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The Best Neck Knife for Backpacking (must need while on an outdoor trip)

Are you looking for a neck knife? You’ve come to the right place. A compact neck knife can add a lot to your survival gear despite its small size. Neck knives are very useful and versatile. They go way back in history and have been used by warriors for years because they are reliable. Nevertheless, they have never lost their usefulness across decades.

The best neck knife is what you need when you are on a survival mission, a camping trip, a hunting quest or simply pursuing your career as a ninja or a double agent. It will easily cut through rope, help you clear your way through a forest, or even neutralize an enemy at a close range.

Neck knives are durable and sturdy. At the same time, they are very useful and come in handy in a lot of situations. Especially when a big weapon is not convenient to use. Traditionally speaking, these lightweight yet efficient knives are hung around the neck for easy access.

They are virtually undetected under clothing and can be easily reached out for. This article will provide all the data you need to find the most suitable neck knife. Many people need this kind of tool for their personal uses.

Best Neck Knife

Best Neck Knife Reviews in 2022

1. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultra Compact Fixed Blade Knife

When it comes to quality and durability, this will probably rank as the best neck knife ever. This is a compact lightweight neck knife with a rugged design that is very reliable.

This neck knife will not disappoint you regardless of the task you choose to perform.

This is a very versatile neck knife that can be used for a lot of survival, tactical, industrial, and hunting-related activities. The full tang design is very sturdy and the fine point is suitable for precise tasks.

This knife features an ergonomic comfortable handle that will allow you to use it comfortably with maximum control and precision. This knife is rather small with a full length of 3.25 inches.

Nevertheless, it is suitable for all tasks and activities. It also comes with a lightweight multifunctional nylon sheath. This will lock the knife in its place and will keep the edge sharp.

Pros:

  • A lightweight compact knife.
  • A versatile full tang design. It is suitable for a lot of activities.
  • Molded rubber grip for maximum control.
  • A multifunctional sheath.

Cons:

  • Some users felt that the knife is too small.

2. Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Pocket-Sized Knife

This is a durable knife that won’t disappoint you. It features an excellent fixed Bowie blade made of the finest 5Cr15Mov steel. The sturdy steel will give you a durable blade that will last for a long. The spear point blade is 2 inches long. The knife comes with a razor edge that is sharp enough for all your needs.

It is excellent for all your camping chores as well as skinning and cooking. The gear also stays sharp so that you can use the knife whenever you want to.

This is a minimalist knife that will come in handy whenever you need a sharp blade. It features a comfortable hand-contoured handle with a braided fob. This will allow you to control the knife perfectly and use it for different tasks with no problem.

This is a lightweight neck knife that is very easy to carry. It comes with a neck paracord and a Zytel sheath. Although the steel quality is not top-notch, this is a great value for money.

 

Pros:

  • Lightweight neck knife.
  • A sturdy 2 inches fixed Bowie blade.
  • A reliable contoured handle for maximum control.
  • A neck paracord and a Zytel sheath.

Cons:

  • Some users thought that the finish could have been better.

3. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife

A wonderful and highly functional piece of knife CRKT Minimalist Bowie is manufactured by the renowned manufacturer

of Melbourne Alan Folts. The knife is specially made to use in cutting anything wherever or whenever you need it.

The knife is made of 5Cr13MoV steel. And you should know this steel is almost similar to 8Cr13MoV chemically. The constructed steel is a little bit softer than the high-end steel, such as S30V or VG10. That is why the edges are loosened faster when you want to sharpen the cutting edge. And the knife becomes sharp, surprisingly, and it is ready to cut anything easily.

Besides, the handle design of the knife is designed simple, but. But the handle holds blade as the way there is no chance of separating the blade from the handle. The handle is such a good that is very rare on an inexpensive knife like this. And if you hold the handle once you will think it is made only for your hand, really.

