Neck Knife in the woods?????

WILLIAM.M

WILLIAM.M

Joined
Apr 14, 2006
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Todays question from Dr.Bill

Neck Knife in the woods?????

Do you think they have a place,are they optional,or should everyone carry one just in case???

If so--state why...

I know some who ONLY carry a neck knife and feel VERY well prepared.

I know others who think they are toys at best and only carry much larger knives.

I personally like them and have a few I carry--but would never go out with just a neck knife.

I just like the feeling of a larger,heavier fixed blade with me when I'm out hiking/backpacking.

How you you feel and WHY!!!

Sincerely

Dr.Bill:thumbup:
 
Neck Knife Survival Kit

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I've been carrying my Livesay NRGS necker set up as a PSK for years. Currently I've been carrying this neck knife kit, my machete, and a Mora #2 (in my pack). I feel naked in the wilderness without my neck knife.

img0361dn.jpg


With the machete to deal with all the hard use tasks it's nice to have a small, pointy fixed blade that brings other attributes to the game.

Mac
 
pict said:
Neck Knife Survival Kit

nrgs1265959.jpg


I've been carrying my Livesay NRGS necker set up as a PSK for years. Currently I've been carrying this neck knife kit, my machete, and a Mora #2 (in my pack). I feel naked in the wilderness without my neck knife.

img0361dn.jpg


With the machete to deal with all the hard use tasks it's nice to have a small, pointy fixed blade that brings other attributes to the game.

Mac
Click to expand...

I'll wager someone of your skill level would last longer with a neck knife than the average person would with a backpack full of cutlery:thumbup:
 
I almost always carry a small knife with me when I'm out hiking...often a neck knife.

Generally speaking, if I'm on a day-hike in an area I'm somewhat familiar with, and it isn't way out in the boonies, I'm good with a necker as my only knife. Majority of my hikes are not in heavily wooded areas, which is a factor too. I like the lightness and accessibility of a neck knife.

The more unfamiliar I am with an area...the further out in the sticks it is...the more heavily wooded it is...the larger the blade I carry. In this scenario I like the security and versatility of a more substantial knife. Regardless, I'll carry a smaller blade as companion and it will see more use.
 
I carry an Izula almost always with me, so it goes to the woods more often than most of my larger knives. Granted that most of my "larger" knives are 4 inches or less anyway. Most of my time in the wilderness happens during work (work at a state park and at home on the farm) so something that is small, light, and unobtrusive is a must for me. It simply won't do for me to be in and out of equipment and working on stuff with a big old blade hanging off my belt, just gets in the way too much. I carry my Izula in my front pocket and it stays there just fine without catching on stuff. It is a perfectly capable blade, which I have used for most bushcraft chores and have cleaned many, many animals of all sizes with it as well. Due to the small handle it's not great for carving but I'd rather have this little blade on me all the time than a bigger one sometimes. When I'm out in the woods for fun I still carry it but always have a larger knife along in the pack.
 
I have a few neck knives but I don't use them alot. I like at least a 4" blade for woods bumming around. The neck knife makes a nice little backup blade & I could make it work if it was all I had but not for my only woods blade...I'm not that good yet :D As for my 2 neckers - Izula & BK11
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I carry a BHK tigerknap with me as my necker, but only as a companion knife to a larger one.

Use it as a backup, detail carver or food prep. Its also in a kydex sheath, and a little more accessible if my main blade is locked down. If I'm crossing a creek, or otherwise worried I'd lose my main blade ill stick the main blade in its sheath and lock it down with a ranger band and dummy cord. I have the neck knife close at hand and ready to draw if needed, without taking the time to unhook my main blade.
 
my BK-11 is my EDC, but I bought the clip to wear it on my belt. Small, unobtrusive, and sturdy as heck, it's good for most daily chores. When I head out to the hills though I throw my khukuri into the pack, the pair makes for an efficient marriage!
 
