I live in northern New England. I used to think wearing a knife around your neck was silly until I actually gave it a try. My gripes were that I thought it looked silly, and I was worried it would get caught on stuff and somehow choke me. It turns out that (depending on environment) there are very good reasons that it has been the predominant way of carrying a knife throughout human history and prehistory. 1. (Most impactful to me) allows me to sheathe, and unsheathe without digging under layers in the bitter cold. 2. keeps it farther above the snow. 3. Sheathe and unsheathe regardless of body position (crouching, kneeling, canoeing, etc) 4. ALWAYS being aware that if it is not in your hand, it is in its sheathe. 5. Quicker in and out for when working with it. 6. Keeps you from having a knife that is too large!! - this in particular will not jive with the standard “Canterbury Dogmatists”. For my own methods I’ve found that the amount gained by having a knife 5” or over is ~functionally~ much less than the dexterity and lightness gained by having a good strong knife in the 3”-4.5” range. A knife however large that is “intended for chopping” will never hold a candle to what a good hatchet will do for you. And even better than both is learning how to get along comfortably with neither. I think it was Nessmuk who said: anyone who discounts the benefits of lightness ought to start carrying their gear themselves.
I have personally spoken to Mors about this subject, both him, and his understudy (Kelly Harlton). They only wear them around camp, they don't travel with them around their necks. Awesome video as always Dave..
Both Mors and Dave have such an easy straight forward way of talking and teaching, my thanks to both of them for sharing their knowledge and observations.
Dave, I liked how you point out your opinions about the neck carry and let people make their own choices. Too many "experts" will say do it my way or you're wrong. I like to hear other's reasons why they like or do not like something, then I will make up my own mind. I believe in getting all the info first and then decide. Keep up the great videos.
Excellent discussion Dave and you nailed this topic in my opinion. I couldn't agree more with the whole thing. I love having a neck knife in camp or by the fire pit when doing light chores but it can ride in my pack or haversack when traveling. I love that you said that there is really no right or wrong in bushcraft or woodcraft rather whatever works for you. I think that is a principle that deserves repeating over and over in our community. Take care brother.
Dave I love it when you do a video like this, you don’t discount anyone’s personal preference, you show and explain your preferences and give good account of the do’s and don’t’s for both sides of the coin👍
Always like hearing Dave's opinions. Personally I carry a crkt folt's minamalist, mora craftline chisel knife and a box cutter at work. And most of my camping comes from my son's scout troop, which means dealing with a council that tells me that you can only carry a locking pocket knife with a length no greater than the width of your palm, but if you have any questions check the guide to safe scouting. BTW safe scouting says "Boy scouts neither condones nor restricts sheath knives, the right tool for the right job"
As always, thoroughly brilliant work Dave. I was first introduced to the Mora line of knives several years ago from one of your videos. Now I have various models of them all over the place! Thanks for your continued great work.
Dave i been watching you now for over 6 years. I am so happy to see you keep going and you inspire me to go into the bush and get back to my roots. Much Love from Canada!
I agree, the Mora Companion HD is an very under rated knife. Love the Mora plastic sheaths as you demonstrated it has many carry options and I use them all. It's my main carry fixed blade for it's capability and light weight.
I like to carry an Eldris around my neck. I tuck it in my shirt if I am going off trail. It’s not a problem though because it is stainless. A very useful knife🙂👍🏻
I know you work for Mora, but that was a great video. Scouts love that HD and your advice is always appreciated. God bless you and thanks for all your help. I'm sure you have saved a life and made them more prepared.
The "tall ship" sailor tradition is to carry your knife in a sheath over your hip. Climbing around in the rigging has as much or more potential for getting snagged as hiking through heavy brush.
A good explanation of the pros and cons of neck knives. For what it's worth I don't carry a knife like this as I don't like a very sharp blade near my throat, or anywhere else vulnerable on my body. Back last year my camping companion was making some adjustments to his shelter and did not have a knife to hand. I passed him mine (a Mora coincidentally). When he gave it back he had not sheathed it properly. As I was putting it back into my pack the knife fell out of its sheath and sliced into my finger. The unexpected does happen and, to me, it's far too easy to cut your neck when taking a neck knife out, or putting it back, into its sheath. I have no problem with others using a neck knife if they like to carry this way. It's their throat, not mine. Dave also makes a very good point about the risk of anything suspended from your neck possibly choking you if you fall or it gets caught up in moving machinery. Good idea to have a device to slip the thig off before it strangles you.
