.
- Textured Powder Coat Finish
- Molded Sheath w/ Clip Plate and Lanyard
- Made in the U.S.A.
Pros
- Full tang
- ESEE’s excellent no-questions warranty
- 1095 steel with excellent heat treatment
- Retains edge well
- Comes from factory sharp
- Small size
- Good plastic sheath retention
Cons
- Price
Product Description
Yes, the ESEE Candiru Neck Knife is a product of exceptional quality.
It has been precision-made out of heat treated 1095 steel for the perfect balance between hardness, sharpness and durability.
You can carry this lightweight (1.7 ounce) knife around your neck easily.
You can easily hide it under your shirt, even better than the CRKT Minimalist.
The edge of this blade sharpens very quickly and stays that way as well.
The Candiru is the smallest and lightest neck knife ESEE has to offer. This is a low profile, concealable blade with an overall length of 5-1/8 inches.
The Candiru is designed to be worn around the neck on a cord or lanyard and can be drawn quickly with minimum effort. It excels as a neck knife, but it is just big enough to perform well as a general utility knife.
Like I said before, this little beauty is the perfect neck knife for backpacking or hiking. It would also be perfect in your gray man gear.
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cold Steel Spike Bowie Neck Knife
Why It Made The Cut
‘…One of these things is not like the others’.
At 8 inches long, The Cold Steel Bowie Spike Neck Knife is not your typical neck knife.
But, this slim line tool is lightweight and so narrow you hardly notice it around your neck.
That’s why it’s here – durable, sturdy and ready for anything, at a great price!
It won’t break the bank.
So it makes our Best Bang For Your Buck choice.
Key Features
- Overall Length: 8″
- Blade Length: 4″
- Blade Thickness: 3mm
- Blade Steel: German 4116 Stainless Cryo Quenched
- Handle Length/Material: 4″ Griv-Ex
- Weight: 2.3oz
- Sheath: Secure-Ex Sheath
- Blade Shape: Clip Point
Pros
- Price
- Good sheath retention
- Long blade length compared to others
Cons
- Length may be too long for some
- Requires frequent sharpening
Product Description
Cold Steel Bowie Spike is a slim and long neck knife produced for daily use. The blade is surprisingly adept at everyday activities and tasks. The pointed tip is perfect for piercing.
The sheath holds the knife securely so you can be sure it won’t go anywhere.
And the grippy handle material is comfortable in your hand. This is the perfect knife for when you need something simple and strong, … and narrow.
The Cold Steel Bowie Spike uses a German made 4116 steel that is a relatively soft steel so it will need to be sharpened more often. The tradeoff is it can be sharpened easily.
We compared this knife with the Kershaw Dune Tanto and its Chinese made 3Cr13MoV steel. And we feel the Bowie Spike is slightly superior to the Dune.
Like the CRKT Minimalist Knife, this knife comes in a variety of blade styles.
So if a Bowie is not your first choice, they also come in drop point, Tokyo and tanto styles.
But you have to admit, the Bowie version is one nasty customer. And if you like nasty customers, you can check out our top picks for best tactical bowie knife (the full-sized versions).
BEST STAINLESS STEEL OPTION: Bradford G-Necker Knife
Why It Made The Cut
The Bradford G-Necker Knife has to be the best looking knife on this list.
It is a minimalist, solid and elegant knife that’s easy to carry. It’s one piece of ELMAX stainless steel, making it a durable and long-lasting knife, perfect for EDC.
The Kydex sheath has been designed to have a lower profile so it is more discreet and easy to wear.
Key Features
- Overall Length: 6″
- Blade Length: 2.875″
- Handle Length: 3.125″
- Weight: 2.7 Oz (Blade only) 4.1 Oz (w/ Kydex)
- Blade Material Options: ELMAX Stainless Steel
- Hardness: 61 Rc
- Blade Grind Options: Full Height Flat Grind
- Finish Options: Stonewash, Nimbus, Black DLC
- Handle Thickness: .260″
- Blade Thickness: .160″
Pros
- Premium Elmax stainless steel
- Thick handle
- Sheath accepts G-clips/mini TekLoks
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Could be lighter
Product Description
The Bradford G-Necker Knife is a multi-purpose knife for everyday utility. This knife is perfect for carrying around your neck, or in your pocket.