Usually, a fixed blade is not carried, but the Minimalist is different from those types of fixed blades as you can carry on the pocket easily. And the knife becomes one of the nest necessary tools when you are on camping, fishing, backpack survival, and so many other purposes. Can you imagine the necessity of the knife?

Pros:

  • An excellent knife and inexpensive also.
  • The edges come sharp, surprisingly.
  • Glass-reinforced nylon sheath covers the blade nicely with just a soft click.
  • The ergonomic handle is made in such a way it fits on every hand.
  • The neck cord helps to carry conveniently.

Cons:

  • According to some users, the size is a bit small.
  • Very sharp so chance to cut fingers.

4. ESEE Candiru Molded Sheath

A lot of users consider this to be the best EDC neck knife. This is a compact and lightweight neck knife that is also very durable and sturdy. It is made of premium 1096 steel that will not disappoint.

It will stay sharp after a lot of use. The powder coat finish sets this neck knife apart from other products on the market.

This neck knife features an ergonomic skeletonized handle. It even comes with a reliableKydex sheath. This is a versatile knife that can be used for various tasks. The 2 inches blade has a rather sharp edge.

In spite of its small size, there is nothing that we think this knife can’t do. It is a discrete reliable weapon that you should add to your gear.

Pros:

  • A compact lightweight neck knife.
  • Premium 2 inches 1096 steel blade that will stay sharp.
  • A versatile knife that can be used for various tasks. This is a great addition to your survival gear kit.
  • A distinctive power coat finish.
  • A high-quality Kydex sheath.

Cons:

  • Some people believed that the handle is a bit bulky.

5. Schrade SCHF16 Full Tang Neck Knife

The best neck knife should always be sharp and ready. This is exactly what you get when you buy this neck knife. It features a clip-point Tanto blade that is made of 9Cr18MoV high carbon steel.

It also features a textured handle with a non-slip grip that is very comfortable to hold and use. With the sharp blade and the firm grip, you will never go wrong. This excellent neck knife is very durable and suitable for a lot of tasks.

This is a lightweight and compact neck knife that is suitable for all outdoor activities. The knife features a lanyard hole and comes with a useful sheath that will keep your edge sharp.

The thermoplastic sheath is very durable and features four lanyard grommet holes and a neck chain. The size of the 3 inches blade and the weight of the knife are perfect for EDC.

Pros:

  • A sturdy durable neck knife.
  • High-quality 3 inches 9Cr18MoV high carbon steel blade.
  • Grooved non-slip handle for more control.
  • Lightweight and compact design.

Cons:

  • Some users didn’t like the sheath as they thought that the knife was a bit difficult to take out. Nevertheless, we still think that this knife is a good value for money.

6. Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker Neck Knife

A lot of people love this knife although it is a bit on the pricey side. It is so good that a lot of military and army members prefer it over other products on the market.

This is a versatile and reliable neck knife that can be used for outdoor activities and by avid collectors. It has been tested for durability and stability. When you choose to buy this neck knife, you are buying one that will last for a long.

This is considered to be the best neck knife because it is made of high-quality 1095 Cro-Van steel. It is lightweight and compact. It is definitely a great addition to your survival kit.

The sturdy blade enables it to rank as the neck knife for bushcraft and camping activities. The blade will stay sharp even after you use it to split wood or make feather sticks.

It comes with an injection-molded glass-filled black nylon sheath. It is very elegant and will keep the edge sharp.

Pros:

  • A compact lightweight neck knife.
  • Versatile and suitable for different activities.
  • A sharp 1095 Cro-Van steel blade.
  • An ergonomic handle.

Cons:

  • The handle could be a little bit small especially if you have big hands. But with a little practice, you will be able to control the knife

7. Vulcan Gear Tactical Hawkbill Karambit Knife

If you think that you should stay away from cheap neck knives, think again. This knife is sold for half or a third of the price of other products on the market.

Yet it is a durable and reliable product and you can use it for various activities. It features a 4 inches stainless steel karambit blade that you can use for different tasks. The blade is very sharp. It will stay good no matter how many times you decide to use this neck knife.

