Cold Steel vs CRKT: Best Neck Knives by Nutnfancy
Lightweight, super strong, and easy to hide. That's a great neck knife. I haven't been a super fan in the past. But like in the intro, you can teach an old dog new tricks and in some POUs they make sense. On the table are some of the best high value neck knives made and they square off against each other in this Nutnfancy KRV. Both the CRKT Obake and Cold Steel Spikes are both super light and fast into action. Covered in the video are handle designs, blade designs and steel choices, sheath construction (both superb), value, and more. In the end you'll see both of these knife series are excellent and will serve the purposes well. ///////////If you're a TNPr buy at CRKT Obake with this: www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-...
Cold Steel Tokyo Spike: www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-53NH...
Cold Steel Bowie Spike: www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-53NB...
Also at www.cutleryshoppe.com, use code Nutnfancy for free shipping, Jeff has great prices too!
This is why I watch... "That steel isn't good enough for me. They are making shivs out of plexiglass and toothbrushes in prison, and killing with it. I think 4116 steel will do just fine."
gitchel mittins Exactly...thanks for noticing the details man. Peace. -nutnfancy
nutnfancy Epic quote. Are you thinking about mugs, t-shirts, badges... xD
As always, Nutn, thanks for the review! It's good to hear you like the Obake. A couple things: you need to meet designer Lucas Burnley when you get a chance. He's solid. Maybe stop by the SHOT booth next year (in your latest disguise!) and chat with him. And I'm pretty sure you'd rock a unicorn bead like a boss. I'll bet you could even find a matching fanny pack. ;) Take care, bro. -Ben
The cord wrapped handled Obake goes up agains the entire Cold Steel Spike series...who wins?
+DeadlyPredator Why do people collect zippos? Baseball cards? Shoes? Action figures? Do they need them? Probably not. Do they like them? Hell yeah. Asking a knife lover why he gets knives is like asking why do people eat. This is their food and drink.
In have an obake and its useless, looks to good to use, need to buy another as an edc
Thanks for another great video. Thanks for educating me on knives as well, trying to get into knives more. Keep It up!
Great head to head! love it. Thank you for all the KRV's, LOVE EM!!!
Dude your videos are awesome, i still remember your first shoot video with your son and that sweet buckmark, followed up by the buckmark review some time later. purchased one myself after that, slick and reliable pistol. (so far 800+ rounds) just actually fractured my scaphoid though so your vids are making the time go by until i can get shooting again, thanks again and keep up the good work!
I have to go with the CRKT, just got one! Really like how the cord wraps around a belt or belt loop and acts as a rip cord style pulling the sheath away during the draw. At first I figured it was a neck knife until I seen the video of the designer demonstrating the use. The epoxy based cord handle really makes great solid durable traction with the grip. Overall, nice little fixed blade EDC.
Nice no nonsense review as usual. I've never carried a knife dangling from the neck but your example kinda opened up my eyes a bit. Could be a good option in certain situations like you said.
I have the crkt obake and I love it. Great video. And I would totally rock a unicorn lanyard
Been carrying the CS Bowie for about 2 years. Use it for everything outdoors just about.
Thanks for the cool video nutn I like to carry neck knives when walking around my home in my underwear.
I love neck knives, though I never carry them around my neck.
Great showdown, I've had the Obake for a couple of months now and really like it. I agree that it isn't a good neck knife and so I wear it attached to my belt on my backside.
I have a CRKT S.P.E.W. it is a good little neck knife. I keep it either in my back pack for work or in my glove box.
Hey, nutnfancy , I really dig your gear reviews. Your Positives and Negatives, and your overall comparison on these is SPOT ON. I actually plan on picking up an Obake and an Izula in the next month or so as my back up belt/neck carry. Your concerns on the Obake lack of finger guard was also my only drawback on that knife. I am a big dude, and usually carry a full-size Glock with 2 extra mags and a ZT 0200 as my daily carry, and I have carried the CRKT S.P.E.W. as my smaller/belt/utility knife (great little blade, btw), but have been looking for a good concealable quality but budget friendly back up for when the SPEW won't do. Great review! The Obake is my next knife!
Have had the obake a few months and like it. Carry in the waist band, neck knives hurt my neck. Thx for the vid!
Another great nutnfancy review.
love the vid. love the knife discussions
Obake means ghost in Japanese. And the pronunciation of the e at the end is eh like Canadians say. the letter i makes an ee sound like in mitsubishi
Yes! Hey Nutn, you need more mountain bike vids!! They got tons of views!!
