What deadly genius first devised the neck knife is a matter lost to the tides of history, but most guesses trace it back to the earliest man. Just able to make the most rudimentary tools, sewing in pockets or creating a specialized tactical clip to go on their bone blade was far outside the knowledge of the average prehistoric human, but they did have knots, which meant they could tie their tools onto their person. The practice of attaching weapons and equipment via lanyard or thong was common among tribespeople, and it still carries on today. If you carry a neck knife, you’re engaging in a practice likely adopted by your earliest ancestors.

Modern neck knives are made of far tougher materials than bone, and they’re carried with better stuff too. From steel or titanium chains to paracord, how you attach your blade to your body is as important as which knife you carry. Traditional neck knives are small, fixed-blade tools that are hung around the neck for both concealment and fast access. They come in a variety of styles and are used in a plethora of ways, so if you’re ready to join the revolution, one of our best neck knives for EDC could be the deadly jewelry you need. In order to help you get your hands on one of today’s best available options, we’ve gotten our hands on a wide selection of the latest and greatest neck knives in order to put them to the test and deliver a hands-on review of the best neck knives for discreet everyday carry. 

Selection & Testing

When we first set out to find the best neck knives, we kicked off our search by first making a list of qualities and factors that would be used to guide our selections for what we suspected may be one of the best neck knives on the market. Relying on material selection, dimensions, blade shape, sheath, and, when applicable, handle construction, these areas would allow us to generate a shortlist of candidates that stood out to us as seemingly representing one of the best in the neck knife segment. Though you can glean a decent amount of information through photos and spec sheets, you can’t really get a complete understanding of a neck knife’s true performance and worth without getting your hands on it and testing it. So, that’s exactly what we did, proceeding to get our hands on every neck knife on our shortlist before putting each one through its paces. 

In order to both learn how each neck knife performed, and to judge, compare, contrast, and score and rank them, we devised a handful of standard tests, such as a quick-draw under the shirt test in order to see how easy each knife was to yank out of its sheath when worn on a necklace, a paper-cutting test to judge the sharpness of each blade’s factory edge, We also stuffed cardboard boxes with paper and performed stabbing tests to judge how each knife and handle felt under hard use in a manner in which it would be used in a CQC or self-defense scenario. Four broken-down, stacked up cardboard boxes were also all sliced through in an effort to score each blade on its conduciveness to hard workhorse use. 

Additionally, this hands-on testing phase would provide insight into other areas that one can’t simply learn from looking at a knife online, such as its overall level of craftsmanship and fit and finish. Finally, to get a real sense of what it’s actually like to live with and wear each knife, I lived with, and wore each knife — with each blade spending a few days being worn around my neck. This battery of tests would ultimately allow us to narrow our shortlist down to a final selection of what we found to be the very best neck knives that money can currently buy. 

CRKT Minimalist

Best Budget Pick:Though it may not look like much, the Alan Folts-designed CRKT Minimalist is a knife that I’ve fallen in love with over the last year, as it does pretty much everything that a good knife should — offering ample utility, durability, and ergonomics — while coming in an exceedingly compact and affordably-priced package. Measuring 5.25” overall, this Columbia River Knife & Tool model sports a G10 or Micarta handle with super deep and pronounced finger grooves that let the scales rest perfectly between your fingers and in your palm. These grippy scales perfectly align with the Minimalist’s underlying 5Cr15MoV full-tang construction, which measures  0.110” thick. 

Thanks to its super ergonomic handle design, the Minimalist is ridiculously easy to grab and draw when being worn on a necklace — whether it’s over or under-the-shirt. The thing also ships straight from the factory with an approximately 2.25-inch-long section of braided paracord looped into the base of the handle. When worn on a necklace, this bit of paracord dangles and hangs down, making the knife even easier to grab and deploy. A tiny bit of jimping at the base of the blade’s spine also helps to afford a bit of extra grip and control. Even when I used this knife when wearing gloves, its ergonomics were still top-notch. With that said, I imagine those with larger hands may find the handle to be a more awkward fit. The thickness of the tang and handle also allows the knife to afford robust levels of grip, while still being low-profile enough to easily conceal beneath a t-shirt. 