Although based on an SD design, I found that my Spydie Swick is a great all-'rounder. Very light, ergonomic and the S30V edge holding made it a good carver on wood once on a short hike.
 
I carried a BK11 for a while, but I rarely found a need for it. The handle never really seemed to fit my hand. I usually carry a BK2 on my belt and an ESEE 3 cross draw when im out hiking/camping. Plus, I didn't like carrying a knife around my neck. Though it doesn't weigh much, it seemed to be a distraction, constantly bumping my chest as I hiked. I made this sheath for it to carry SOB, and I liked it there as an EDC, but not for hiking, because my pack seemed to obscur the draw. Thanks. Moose

PS. I plan on giving the ESKAR another shot though when it comes out
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I don't carry one of the skeletonized tiny things for a neck knife. I do wear my Jarvenpaa puukko as a neck knife.

It looks small, but it has a 4" blade.

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I carry an Izula EDC, and in the woods I usually have it in my pack. I almost never use it in the woods. So I dont think its a must. For me anyways. I always just use my belt knife. However its nice knowing its there for backup.

So Id say optional. Im starting to realize its less about the tool, and more about the skill.
 
The closest I've come to wearing a necker is to wear either my Jarveenpa puuko or my F1 on a thong around my neck.

I've toyed with the idea of getting a necker and using it for quite some time, but have held off to this point. Mainly due to my perception of them as primarily either a last ditch or backup tool. This purpose is usualy served for me bny a folder elsewhere in my load out.

That being said I really like Andy Roys Kardas and have gotten one for my wife, and she loves it.
 
WILLIAM.M said:
I'll wager someone of your skill level would last longer with a neck knife than the average person would with a backpack full of cutlery:thumbup:
Click to expand...

LOL +1...

Personally I have a couple Izulas (neck knives) and don't wear them as such, although the smaller (neck knife) comes in handy.. I would NEVER go for a hike with just a neck knife.. I have found its absolutely mandatory to have a large knife such as a machete, my mandatory set up is small knife, medium knife, and machete.. I will never attempt a long day hike or overnight with out them.. period..

my izula piggy-backs a CS SRK...
 
I would not carry a neck on my knife in the woods, period. They are inaccessible under a shirt, especially with a pack on, and over a shirt it's just one more thing hanging around the neck that can get snagged and choke you or rip off. That said there are many knives that were designed for the task that are well suited as pocket carry, backup boot knives or small survival kit knives such as the Izula, RKK Snitch, Buck Paklite Skinner, BK11 and any given number of custom neckers.
 
tried some neckers and never quite got used to it. can't find 'em now so i suspect an exGF took off with 'em.

however, i can see some advantages to necker carry, so i haven't completely ruled it out. just got a nice little fixed blade from D. Farmer than can be worn as a necker or clipped to a pack or belt loop with a 'biner.

still might try something a little slimmer. an Izula or Koster PSK would be nice but i'd really prefer something in a high end stainless.

need a blade under 3" because of a county ordnance against concealed blades over that length.

sooo... good idea, but i haven't yet found the one for me.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I would not carry a neck on my knife in the woods, period. They are inaccessible under a shirt, especially with a pack on, and over a shirt it's just one more thing hanging around the neck that can get snagged and choke you or rip off.
Click to expand...

I put the thong around my neck, under the collar. The thong has one of those sliding keepers up near the neck, the thong then goes under the shirt for a couple of buttons, and then the knife itself (the Jarvenpaa puukko has a dangler thong) slips out right under a button, rides at kind of belly-level. It doesn't get in the way of a pack's straps, including sternum strap, and if you wear a pack with a hip belt, the knife ends up riding above where the hip belt comes around in the front. So it's accessible even with the pack on, yet isn't attached to the pack. With the thong run under my shirt, the knife also doesn't flail around, and the sheath holds the knife very deep and securely.

Stock picture of the knives and sheath from Ragweed Forge:
puukko.jpg
 
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