I love my Mora Companion HD carbon steel knife. Like you said, the sheath is almost bomb proof and easily adaptable to a host of carry options. The knife itself only had one flaw as purchased: the spine wasn't a sharp 90 degree angle. A few strokes with a sharp mill bastard changed it to my liking and it has been great ever since. Thanks for the good work, Dave.
I missed these kinds of videos, thank you for your insight. There's a lot of key points that you bring up that not many others cover, in books or in life. Glad you're back :)
Something that Dave alluded to in his video but didn't show. I just watched a video today by Bushcraft Bums showing an alternative to the neck carry. Just use a 6' length of paracord, make a figure 8 and put your arms through it. Clip on your knife sheath and you basically have a holster style carry with the knife under your armpit. It give you ready access to the knife; you don't have the swinging motion and it doesn't get in your way when bending over. Neat, simple and you have a few extra feet of paracord on your carry. Leave a little extra length of paracord on one side and then you can adjust the carry for different thicknesses of clothing too.
I recall Mors saying he learned it from nurses in the North country. Apparently while in work mode, they would carry a pair of scissors or something similar and he thought it was an efficient way to carry a knife in camp while doing tasks.
Hey Dave I’ve never commented before but I’ve been watching you since your debut on duel survivor which was a long time ago / yes I’m a recluse “ your advise is sound and well thought out with logic and reason ‘ great work keep it up
Great video, Dave! I love my neck knives and carry one as I'm hiking. The sternum strap keeps the knife from swinging. I like the fact that the knife is 6 to 8" under my nose and ready for immediate deployment. The cord lock idea is a great idea and I will modify my neck cords. My favorite neck knife is a Mora Companion conversion. Mine hangs at an angle, again for immediate deployment, on a total 40" length of 550 and a 4" ferro rod (or a Bic) is secured on the sheath with industrial Velcro. Total weight is 4.8oz. I removed the belt loop to lose the weight, hang at the angle I needed and not interfere with deployment. I own four Mora knives and they are my favorites of my knife collection. The Mora sheath in its simplicity is superbly designed.
I’m a commercial diver and we have always carried our knives high on our harnesses at chest level so it would be just about the same location as a neck knife. I wear a neck knife everyday and it’s tucked in my shirt. Now; I’m surprised to learn I’m the only guy who uses a magnet to hold the knife while I’m working instead of laying it down. The magnet is glued to the outside of the sheath. So you don’t have to put a dirty blade inside the sheath.
The Companion HD was one of my very first knives. After years I still carry it - simply because it does what it has got to do. Great product from Morakniv indeed.
I like the Mora sheath cllipped on my pocket. I love that idea of the piece of paracord on your belt for extra piece of mind. I love these simple videos. I have gained so many little tricks from you Dave. Thank you.
Yeah the companion HD is a great knife, got mine for about 20 bucks and couldn’t be happier with it. It was razor sharp when I got it and still is. I was really impressed with how easy it cut though deer hide and didn’t dull. Thanks Dave keep the videos coming, you have helped me learn new things and I challenge myself to practice.
I carry one around my neck backpacking. I have it on a cord lock device that would release if it got caught. The Eastern Woodland people carried their scalping knives around their neck . Pretty sure they had " bushcrafting " down pretty well. Thanks for another great video Dave and sharing your knowledge.
I'm in the Pacific Northwest and it's the same here. The branches and bushes will strip you naked if your not careful. And I like the Mora sheaths too, I'm glad I'm not the only one! Thanks for the great video Dave!
Couldn't agree more. The Mora HD/MG is highly under rated. 1st bought and the most I use. Other than squaring off the spine its a very solid blade. I've used it for years around the house & in the woods. Definitely recommended.
Hello from Oklahoma! I am with you on this. I usually keep my knife in my backpack. When I need it I can stop and use it. Cleaning fish or gutting a deer for example. Around camp and when I'm in my canoe, I also hang it from my neck. This has worked for me for the last 40 years. Thanks for all You do. And yes, people need to figure there own way. God Bless!