While it’s a fantastic neck knife that can no doubt go toe-to-toe with the rest of the knives on this list, a monumental part of what makes the drop point-bladed version of the CRKT Minimalist so special is the thing’s unparalleled versatility. No matter the use or application, the Minimalist is up for the job — a reason that this one sub-$50 knife has graced a myriad of our best knives lists and reviews, from our recent best boot knives story to our writeup and hands-on testing of the best fixed blade knives for everyday carry. Obviously its material selection and impressive build quality play roles in my proclivity for it — as does it truly phenomenal bang-for-your-buck.

Though the knife itself is fantastic, I did have a few issues with the Minimalist’s sheath, as it just doesn’t offer the best retention. In fact, when I held the sheath and gave it a good flick, the knife would fly out 9 out of 10 times. Sadly, the sheath can’t be adjusted or tightened. Fortunately, our pals over at Armatus Carry Solutions have solved this problem by delivering an available aftermarket KYDEX sheath for this CRKT knife. As far as the knife itself, my main gripe stems from the fact that its drop point blade doesn’t make for the most effective or deadly profile for self-defense use — though it’s also this same drop point shape that affords the Minimalist so much versatility. It’s also crucial to mention that CRKT produces the Minimalist in a huge slew of different blade shapes, from a bowie to a cleaver to a Katana to a Keramin to a spear point to a Persian — several of which lack the overall utility of the drop point version though make for markedly better self-defense tools. Also, this version of the knife features a 5Cr15MoV blade, which is a pretty budget steel, though at this price point it’s hard to complain here.

Verdict: Punching well above its weight, the CRKT Minimalist Drop Point is a compact value-laden fixed blade that offers great ergonomics and a level of versatility that more than makes up for anything this Minimalist variant lacks in self-defense-readiness. 

SOG Snarl

Editor’s Pick:Designed by Jason Brous of Brous Blades, the SOG Snarl is an ultra-unique neck knife that manages to punch well above its weight on several levels. Spanning just 4.30” overall, the Snarl features a 9Cr18MoV full-tang construction and a decidedly pokey 2.30-inch sheepsfoot blade. Despite its diminutive size, the Snarl is able to afford surprisingly impressive levels of grip — an area owed to a dual-finger-hole design set above a third finger groove. Large enough to be used even when wearing gloves, these finger holes also make the Snarl ridiculously easy to grab and deploy when worn under the shirt/on a necklace. 

Jimping across the back of the blade’s spine provides a ton of extra grip, while swedge-like notches towards the front of the blade act as thumb-rests, increasing control for when taking on finer, more precise or delicate tasks. Thanks to a super beefy quarter-inch-thick tang — a measurement more commonly reserved for full-size survival knives — the Snarl is actually able to take on legitimate hard-use tasks. What’s more, the generous thickness of the blade also means the Snarl would have no problem in a CQC or self-defense scenario, as there’s practically zero chance its super stubby and super beefy blade would snap or break during an attack. It’s also hard not to be impressed by the Snarl’s factory edge, as it’s not only razor-sharp, but it has no problem slicing or dicing its way through paper or cardboard, despite the thickness of the blade. As a result, you can probably imagine the kind of damage the knife could deal out in a CQC setting. 

My favorite part of the Snarl — and what ultimately makes this SOG knife such a good neck knife — is the way its design sees part of the handle and front finger hole incorporated into the blade, as it provides a nearly-2.5-inch cutting surface while still allowing its user to achieve a super robust and firm grip. And, while I’m honestly unsure as to whether or not this was done intentionally, I nonetheless appreciate how the Snarl’s finger holes allow it to serve as a two-hole knuck/duster, provide a very effective albeit less lethal self-defense option. I’m also a fan of the Snarl’s thoughtful sheath design, as the thing is compact, yet still allowed me to get a finger though both of the handle’s holes while its still sheathed — resulting in the Snarl being in an attack-ready position as soon as it leaves the sheath.