I've been EDCing the CRKT Minimalist Bowie for 6 months now. There's nothing more convenient then having a knife around your neck. Especially when I'm wearing basketball shorts, going to the beach or something it's just an awesome blade. Thanks for the review.
The Spike resembles some flea-market steak knives.
You need to commission an owl bead for your lanyards.
Sweet review as always, I actually just picked up an Obake 2 weeks ago and I'm very happy with it, as mentioned in the video of the handle is very comfortable, out of the box the edge is very sharp, so far its keeping an edge but I do use my folder for most heavy cutting, & I think it looks awfully sharp, no pun intended. My only gripe is aesthetic and quite trivial, but I was under the impression that the acid etching on the blade was unique for each knife. I was wrong, while comparing against a Google image I noticed that the pattern is almost identical, it may be a little bit thinner or thicker here and there but overall it's the same pattern on each knife. so it's not as unique as I hoped but I'm still quite happy with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fixed blade defensive "neck"type knife. Also, the skull, yeah I'm not that much of a badass but it does work well for what it does and that is that I can fine-tune how much slack I have in the paracord before it becomes taut. I do carry mine as Lucas Burnley intended. I wouldn't mind looking into one of the cold steel options, I might pick one up just to keep in the car.
I've carried the obake for about 3 months as recommended by the designer. I like the fact that you can carry the knife iwb and still tuck a shirt in over it. My favorite neck knife hands down would have to be the crkt minimalist bowie
Another POU for the Cold Steel Spike is around your rear view mirror in your car, I've been doing it for a year now and it's fantastic; I've got the sheath wrapped in camoform so it doesn't stick out as much as black. I didn't like carrying it everyday because I was afraid of breaking the tip.
My pick is the Spike (blade length and gaurd are a big plus).
thats awesome, I am rocking an obake right now :3
Thanks Nutn!
Considering that the knives will be in a presumably sweaty environment (your chest with sweat) - wouldn't the steel on the Cold Steel be the better option?
On amazon - CRKT obake $33.54, cold steel spike tanto, $21.37. Assuming free shipping.
Hey Nutn! Thanks for everything you do. BUT...why haven't you done a KRV on any of the CRKT Michael Williams tactical folders???
Sir. if its possible, would you do a video review of the Victorinox hunter Pro, im very interested in buying one, but i want to know your opinion on it.
Just purchased the Cold Steel GI Tanto, love it. But, I'm probably going to wrap the handle
LOL.."They are making shivs out of plastic and toothbrushes in prison and killing guys with it."..
Great vid, as usual, Nutn!!! Minimalist is a great line of neck knives too, and they are very light. I would like to see a review of then too!!! BTW i love neck knives! Cheers pal!
dobermansnp Good to know about Minimalist...as usual you guys teach me more than I do you! -nutn
nutnfancy really glad to help, Nutn! All the best!!!
There is a bowie variant nutn ;p
Hey Nutn, I was wondering if you had any plans to review the SOG SwitchPlier 2.0.
I never really noticed the flooded market with the skulls to your point. Being an emerson and Metallica fan it just was always there for me....I like it :) great review!
Cool review, just wondering, you ever carry some type of nonlethal stuff? Sprays, stun guns, etc?
I like the spike better. The tanto is second type of cool to me.
Ha, my edc crkt minimalist standard blade is not for defense at all. Love the little blade and it came razor sharp, I usually have to sharpen most of my new knives. I wish I had it when I was thru hiking the AT, it would have been all I needed in a knife.
Hi nuntnfamcy your vids have made me decide to buy so many blades spydetcos and cold steels as well as many diffnt crkts the ripple simply amazing blade but question can you do a review on the spyderco rock shemp blade thanks keep up the krvs
Hey nutnfancy, do you think you can review the new Byrd Raven 2? It looks quite promising.
Speaking of neck knives, do you have any intention on reviewing the new spyderco ARK? it is only 2 oz including the sheath.
Hey nutn, have you had the chance to get your hands on the latest Manix 2 Lightweight with the S110V? I'd love to see your review of it and your take on the S110V.
Would be it be smart to use any of these neck knives with a flint rod?
I like the Spike Knives, but the Secure-Ex sheath sucks, since it dulls the knive.
Just ordered the Cold Steel Bowie Spike. Is the Sheath compatible with the tec lok for belt carry? I know that they say it is, but has anyone actually tried it out?
CRKT for me all the way. I love the handle and etched blade!
@nutnfancy ok you made me laugh with the beads (totally agree about all the skull stuff). But with the mine...without the spikes. Haha, that's just called a ball. Which is just a normal bead. :)
I like the CRKT Dragon. Price is similar to the Cold Steel models reviewed. Also has a great sheath. Been using Tiki Heads for lanyard beads lately!