Great commentary on the subject. I personally carry a small necker edc. Always on the inside, as a backup. Stainless steel keeps the maintenance down...
I carried the CRKT minimalist for about 1 &1/2 years as a neck knife until one day my friend and I were sparing and he grabbed it right out of the sheath, I wasn't expecting it, and it also never crossed my mind that someone could get it from me so easily. I switched to waist carry.
I agree, I carry a opinel around my neck sometimes when I am somewhat stationary. The wild country out here in Western Washington is full of underbrush and blackberry bushes that grab onto you and don't let go. Nice choice of Mora by the way, the companion hd is my favorite.
Great way to put it Dave "What works for you" !...Take a look at what other knowledgeable people have done in the past or present and adapt it to what works best for you. Thanks for sharing
To old to change now Dave the hip has always worked for me plus a small cross draw on my belt also. As for your cap getting yank of in the brush back I made a skull cap of leather for my stocking cap works great had to cut one hole in the back for venting really gets warm and 2 buttons one on each side then rolled the leather up over the buttons . It has never come of but there's always tomorrow . Thanks for all you do . Happy Trails.
Hey thanks brother. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I totally agree with you about not having your knife into close your body where you’re going to be sweating on it. I have a chest pack that every time I carry a gun in it it ends up having sweat condensed all over it when I’m done. I have to completely field strip it and clean it all off. God bless you and your wonderful family Dave my friend. John
Thanks for the upload Dave and for all that you do. I understood your reason behind the video and I'm glad to see you back to uploading videos really sweet brother. I think a lot has to do with just a lot of us really admire you and look up to you and when we see you with that one piece of gear we to then got have that gear, or we see you do some one way we got do it that way. I to have found my self guilty of this but I've found that in taking your advice I mix it with my own and go from there like the teacher edging the student to go forth in life kinda deal. But god bless Dave and glad to see you back from shot show looking forward to your class just switched jobs and working on the recommend list for basic bout 500 left to spend and I'm there for that badge and hand shake
It's really good to see someone actually talking sensibly about the mora sheath. They are way better than many so called knife experts make out. While I like the look and feel of a leather sheath, these little plastic ones make an awful lot of sense. I've seen too many leather sheaths sliced through by careless users, that won't happen with these whatever you do. The versatility of that clip with the button slot is fantastic. Well done Dave for speaking up.
I like the neck knife just because of how convenient it is, but mine are all small utility knives. The Top's MSK and new Mora Eldris are good examples. In warm weather I tend to just carry them in camp, but in colder weather when I'm likely to have on several layers I'll have my neck knife on all the time just so that I don't have to dig out my belt knife every time I need to cut something.
I carry a neck knife when I hike because I am constantly harvesting sprigs of leaves for tree identification, or branches for whittling projects. So, by the end of my hike, I have accumulated quite a bit of branches and leaves. The knife I use is the SAK Trekker which has a substantial cutting blade and a very good saw. It is also very handy in emergency situation to have a knife at your chest rather than on your belt. It works for me and fills the purpose of why I hike.
Great video Dave! I love your humility and your practical approach to things. I personally really love my dangler sheath. It's more comfortable for me when wearing my knife and riding in the car.
I enjoyed you on Duel Survival . I am so glad to find you (Accidently). Looking forward to real wilderness bush craft advise. Thanks for doing what you do.
Very well thought out point of view. I particularly like the idea of using a cord lock instead of a knot. They are a cheap addition and they hold well enough that you will know that you were hung up and may have lost your knife.
Before the 1920s belts weren't used to hold up pants, they were worn on your waist (not hips) over your layers. So I think the traditional belt knife/belt axe was easier to hand back then today on a modern pants belt.
Thomas Whitten,, you're showing your age, or education, exactly correct, I still carry a pocket watch, just gotta remember to wind. Just something about a 100 year old item that feels good.