As much as it admittedly has going for it, there were a few areas that I wasn’t so fond of when testing the SOG Snarl. When I first started using it, I noticed its sheath was incredibly stiff, requiring me to really have to tug on it to pull the blade out. Over the course of a few days it did loosen up, albeit to an extent that made me worry that the sheath may eventually grow too loose over time with regular use — an area exacerbated by the fact that its molded nylon sheath can’t be tightened or adjusted in any way. Next, because of how the Snarl’s front finger hole is set into the blade, it can only penetrate objects — or attackers — by an inch or two, resulting in it not really being ideal for anything other than slashing. Lastly, while its idiosyncratic handle design does do a phenomenal job providing grip, it can be pretty uncomfortable to use, especially when taking on hard-use tasks — or presumably self-defense scenarios. 

Verdict: Offering terrific bang-for-your-buck, the SOG Snarl is a pointy neck knife with a unique dual finger-hole handle design and an ultra-pokey sheepsfoot blade that together afford the thing actual workhorse and self-defense capabilities. 

ESEE Candiru

Best Upgrade Pick:Since first debuting over a decade ago, the ESEE Candiru has become one of the most popular compact fixed blade knives on the market. Designed by Cody Rowen of Rowen Manufacturing fame, the Candiru takes its name from the parasitic fish that’s native to the Amazon River. Well-crafted and extremely versatile, this USA-made knife consists of a single-piece of 1095 high-carbon steel that spans just 5.125″ in total. Boasting a 0.13-inch-thick full-tang construction, this skeleton-style knife comes cloaked a textured powder-coated finish and culminates in a utilitarian 2.00” drop point profile. Tipping the scales at only 1.7oz, the Candiru comes paired with a small injection-molded polymer sheath as well. 

With a thickness of just 0.13”, the Candiru is incredibly low-profile, allowing it to discreetly be worn beneath a shirt without being visible to the outside observer. So, even though it wasn’t engineered to be a neck knife, the Candiru is nonetheless extremely conducive to being worn and carried around your neck. This area is furthered by the fact that it provides surprisingly good ergonomics despite boasting a three-finger-length handle design. What’s more, though only a small detail, the jimping at the base of the blade’s spine hugely ups the knife’s level of grip, making this already lightweight fixed blade that much easier to precisely control. This in turn, makes the Candiru particularly conducive to finer, more delicate tasks. 

No different than the other handful of ESEE knives that I’ve tested or used over the last few years, the Candiru benefits from a razor-sharp factory edge that I found to be on par with blades costing several times as much. While it’s essentially just a single piece of alloy, the Candiru’s build quality and fit and finish is top notch — making its domestic manufacturing origin readily apparent. Another monumental part of what makes this blade so special is undoubtedly its unparalleled levels of versatility. Whether used as a camp knife, a boot knife, an EDC knife, or a neck knife, this little cutting tool excels in a wide range of applications. In addition to producing this knife in multiple finishes, ESEE also makes several available sets of handle scales for the Candiru. And, though it’s fairly indestructible as far as small knives go, should you somehow manage to damage the Candiru, ESEE stands behind the knife with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

I’ve personally had an ESEE Candiru in my knife collection for the last few years, so I’d already spent ample time handling and using this knife before recently getting hands-on with it once again when carrying out the testing for this writeup. As such, I expected to be able to provide more insight onto the shortcomings and downsides of the Candiru, though the reality is that it’s just a fantastic little knife with very few issues. My only real gripe with the knife itself stems from the fact that it wasn’t designed to be used specifically as a neck knife. As such, unlike every other knife on this list, the Candiru is devoid of any deep ergonomic groves or Karambit-style finger holes. This does make it a bit harder to quickly and consistently grab and deploy when worn beneath a shirt. Adding a set of optional Micarta or G10 scales to the Candiru hugely improves this area, though it also makes the knife a lot less low-profile. Additionally, the Candiru’s injection-molded sheath doesn’t feel as high quality as the rest of the knife — though Armatus Carry Solutions produces a terrific aftermarket KYDEX sheath that very much remedies this issue. 

