Stupid knife ideas: Neck knives

Posted by Mostly Genius – December 30, 2008

I am a big fan of knives for self defense purposes, but I cannot figure out when and how a neck-knife is going to get used in this role. Unless you get it out before the physical fight starts it’s probably not going to end up in your hands.

Because the knife is suspended like a pendulum by neck cord, it is always going to be in a different place. As soon as you start moving the knife is going to begin to swing. If you are taken to the ground there is a good chance that the knife is going to end up in your armpit.

Most neck knives are suspended from a break-away chain (to prevent you from getting choked with the cord) but if grabbed you stand a fair chance of loosing the knife because of the breakaway chain.

If the neck knife is worn concealed (under a shirt) I don’t think there is much chance of getting to it once the fight starts. If the assailant gets any sort of “mount” (what was once called the “Schoolboy pin”) It’s going to be a challenge to get that knife working. If the knife isn’t concealed it is pretty inviting for the assailant to grab, especially since it is pre-positioned over your vitals.

  • Lance
    I teach CQC (hand, stick, knife fighting, and combat handgun), and I have to say I pretty much agree with you. You're better off with a knife in a primary carry area.

    It is possible to reach for a knife during a tussle, or after blocking a strike by a weapon wielding opponent, particularly if you carry the knife correctly, but having one swing around your neck causes you to chase a moving target. Training should involve consistency, always reaching the same place, always reaching the same way, always moving clothing out of the way in the same manner, drawing the same way, etc. That's difficult to train for when your weapon is moving. I CERTAINLY would not count on it as a primary weapon. Perhaps as a weapon of last resort, right after removing my shoe and throwing at the assailant. ;)
  • Matt
    Most people who wear neck knives aren't thinking about self defense purposes. Instead they wear them while out backpacking or hiking.
  • I suppose there might be some merit in that idea, but I have never run into a problem finding pocket space for a knife.
  • TheGunGeek
    I've always thought that they really only served the purpose of having a knife that can be easily reached by either hand and doesn't take up any precious pocket or belt real estate. More of a survival or emergency situation sort of thing as opposed to a self defense option.
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