Crazy Horseaz glad to hear I'm not the only one still using the pocket watch. Frankly after all the times I've used mine over the last 6 decades, I find it far better for use since retiring a few years ago. Guess that's cause I don't need to 'watch' time constantly. stay safe keep warm have fun & whittle to keep your sanity ol greybeard dino ; - )>>~
Great video! The advantage of a Mora is the the price. For a tops, or Esse, or any high priced carbon knife I can get multiple moras. I have a companion that I bought 8years ago and did a vinegar patina on it and it's still great knife. I just oil the blade no more than two to three times a year. I agree with Dave about the sheath, very useful!
Good advice as always...I think experience is the best teacher..I enjoy canoeing swift waters and sometimes you cant avoid going under overhanging limbs..I don't want a piece of stout cordage around my neck, I just dont, in camp though makes perfect sense as one is preparing a fire or cooking and having a blade handy is, simply handy. Nice looking jacket, very dapper in a woodsmen kinda way.
That loop is a very good idea! The access is better with the Mora clipped to the pocket, but it is not as secure when the hooks are not fully engaged around a belt.
Yeah the underbrush from the coast to the Mississippi is such heavy underbrush. Before man cut down large swaths of forest it’s said that a squirrel could’ve traveled from the coast to the Mississippi without touching the ground. Thanks for all your efforts and videos.
I live in Minnesota on the edge of where the trees meet the "Prairie", and also meets the shore of the ancient Lake Agassiz, where the glacier carved the Red River valley. I too want to see what where I live now, looked like 150 years ago......
Excellent video Mr.Canterbury.I believe Mors explains his neck carry to be a choice for him as he uses that carry to be “conscious” of where his knife is at all times.I know he also asks the same from his students although I’m sure many cannot or will not carry that way.
Great video, Dave. Your philosophy and reasoning for neck knife or no neck knife are sound. I am an advocate for "my" neck knives. I have several including the Mora Companion HD. Mostly wearing them in camp just for quick access plus I wear sports shorts or long pants sans belt (comfort thing for me). At 71 I don't bushwhack using trails clearly defined so no worry about catching on branches, etc. should I wear one while hiking. I do have sense enough to remove it if it becomes a hazard to my health. Like you said it's subjective.
4 years later and the algorithm has this popping up in my feed again. A little contribution of my own... I have used those mora sheaths to hook the knife inside one of those little hammer loops on my Duluth canvas pants. Works pretty good as well.
awesome video to many people depend on others to tell them ho to do things instead of learning through experience. you are an amazing teacher but you always say to take what you say with a grain of salt. less watching more doing. thanks for the education over the years you have inspired millions
Great massage Dave thank you Sir. My 110 years old grandmother is watching this video and she says you just need to use common sense wisdom comes with age
What people take things literally and get offended on social media. I would of never thought. What's this world coming too. Thanks for the video great tips. Appreciate all your videos and advice and opinion. I watch allot of other people's videos on survival techniques. Always good to seeing what others do and why. Keep them coming sir we have much more sentimental sensitive people to piss off. Stay safe.
Neck knives make a lot of sense when you wear big parkas for much of the year and the belt line is not easily accessible. Also much easier to draw and return without taking off mitts or gloves. Explains much about the popularity of the scandi type sheath in northern latitudes.
Very good advice, a personal choice. I remember from your very early videos, about the time of Dual Survivro, you were always wearing a knife, a Mora I believe with notches on the handle. Choose what is best for you and where you live. Again, thanks for a great video and advice to go with it. A fan of your videos, keep the coming and I will keep coming to watch them.
i personally like a neck knife for several reasons the first being if you have a flat knife it fits under a shirt and is hard to spot the second is its quick to get to if you need it the third if im carrying a sidearm i can have a gun on my hip and still have easy access to my blade but to each their own love the vids dave keep up the awesome work
Here in Sweden there is most of the times a button for a knife on the leg by the cargo pocket . Also often on overalls on the chest pocket. At work I put my Mora in my leg pocket to keep clear jumping in and out of my forklift.
Very good assessment. I carried a pistol on my ankle during a weekend backpacking trip. I was shocked by the amount of rust that built up on the barrel. Moisture can kill
In the Texas summer I wear mostly shorts so it’s hard to get a fixed blade on without pulling my shorts down. I adapted to a neck knife and haven’t had a problem. I usually carry it in my shirt or have it tucked between buttons for an easy grab.