Couldnt find new shirts on the webstore, are they already sold out?
nutnfancy do you have a bug out bag?....if so what pack do you use
Please make another video about the spikes especially the tanto spoke by coldsteel
Honestly Nutn my question when it comes to hotels in bad neighborhoods is, was it worth loosing that $400 in knives a little while back just to save some cash? It's not really a question I want an answer to but I want to put it in perspective. I mean Steve Fisher talked about the concealed carry lifestyle and in short he said, "Don't do stupid things, don't go to stupid places, don't hang out with stupid people."
I watched this video last week. (Sorry, I am running behind on my TNP vids :). Like 99% of the times I watch one of your vids, I go out an make the purchase, but not on blind faith. Only because of the YEARS of watching your vids and being completely convinced that you do all the due diligence I would, often times much more :) Of course, now I own all three blades in the video... AND the FDE TNP shark patch AND the TNP Top Dog patch. I have previous versions of both! Okay, lick fest over :). I have to say, you literally cannot go wrong with either choice. Your vid was on the money. I will say this. I agree with the handle on the CRT. It is awesome, but here is something I do not believe you mentioned. The wrap on the CRT has been "stiffened". Not sure how to describe it, but I was thinking it was a paracord wrap and would have some play. Man, there is NO movement on that wrap at all. It is INSANE. I will probably remove the lanyard and replace with some gutted 550 so I can wear it around my neck. The sheath retention is INCREDIBLE. As for the two Cols Steel Spikes, again, home run of a different type. Love the thumb ramp and the finger choil. I could not be happier. If you are not a fan of neck knives, you will be. If you are still not convinced, they make a hell of a letter opener. As always, thank you for all you do. I hope you, mrs. nutn, tacticle doodle, last suspect, veriliones, and the rest of the team are doing well! God Bless!
Hey Nutn. Quick question. I have heard that full flat ground blades are stronger than hollow ground blades, but hollow ground blades have an increased sharpening life without having to do any re profiling. Is this true. I would really appreciate it if you could get back to me. Thank you!
Storm Trooper lanyard !!
MrNiceGuy80x5 Darth Vader would be cool too, but we really need an Owl lanyard.
Worked as a prison guard for years - Saw first hand what plexiglas and mild steel can do to human flesh, even with a 1/2 assed grind. Super steels are awesome if you're slicing rope or cardboard all day, but for use on people any steel at all will work just fine.
I have to open carry these in my state but is a great deterrent I suppose. :)
But will these knives stand up to the nutnfancy rock smashing test?
gandj19 LOL I remember that.
I have the CRKT First Strike with the cord hardly. The sheath wore the cord away quite quickly, I had to bode it with some polyurethane glue.
Are you going to do a review for the obaki
If we're talking about mainly self defense, I think one of cold steels push daggers would be a lot better than both these knives. There's no way that push dagger handle is coming loose from your hands
I wonder if a tec lock will work on the Cold Steel?
The cold steels have a Scandi grind, so for paper cut tests you need to come in very shallow. Scandi is 22 degrees inclusive so they're freakishly sharp.
man I'm really drooling for that crkt but I got so many bills due I just can't pull off buying one not even for my bday pitiful I know lol great review and even tho I love cold steel id take the crkt any time over those it's so freakin cool! and take care nutn I been with ya since way back in 08 I think lol
By the way, sweet new patches and t-shirt!!
Actually, I've actually seen the cord setup described for years on bladeforums and called "static cord" and it probably didn't originate there, either. I can see why Lucas Burnley used it with the Obake, though.
I understand the budget aspect. Yet, I would choose the Williams Yukanto over the Obaki. 4.56" of AUS 8 goodness.
What about an owl bead for lanyards
I wear a very small neck knife every day. Its under 5" total length. I use it more often than my pocket knife. Its so small it leaves no footprint under a shirt if I am concealing it. I also have a larger neck knife for out in the woods & camping. When you get used to a neck knife, you can draw it & be ready much faster than a pocket folder. I have never cut myself in many years of wearing one when deploying or re sheathing it. I wear it when riding my motorcycle too. I ride dual sport & spend alot of time offroad.
I always love CRKT had avfew over the years great knive. Had som CS as well. I perfer CRKT hands down.
The Johnson is a vital organ Nutn.and one that rides close to my pocket! And my knees! :)
I would figure in a neck carry situation, the knife will be against your body a potentially high humidity environment. So I think for me me, most other things being equal, I would go with the more rust resistant one.