What stands out about this knife besides its clean design, is its material choice. It is made of one piece of ELMAX Stainless Steel for maximum toughness and edge retention.
It has a thicker handle for more dexterity. All said and done, this is a front-runner for the best neck knife for edc.
The Kydex sheath makes it easy to carry in different ways. The low profile design makes the knife easy to conceal and the perfect size to carry under your shirt.
ELMAX is a premium stainless steel that some consider the best cutlery steel on the market today. It is created using a powder metallurgy process that makes a superior product.
It makes stainless which is typically softer and makes it harder and stronger, but able to retain its toughness.
So it has the corrosion resistance, the edge retention and compressive strength, and it’s not brittle.
ELMAX hits the sweet spot you want in a knife blade.
The fact that Bradford chose to use this steel for this knife tells me they’re serious about making a superior knife.
BEST SMALL NECK KNIFE: SOG Snarl
Why It Made The Cut
There’s a time and a place for everything. And for a unique design like the SOG Snarl, its place is right here on this list.
With its one-piece sheepsfoot blade and two generously-sized knuckle holes, this is the perfect backup hunting, camping or EDC blade.
The SOG Snarl Neck Knife is a perfect small blade that can do more work than you’d think.
Key Features
- Overall Length: 4.3″
- Blade Length: 2.3″
- Blade Thickness: 0.25″
- Weight: 1.9oz
- Steel Type: 9Cr18MoV
- Harness: Rc 58-60
- Steel Finish: Satin
- Blade Style: Sheepsfoot
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Sheath Material: Molded Nylon
- Made In: China
Pros
- Can generate good leverage
- Robust thickness
- Handle knuckle hole design
- Very sharp
- Sheath retention
Cons
- Knuckle hole design may not be your taste
- Knuckle holes may not fit bigger fingers
- Belt clip isn’t big enough to clip to a wider belt
Product Description
SOG Snarl Neck Knife is perfect for when you need a backup blade, with a thick quarter-inch 9Cr18Mov steel blade and a compact design.
Made from thick, quarter-inch 9Cr18Mov steel, it can handle tough jobs. Its blade is 2 3/8″ long, and is small enough to be worn around your neck without getting in the way.
The 2 knuckle holes for a handle can be used by a right or left handed person, and make this knife remarkably easy to control.
It may be small, but you can exert a surprising amount of leverage because of those finger holes. So you’ll find it can do a lot more work than you’d think.
Not to mention, this thing is razor sharp.
That always helps.
BEST SPECIALTY: Schrade SCH111 Karambit Knife
Why It Made The Cut
We weren’t sure if we were going to include this knife in this list. But it showed us that it deserves to be here.
At the price, it’s the best karambit by far.
And frankly, who doesn’t love a good karambit?
If they’re good enough for some special forces units (RCA JTF-2), they’re good enough for this list.
And Schrade has provided one that makes a great neck knife.
Providing you with the best tactical self-defense experience of your life, the Schrade SCH111 Karambit Neck Knife is a small, lightweight, and tough blade.
It can be used in a variety of situations, from self-defense to yes, EDC.
With an over-sized finger ring for a secure grip, you’re able to use this knife in nearly any situation.
Key Features
- Overall Length: 6.50″
- Blade Length: 3.00″
- Blade Thickness: 0.19″
- Blade Material: 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel
- Blade Grind: Hollow
- Edge Type: Plain
- Blade Style: Karambit/Hawkbill
- Handle Length: 3.50″
- Handle Thickness: 0.19″
- Weight: 2.23 oz.
- Use: Ambidextrous
- Sheath: Polymer
- Made In: China
Pros
- Great price
- Corrosion resistant
- Good edge retention
- Lightweight – easy to carry
- Self defense specialty
Cons
- Sheath quality needs to be better
- 3.5” handle may be too small for some
Product Description
The Schrade SCH111 Karambit Knife is the perfect neck knife for any EDC use.
