Are Neck Knives Good for Self Defense?

Answer 1

The simple answer is most of the them really are not. The issue isn't even the size that much, although very small blades take a somewhat different set of techniques to really be used as a good defensive weapon, because they don't give you much reach. The problem is generally with neck knives there is nothing to hang on to for the grip. In any kind of defensive knife, having a positive grip is the most important characteristic. So, for the knives you are looking at specifically with their proportionately small handles, no, they would not be a good choice.

Something in the CRKT Minimalist Series will probably serve significantly better because of the improved grip surface. Still defending yourself with a 2" blade is not optimal by any means. In particular, you lose virtually any intimidation factor you might get out of something larger.

I'll skip the lecture about bladed defense needing training, to really be effective, not because it isn't true, but because that isn't really the crux of your question. However, with a knife that small, in a real defensive situation, you aren't going to be able to stab normally, because it isn't long enough to really penetate that many layers of cloths. You are going to have to focus on the neck, face, hands and wrists where there is exposed skin to try and slash or stab at arteries.

However, it is important to note that you can effectively defend yourself with a freshly sharpened #2 pencil. Technique is as important as necessity.