I agree 100% that skulls are getting a bit lame. One of my favourite bead designs is the Lion Armory Crusader, but those are quite expensive imo. (And yes, I know there are much more expensive beads out there, it's all about perspective)
As far as the price difference goes, the obake is now available at Walmart for under $30. When I saw that I bought one and it now resides on the mag pouch side of my shoulder holster, that belt attachment works for nylon pouch hangers as well.If you thought the knife was worth the $60 pricetag, then you can't afford to pass it up at $30.
Buy a tritium vial/bead, they're relatively expensive but they are pretty cool AND functional.
When's eberlestock vid coming out
and for the bead I would like to see a oni like fitzen makes I love that oni I would highly recamend them
Nutn, let see a review of the Boker Urban Trapper in G-10. Specs: Blade Length: 3.43" Overall Length: 7.66" Weight: 1.8 oz. Blade Thickness: 0.10" Blade Material: VG10 Stainless Steel Handle Material: G10 Designer: Brad Zinker Great knife , my new daily carry over my FDE Skyline. Super light!
I wrap ranger bands on my ColdSteel spike handle can't beat it wet or dry. I Cary my tanto spike "scout" zip tied to my belt.
I do personally own examples from both Companies... and I like them all. At least the ones I really have on my neck! I'm seriously thinking of adding the Obake to my collection. I generally like CRKT products, and I particularly like the fact that they constantly work along with the finest blade designers worldwide... ;-)
Hey Nutn and TNPrs. What do you (guys) think about a motorcycle video on what to bring along. For example my friends and I like to trail ride and I would like to be capable of bringing along some Gear, First Aid, maybe a couple tools. Maybe a few scenarios like a light, rough trail ride, medium over nighter trail ride. Idk. What you guys think? I know there's tons of weather and other variables but since it's summer. Maybe a summer video of some tips?
but I use the talon for utiyly for the most part and the bowie spike
I love KRV's!
I usually wear a neck knife when wearing a swimshort of some sort. It allows me to have a knife without having pockets.
The CRKT sheath has one major drawback, though. It is made from glass-filled nylon, so that you have to be really careful to not dull your knife when unsheathing/sheathing.
I dont understand why they dont include iwb soft loops on knifes that is ment to be consealed on the belt
i love neck knives but i never where them around my neck , lol . true though. i usually just figure a way to where them on my belt.
If you guys want different beads for your knife lanyards, you can use hair beads. they come in all shorts of designs, colors, and objects. look at walmart, CVS, or Walgreens and pick your favs. im actully rockin a yoda key chain on my CS Spartan right now for deep cover purposes. my old camo lanyard was spotted by a bar bouncer once and i was denied entrance to the bar for refusing to hand over my blade. so i use key chains now and nobody knows or cares whats attached.
you need to check out the Spyderco ARK. I wear it everyday.
I would love to see a larger Obake, maybe even two larger sizes perhaps with a slight guard. That looks like it would be a rather good combat knife design. You can get the beads of any type you want. The other designs are just not marketed as lanyard beads. In fact, I sometimes make jewelry and have a large selection right here. This butterfly one would be nice. I bet ladies especially would love those. Crosses here for the religious type. You can get those types of beads in almost any shape. Oh, how about this lady bug one, on a Spyderco ladybug, ha.
Jesse Sisolack Good comment and you're right on the beads. I just continue to see the skulls everywhere on knife lanyards, just like the Obake. I too want a larger Obake with a slight guard. -nutn
+Jesse Sisolack there are larger versions i have the hisshou which is a hell of a knife more like a small sword. then there is the hissatsu and the heiho and i think there is another
++Jdmsword14 The Hisshou has a much more curved blade and no secondary point. It is nice though. I got to do some cut tests with one and I would indeed call it a small sword. Thing slices like a laser, ha.
thanks
You need to check out the new cold steel Finn wolf , 3.4 oz 3.5" scandi folder, aus8, $36 so worth it
That prison shiv comment was spot on.
Was the CRKT vs CS intentional or just a coincidence with the law suit CS has filed against CRKT over the 'virtual fix blade' marketing that CRKT uses. For some reason the obake is totally unavailable in the UK and I really want one!
Cold steel. That finger guard, and geometry of the Tokyo is damn near perfect as a neck knife to me.
i had a bowie spike but lost it cause the sheath didn't retain it well enough. i've had some issues with cold steel blades, o i don't use them anymore. i use a crkt minimalist as a neck knife. great little utility blade. i use it at work about 20 times a day.... and it's never fallen out of it's sheath once
where's the "normal" spike at?