It uses 9Cr18MoV stainless steel for a durable, lightweight full-tang blade. A good, functional design creates a reliable neck knife that’s easy to carry and conceal under a shirt.
Over-sized finger ring allows you to grip in any situation. A lanyard and chain are provided so you can wear this as a neck knife.
The SCH111 is the smaller size karambit knife from Schrade and it’s perfect for urban carry.
BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY: MTECH Xtreme MX-8035 Fixed Blade Tactical Knife
Why It Made The Cut
Looking for a tactical knife that isn’t flashy and can be used for camping, hiking, and general outdoors use?
Then MTECH is the way to go. The MX-8035 Tactical Knife has a 440c stainless steel blade that
- holds an edge well,
- has a comfortable full hand grip so it can be used with gloves,
- comes with a great kydex sheath that keeps the knife secure when not in use,
- features a sharp spine for striking a ferro rod.
So, if you’re looking for a neck knife that is made for wilderness use, this is it.
This is our choice for best neck knife for survival. And the price can’t be beat.
Key Features
- Total Length: 7.50″
- Blade Length: 4.00″
- Weight: 9.44 ounces
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Fixed Blade Construction: Full Tang
- Blade Material: 440c stainless steel
- Blade Edge Type: Fine Edge
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
- Sheath Material: Kydex Sheath
Pros
- Great price
- Decent quality
- Full grips
- Beefier than competition
Cons
- Heavy
- Craftsmanship could be more refined
Product Description
The MTECH Xtreme MX-8035 Tactical knife is a great value at this price. It’s the least expensive knife on this list.
It’s made of decent 440c stainless steel, has a full grip, and can handle light bushcraft duties and typical camp chores.
This neck knife boasts a thick 4-inch blade with a great factory edge.
The knife is even heavy enough to use as a back-up emergency survival knife.
Is it too heavy to be a neck knife?
… Maybe.
Most people find it light enough to carry, and easy to conceal under a shirt.
But if you’re expecting an ultralight knife to hang around your neck, you’ll have to pick a smaller neck knife (hint: see above – there are 6 to choose from).
This bad boy? It has some girth.
FAQs
Are neck knives useful?
A neck knife is a handy way to have a blade on you that you can easily pull out and use when needed. It is very useful in a self defense situaton since it can be pulled out quickly. For those prepping for an emergency, it’s a handy means of having a knife at the ready.
What are the qualities of a good neck knife?
A good neck knife should be a small fixed blade that is lightweight, can be carried easily, and is comfortable to wear. A neck knife should have a blade length of 4-6 inches, and be easy to open with one hand. The blade should be made of good quality steel that will retain its edge. The sheath should have very good retention capabilities in order to avoid accidents where the knife falls out while you’re wearng it.
What is the purpose of a neck knife?
A neck knife can have multiple purposes. Typically, it is used as a convenient way to carry and conceal a small knife to be used for everyday cutting tasks. It can also be used by those camping or hiking as an easily accessible tool to perform camp chores.
A neck knife can also be used for self defense. It can be an easily accessible and handy backup weapon when a larger and more cumbersome weapon, such as a gun, is impractical or impossible to use.
How low should a neck knife hang?
This is a question I have been asked many times and the answer is not easy. There are 3 main design factors that will affect how low a neck knife should hang. These factors are blade length, type of sheath and the user’s height. The simple answer is whatever makes your neck knife the most comfortable to carry, and most effective to deploy when you need it.
Are neck knives good for self defense?
Neck knives come in handy when the user is at a disadvantage in a fight. There are many different types of neck knives, and they are all made with different purposes in mind. Some have flat blades that are made entirely for cutting like a kitchen knife, while others have pointed blades that pierce very well, good for fending off an attacker. So it will depend on the style of blade you choose to carry.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope that your neck knife never gets used for more than good old everyday tasks. But should you ever need it, having the best neck knife for survival and self defense is a pretty good option when nothing else is available.
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