The ARK (Active Resistance Knife) was created by John Shirley (design) and Sam Owens (knifemaker) as a self-defense tool to be attached to a dog tag chain. It is intended to be worn 24-7 and every aspect of its design and makeup is congruent with that criterion. The ARK is a minimal design that benefits from a smaller footprint. The blade is made from H1 steel, which has characteristics of a premium steel without the propensity to rust when subjected to water, sweat, and the like. Textured FRN scales along with a deep index finger groove provide secure grip and a hole at the base of the handle opens up the option for lanyard attachment if desired. The ARK includes an injection-molded sheath.
I loved the idea of always having a knife on me, but when considering the sweat and moisture from working outdoors, it was a cause for concern about the well-being of the blade steel when it came to rust and corrosion. H1--as I like to call: the Holy One--is the saving grace for neck knives because of its rust resistance to salty environments, such as when sweating. (It happens!) I had considered several other knives, but I couldn't ignore the rust resistance of H1 and the sheath/carry system that easily allows for one-hand deployment. So far, the Spyderco Shirley-Owens Ark has been the perfect solution for neck carry. Aside from being impervious to rust, it absolutely disappears on the body. It's so comfortable, I often forget I'm wearing it. It's been a wonderful EDC knife for smaller tasks and it's given me great peace of mind knowing I have a knife/tool wherever I go.
It's light enough you forget you're wearing it and the H1 steel simply won't rust, even when wearing continuously for months. It came sharp enough, but I really can't say how well the edge holds up since this is a blade I carry for defense and not every day use, and as such it only leaves its sheath for occasional cleaning and inspection. The handle is small but easy to hold on to, even with wet hands. The sheath has a release lever on it that's not shown in the description photo. It locks the knife in securely so it won't slip out even while running, but is easy to disengage with either your right index finger or left thumb while drawing the knife. My only gripes with it are that the ball chain necklace it comes with can be noisy when the sheath moves around on it and the grommets on the sheath body will occasionally rip out a chest hair. Both are easy enough to fix that they're not worth removing a star over. Overall it's a good neck knife made great by the fact that you don't have to worry about it rusting away on you.
Ever since I bought this little guy it's rarely left my neck. It makes a great backup, or for when I'm wearing clothes that don't let me carry any other knife. And I almost forget I'm wearing it since it's so light. That being said, I have some slightly mixed feelings about the steel and/or sheath. I like the fact that the H1 is practically impervious to corrosion, which is nice when you're bringing it into a humid environment. However, it seems that it's easily scratched by the sheath from simply drawing it and sheathing it. That, and it seems that the sheath can dull the blade, particularly around the mid-section. It makes up for it in the ease of sharpening department though. All in all, it's been pretty great!
Ok we all know that most people don’t like neck knives. I mostly don’t either but this one just fits so smoothly it kind of becomes a part of you. I swim with it, I sleep with it, it’s just always there. Is it my go-to knife? No. But even when You’re in your birthday suit you know you have a sharp, reliable, rust-proof blade.
This is my 3rd Spyderco knife and I like it but I'm glad I bought two others before this one to know that they do come very sharp. The middle of the blade came dull to wear it will not cut but the tip and lower part by the handle is ok sharp it will cut but you can not shave with it. I like how light weight and can be concealed very easy around the neck.
The steel on the knife I received is H2, not H1. The sheath has a stupid retention tab that makes it difficult to unsheath left handed and is also not pictured I wish the description and pictures represented the actual product.
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