Verdict: Characterized by its simplicity and versatility, the ESEE Candiru is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a do-it-all neck knife that can also lend itself to a wide variety of other uses and styles of carrying. 

Spyderco ARK

Best Overall Pick:Short for the  “Always Ready Knife,” the Spyderco ARC was created specifically to serve as an effective self-defense knife that can be worn or carried at all times, whether working out, showering, or sleeping. As a result, this roughly 5-inch knife boasts a super low-profile design with a 0.08-inch thick blade and a svelte FRN handle that’s just 0.26” at its thickest point. Despite these aforementioned qualities, the ARC still manages to afford ample grip, and its 2.56-inch blade is more than capable of dealing out its fair share of damage. Made in Japan from H-2 steel, the ARK also benefits from an ultra-low-profile yet ultra-secure polymer sheath. 

Because it was formulated as a neck knife, the ARK boasts a few clever features that make it extremely conducive to being worn on a necklace. For starters, its low-profile handle uses Spyderco’s proprietary Bi-Directional Texturing pattern, plus features a deep finger groove. When combined, these elements make the ARK super easy to draw and deploy. The thing’s FRN handle has also been molded directly onto the knife’s tang, making it incredibly strong. Another brilliant touch is the ARK’s sheath. Instead of using a normal retention design, Spyderco has managed to keep the sheath ridiculously low-profile thanks to a built-in lock tab that needs to be pressed in order to release the blade. What’s more, not only does the ARK weigh less than an ounce, but it also tips the scales at just 2oz when equipped with the sheath. 

As my hands-on testing proved, there’s just a lot to love about the Spyderco ARK. Its design is purposeful and effective, and it does everything that a quality neck knife should. Like every other Spyderco knife I’ve ever used, the factory edge on the ARK is nothing short of superb, boasting the ability to dice through paper or cardboard effortlessly — an area furthered by its thin blade profile. And, while it isn’t functional and is basically only there for aesthetic reasons, I really appreciate how the ARK incorporates the Colorado company’s signature thumb hole opening into its design, as it makes the thing instantly recognizable as being a Spyderco. 

Before getting the knife in hand, I did notice its sub-.10-inch-thick blade thickness on the ARK’s spec sheet, as I was concerned that a blade that thin may be prone to snapping or breaking when being used full-tilt in an attack, though after getting my hands on the thing I now realize this was clearly a deliberate decision to keep the thing as comfortable to wear and as low-profile and discreet as possible — while still being an effective self-defense tool. As such, the only real complaint I stumbled upon when testing the Spyderco ARK is the fact that its sheath requires that you tap its lock tab in order to draw the blade. — rather than simply being able to yank it out of the sheath like every other knife on this list. While I didn’t think the lock tab was particularly difficult to locate by feel or use, I can imagine it might be harder in the heat of a self-defense or CQC scenario. Additionally, I’ve never been a big fan of Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texturing pattern as I feel like it has a cheap look and feel to it — though there’s absolutely no denying its immense durability or the crazy levels of grip that it affords. I also understand this latter area is purely subjective. 

Verdict: Born out of an effort to create a knife that can be worn at all times, no matter when, no matter where, the Spyderco ARK is the archetypal example of everything that a great neck knife should be, from its low-profile yet decidedly deadly blade and handle design to its thoughtfully-designed, locking, low-profile sheath. Also, while discussing great Spyderco neck knives, I also have to give a shoutout to the brand’s Subway Bowie, which is another option worth considering when shopping in this space. 

