Having the best neck knife means having access to a blade wherever you are and in whatever situation you may find yourself in.
Let's face it:
The knife is one of the world’s first tools and has more uses than can be counted.
Today’s craftsmen continue to design knives for purposes that had not even been previously considered.
But there's a problem...
Today's knife laws may limit the length of the blade that you can carry.
You may also not be able to carry a knife on your belt, or you may not have room in your pockets for a traditional pocket knife.
Not to mention wanting a backup knife that you won't drop or lose when you're moving around a lot or if you are out in the woods.
The good news?
A neck knife that is small enough to pass many carry laws is the perfect solution. Plus, the quality of knives made today among makers and craftsmen has never been stronger.
This means that although there are some great knives out on the market, choosing the right knife that is just right for each individual can be a daunting task.
That is why I did a ton of research and put together a list of the top 10 amazing knives that will help you make the right decision.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Neck Knife - Top 10
1. CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie
When you think of a Bowie knife, it is common to picture a large, unwieldy knife with a heavy steel blade and thick wooden or bone handle.
The CRKT Minimalist has very little in common with such an image.
The overall weight of this very functional knife is only 1.6 ounces with a total length of just over 5 inches.
This knife is unique in its category. The 5Cr15Mov stainless steel blade is a perfect choice for functionality and price.
The handle is thick enough for larger hands with three finger groves, making it a very stable knife. The average male hand will feel like the handle was fitted perfectly.
Columbia River Knife and Tool is a great company focused on delivering quality blades. They have top notch designers and craftsman that guarantee you get the best product.
The minimalist is one of their most popular knives. It also comes with a Zytel sheath which is perfect to hang around your neck and a belt clip that lets you mount it any way you want to.
2. Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker
When you think about tactical knives, Ka-Bar is always at the top of the list and for good reason.
The Ka-Bar Becker is easily carried as its 2.4 ounce weight is barely noticeable.
Concealability is also a key factor with an overall length of only 6.75 inches.
Even though the Becker is small in size and weight, the 1095 CroVan steel makes this knife durable enough for just about anything for which a knife this size is useful.
A great additional feature is the bottle opener on the end of the handle.
If you are looking for an everyday carry knife that is barely noticeable to the user and unnoticeable to the casual observer, consider this quality knife.
3. CRKT RSK MK5
If you need to add a small, lightweight, yet useful knife to your BOB, field pack, or any other kit, the RSK MK5 will do the trick.
Have you ever held a knife that weighs less than an ounce, but can still outperform much heavier knives?
If not, you may be surprised at the versatility of the MK5.
The light weight may suggest it may not be useful for bigger tasks, but the handle is curved to fit the hand securely.
Its 3Cr13 stainless steel blade is perfect for either long-term storage or daily use. With a 1.75 inch blade length, and an overall knife length of 3.8 inches, this knife will fit any where.
4. CRKT S.P.E.W
It may come as a surprise to find that yet another CRKT knife has made this list.
When you are dedicated to making the best quality knives, it shows by the number of quality options provided.
The S.P.E.W (Small Pocket Everyday Wharncliffe) is another miniature knife that is easy to conceal.
The unique 3 inch, 5Cr15MoV stainless steel blade is coupled to a sturdy 2.25 inch handle and has comfortable notches ground into the base of the blade for stable thumb control.
This knife is not necessarily suited for more strenuous bushcraft uses due to its very fine tip and thin blade. However, it is still useful for an every day carry.
5. MTech USA MT-20-14
If you are looking for a neck knife that is not only incredibly functional for self-defense, but also beautiful, consider the MTech USA MT-20-14.
The blackened stainless steel dual-edge blade is 2.75 inches long.
It is mated to a very stylish nylon-fiber molded handle for a total length of 6.5 inches.
The knife itself fits tightly into an attractive sheath that hangs around the neck for easy access when needed.
Because of its blackened blade and plastic components, this knife is intended as a self-defense tool and not for bushcraft.
6. SE KHK6320
The outdoor Tanto is one of those must-have knives for the active outdoorsman.
This knife is built with hard use in mind and comes with a fire starter and extra cord wound neatly around the handle for a better grip.
It is 7 inches in length with a 3 inch, 440 stainless steel blade and weighs in at only 0.3 ounces.
The most awesome feature is the price. If you are on a tight budget but want a great entry level option, this is the one for you.
7. SOG Snarl
The Snarl is little more than a very small self-defense blade.
The blade itself is 2.3 inches long and is just slightly more than half of its total length.
Because of its small size and two-finger hole handle, there is a limit of the type of jobs you can do with it.
However, it is highly concealable around the neck. With practice, it can be useful in a pinch.
The 9Cr13MoV stainless steel is pretty good. It maintains its razor sharp edge under continual use provided it is kept away from rocks and other hard materials.
8. Schrade SCHF16
If you are seeking that classic field knife with an updated look then consider the SCHF16.
This is a full-size knife with a 3.1-inch 9Cr18MoV high carbon steel blade and a handle that is almost 4 inches long.
This knife is among the thickest and heaviest (almost 5 ounces) on this list.
It carries well and the G10 handle slabs are a plus.
The larger size provides for a most comfortable and secure grip when putting it through its paces.
9. Cold Steel Super Edge
If you are looking for a good self-defense neck knife, you really can't go wrong with Cold Steel.
Like other knives of its kind, the Super Edge is not a working knife.
It is meant mainly for self defense.
The serrated blade can be useful for cutting rope or boxes.
The 2-inch blade is just under half of the overall 4.25 inch length.
One look at the design shows that this knife really has one purpose—keeping you safe if you know how to use it.
10. Boker Magnum Lil Friend
The blackened, stonewashed blade on Boker’s Lil Friend is 440 stainless steel which makes it perfect for everyday carry or a backup knife.
As its name implies, this is a small knife with a blade that is only 1.375 inches long.
Yes, it is a very small knife.
With the G10 textured handle and finger groove just behind the blade, the Lil Friend provides good grip and control.
It may be better suited to a person with smaller hands, but with practice and regular use, those with larger hands can make it a useful tool.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a versatile camp tool or an everyday carry knife, this list should provide you with either solution.
Due to the great variety of knives available today, consider exactly how you want to use one before making a purchasing decision.
Make sure you get the best option for you buy first considering what specifically you want to use the knife for, and then looking at your max size and weight that you want.
Review this list again with your desire in mind. You will undoubtedly be satisfied with your choice.
If you are looking for a primary knife that is bigger, consider getting one for survival or for tactical.
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