Spartan Blades Enyo

Best USA-Made Pick:Named after the Greek God of War’s (Ares’) companion, the Spartan Bladed Enyo is a top-shelf American-made take on a neck knife that sees a highly-calculated low-profile design brought to fruition using meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials. From Spartan Blades’ Elite Grade series, the Enyo spans 6.25” overall — 2.688” of which comprises the knife’s blade. Benefitting from a trio of strategically-placed sections of jimping, the Enyo boasts stellar ergonomics, with grooves and notches that allow it to perfectly fit in the hand — whether carried normally or in a reserve grip. Despite being devoid of scales, the handle’s 0.188-inch thickness makes it feel super secure when grasped — plus makes it easy to grab and draw when carried on a necklace.

High-end through and through, the Enyo boasts a single-piece construction that’s forged in top-shelf CPM S45VN powder metallurgy blade steel that’s been both “SpartaCoated” (PVD-coated) and double-deep cryo-treated. The Enyo’s unique combination of fantastic ergonomics and easy conceal-ability together make it a truly incredible neck knife — an area that quite frankly isn’t surprising considering the thing was engineered from the ground up to be something of the ultimate neck knife (or inside the waistband knife). The Enyo’s included KYDEX sheath also affords the perfect amount of retention, securely holding onto the blade and preventing accidental deployments while still being easy to draw when needed. 

Keeping in line with the Enyo’s overall premium nature is the fixed blade’s factory edge. Not only is it razor-sharp, but it’s also able to retain this edge for an extended period thanks to its use of one of Crucible Industries’ finest CPM steels. Though it may not the most versatile knife, I do plan on crafting a set of custom scales for the Enyo to install for when it isn’t; being used for neck, inside waistband, or other concealed means of carrying. It’s also worth noting that there are several available aftermarket scales for the Enyo, as well as available leather sheaths. And, while it admittedly has no bearing or impact on its performance, I definitely appreciate the fact that the Enyo ships with a Spartan helmet lanyard bead that comes mated to the base of the knife via a small piece of paracord. 

Though you can easily get all four fingers wrapped around the Enyo’s handle, the lack of a finger-guard or choil leads me to believe it there’s a decent chance that one’s hand could easily slip up onto the base of the cutting-edge when utilized for hard-use tasks or self-defense situations. This comprises my one and only real complaint surrounding this knife. The only other minor gripe I have is with the Enyo’s price. At $165, there’s no denying the fact that it doesn’t’ afford the best value or bang-for-your-buck, though when you consider its premium materials, stellar craftsmanship, and calculated design, I’d actually argue its MSRP is totally justifiable. So, while it may not come cheap, you really do get what you pay for — and then some. 

Verdict: If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you can get a markedly better purpose-built neck knife in the form of Spartan Blades’ Enyo, as the 6.25-inch fixed blade is forged in top-shelf CPM S45VN and features excellent ergonomics, a beefy construction, and stellar craftsmanship. 

Toor Knives Viper

Best Premium Pick:Benefitting from a slow evolution of updates that have come with each new generation of the blade, the Toor Knives Viper is a compact EDC and self-defense-ready fixed blade that’s just perfect for tactical use. Made by hand in America in small batches, the Viper features a 0.1875-inch-thick full-tang construction that’s been brought to life in rugged D2 tool steel before being sandwiched between a set of sculpted, heavily-textured G10 (or Ebony) scales. Weighing in at 3.1oz, the Viper spans 6.375″ from the base of its finger ring to the tip of its blade. 

In typical Toor fashion, not only is the Viper well-constructed, but it also offers what are easily the best ergonomics out of all the neck knives that I tested for this piece. Whether carried normally or reverse-gripped, the Viper just feels incredibly natural in the hand, lending a tremendous amount of confidence, whether you’re facing hard-use work tasks or life-and-death CQC scenarios. The finger ring at the base of the tang makes the Viper super easy to grab and deploy when worn on a necklace, plus the crowned bottom of said finger ring was designed for striking — offering a less lethal yet still powerful self-defense weapon/option. As you may have expected coming from a premium boutique knife brand, the factory-edge on the Viper is just superb and was unequivocally the sharpest out of all of the knives I tested. 

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Viper is also surprisingly versatile. Though it excels most as a self-defense blade, the thing also makes for a great everyday carry fixed blade. While its stellar build quality helps in this area, the VIper’s across-the-board utility is largely owed to its super versatile blade shape, which has the best elements of drop point profits for day-to-day and work tasks, along with a decidedly pointy tip for more effective poking and slashing in self-defense situations. The KYDEX sheath that the Viper ships with is about as perfect as a sheath can get. Not only does it provide a myriad of mounting options thanks to its rivet setup, but it also affords the perfect amount of retention — making the blade secure yet still easy to draw — and is small enough to be worn on a necklace or beneath a shirt while still covering/housing the entire blade. 

The only real problems I had with the Toor Knives Viper all stem from the fact that it wasn’t designed as a neck knife — despite undeniably being conducive to neck-carrying/wearing. This is evident in areas such as how it spans nearly 6.5” in total, is half-an-inch thick at the widest point of the handle, and weighs over 3oz. These areas make it a bit bigger and heavier than what you’d normally want in a neck knife, though the Viper’s slew of strengths collectively outweigh my size concerns. And, though the Viper is beautifully crafted — like seriously, it boasts some of the best build quality and fit and finish of any knife I’ve ever used — there’s no denying the fact that its almost-$200 MSRP is fairly steep, especially when you consider its materials. D2 isn’t a bad steel, but for almost $200, I’d really like to see a more premium CPM construction or at least a 154CM.

Verdict: An American-made do-it-all fixed blade that’s perfect for everything from self-defense to workhorse duties to everyday carry, the Toor Knives Viper is a compact yet deadly choice for a neck knife that’s just small enough to be easy to conceal, while being just thick and long enough to stand up to hard-use and combat alike. 

Neck Knives Comparison Chart

What Exactly Is A Neck Knife?

Neck knives are a genre of fixed-blade knives that typically sport small, compact proportions and designs. The term “neck knife” is derived from the fact that these items come with an included holster or sheath on a necklace, allowing the knife to be worn around its user’s neck where it can quickly and easily be accessed. 

What’s The Purpose Of A Neck Knife?

Not unlike boot knives, neck knives can be carried by themselves, but most commonly are utilized as backup/last resort blades intended to be deployed in emergency situations. Unsurprisingly, as last-ditch blades, neck knives tend to be engineered primarily for self-defense applications, with blade profiles designed for piercing and slashing. With that said, there are also more utilitarian, workhorse-style neck knives, though they aren’t as common as their defense-focused counterparts. 

What’s The Ideal Size/Length For A Neck Knife?

Neck knives have a difficult balancing act to pull off, as they need to be small enough to be comfortably worn on a necklace — and be concealed beneath the wearer’s shirt — while still being large enough to afford the level of grip required to actually be useful in self-defense applications. As a result, most neck knives tend to clock in at around 5” to 6”, though there are exceptions that are both larger and smaller. 

What To Consider When Shopping

If you’ve never bought, owned, or used a neck knife, it can be difficult to know what to look for when shopping for one. In a bid to help streamline the purchasing process, we’ve pieced together this condensed guide on the most important factors to take into account before pulling the trigger on your purchase. 

Size: As touched on above, neck knives need to be large enough to be effective as a backup weapon, while being small enough to be comfortably concealed and worn around the neck. Because of their intended use, we generally recommend opting for neck knives on the larger end of the spectrum as they objectively offer markedly better grip, performance, and defensive capabilities. 

Blade Steel: The type of steel that a blade is made from is always of extreme importance on any knife, however, with neck knives being fixed-blade items that are frequently of the skeletonized, Paracord-ready variety, blade steel composition is even more pivotal. As such, you’ll want to look into the type of blade steel being used, as well as the blade steel’s hardness rating on the Rockwell scale. 

Blade Shape: The profile of a blade plays a major role in how a knife will perform, with some shapes better lending themselves to slicing and slashing while others are more conducive to puncturing and piercing. We recommend selecting a knife with a blade shape based on a combination of your intended use and preferred fighting style. 

Blade Thickness: As brutal as it may sound, it’s not uncommon for blades to bend, snap, or break in close-quarter combat situations. As a result, we tend to see the more high-end tactical combat knives on the market bestowed with ultra-robust and beefy blade thicknesses that can withstand the type of immense pressure and force experienced in combat. Neck knives can similarly benefit from thicker blade constructions for this same reason. 

Conceal-Ability: The entire purpose of wearing a neck knife is to have a discreet blade on you that’s always at the ready and within reach. In order to achieve the being discreet part, the neck knife needs to be fairly low profile. As such, you’ll want to look at the thickest point of the handle, as well as the sheath, as these will always be the two beefiest parts of any neck knife — and play the biggest role in whether or not a neck knife can be discreetly concealed. 

Grip & Ergonomics: As blades that are primarily intended for self-defense use, the ability to get a firm grasp on a neck knife’s handle is beyond crucial. For this reason, you’ll want to pay close attention to a neck knife’s handle’s size, material, texture, and shape, as these elements collectively determine a neck knife’s level of grip and ergonomics. 

Handle Material: The type of construction used for a neck knife’s scales will play a major role in the handle’s durability and grip, with the most common being G-10 and Micarta. Additionally, there are plenty of neck knives with skeletonized full-tang handles that can be left bare, wrapped in Paracord, or, in some cases, fitted with optional handle scales. 

Holster/Sheath: By definition, neck knives have to be sold with a sheath or holster that comes suspended on a necklace. Because this element determines how well and secure a knife will be held when not deployed, it’s of extreme importance — an area furthered by the fact that neck knife sheaths and holsters can massively vary in terms of quality and performance. As a result, you’ll definitely want to look into the type of sheath or holster being used and the item’s construction. 

Honorable Mentions

Easily offering some of the best bang-for-your-buck of any purpose-built neck knife currently on the market, the Skallywag Tactical The Mini Mk2 is a 4.7-inch long fixed blade comprised of a 420 HC blade with a hybrid clip point-sheepsfoot profile and sculpted G10 scales. Though it’s small, the Mini Mk2’s self-defense-specific design makes it an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a neck knife. Best of all, the thing can be picked up for less than $20. 

A purpose-built neck knife design from legend Ethan Becker, the KA-BAR Becker Necker is an American-made neck knife that comes with a locking hard plastic sheath. Composed of 1095 Cro-Van steel, the Becker Necker boasts a skeleton-style design with integrated bottle opener — and the ability to be fitted with custom or aftermarket scales. At around 6.50” in length, this knife is a bit larger than most neck knives, resulting in it receiving an honorable mention here. 

Touted as an “Anywhere Last Resort Tool,” the TOPS Knives ALRTXL 03 is a compact 5.38-inch neck knife that offers true workhorse capabilities — a rarity in the neck knife segment — thanks to a beefy 0.19-inch-thick full-tang construction forged in rugged 1095 high-carbon steel. Though small, the ALRTXL 03 affords enough leverage and grip to actually lend itself to hard-use tasks — whether that be for work or self-defense applications. 

If you’re after a more general-use neck knife that can handle everything from work horse tasks to self-defense duties, the WESN Bornas is unquestionably one of your best bets. Boasting heirloom-quality craftsmanship, this Swedish-made EDC fixed blade features a full-tang CPM S35VN construction sandwiched between the buyer’s choice of rosewood or G10 scales. The Bornas is also offered with either a leather or KYDEX sheath — the latter of which is obviously best for neck knife use.