This knife features an ergonomic black rubber handle for maximum grip. You will easily use and control this knife however you see fit. There is a finger hole at the bottom of the handle for more control.

It features a neck cord and a convenient sheath to protect the blade. It is a great addition to the kit of any survival enthusiast or collector. We think that nothing can beat this knife at this price.

Pros:

  • A budget-friendly minimalist knife.
  • Strong and sharp stainless steel blade.
  • The karambit-style blade is suitable for different tasks.
  • A neck-cord so that you can conveniently carry it.
  • An ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip.

Cons:

  • Some users were not very impressed with the sheath. The knife is rather long compared to other products and the sheath doesn’t provide the needed protection.

8.  SOG Snarl Fixed Blade JB01K-CP

What sets the best neck knife apart from other flimsy products on the market is the quality of the blade. This is why the manufacturers chose the one-piece satin finish 9Cr13MoV stainless steel to create a sturdy and strong blade.

This is an excellent small knife that you can use for a number of various tasks. It is small and can be discretely concealed around the neck, keeping your hands and pockets free for other activities. The knife is 4.3 inches tall with a sheep’s foot blade that measures 2.3 inches.

This neck knife features an ergonomic handle with an oversized finger hole and ring pommel for maximum convenience. These will allow you to use the knife accurately and precisely even if you are performing a delicate task.

It comes with an elegant black molded Kydex sheath with a black stainless clip. It is definitely a must-have if you are looking for a solid EDC knife.

Pros:

  • One-piece satin finishes high-quality stainless steel.
  • Small compact design with a sheep’s foot blade.
  • Ergonomic handle with a big finger whole for a comfortable grip and more accuracy.
  • An elegant black molded sheath that will keep the edge sharp.

Cons:

  • Some users felt that the knife is a bit uncomfortable to hold because of the shape of the handle.

9. Cold Steel Tuff Lite Plain Edge Folder Knife

If you are looking for a neck knife for self-defense then this could be a winner. If you are an avid hunter, a camping enthusiast, or even a double agent then this is the knife to buy.

The amazing Japanese AUS 8A Stainless blade easily allows us to claim that this is the best neck knife to buy for various activities. The slanted point allows for maximum penetration without appearing to be too intimidating. The blade has a thickness of 2.75 mm and will not disappoint you while you are on your mission.

This knife is the perfect length with a blade of 2.5 inches and a handle of 3.5 inches. It is compact and lightweight yet very sharp and reliable. This is what matters when you are shopping for a neck knife.

The knife features an ergonomic handle that is very convenient to use with a non-slip grip for maximum control. You can carry this knife discretely. Once you pull it out, it will be able to inflict the biggest amount of damage with no slipping accidents.

Pros:

  • A reliable compact neck knife.
  • High-quality blade with a slanted point for maximum penetration.
  • The perfect size. It is small enough to be carried discreetly and can inflict a great deal of damage.
  • An ergonomic handle with a controlled grip for accuracy.
  • It can be used for various activities.

Cons:

  • There is a problem with the locking system of the sheath. Your finger might get caught when you are trying to pull the knife out.

10. Boker 02SC743 Magnum Lil Friend Micro

A minimalist basic neck knife is more than what the eyes can see. This is the best neck knife if you are on a tight budget and still, want to buy a reliable blade.

It is a small lightweight knife that is only 3 3/8 inches long. But this compact knife has a lot of potential thanks to its sturdy 1 3/8 inches blade. It is made of sharp 440 stainless steel. It is the perfect knife to use for various tactical and survival activities.

The knife features an ergonomic G-10 handle scale for a good grip. It is super comfortable to use and comes with a sharp blade that will work fine every single time.

Users love this lightweight knife because it is versatile and dependable. It comes with a Kydex sheath to carry it comfortably.

It will also protect the blade edge and keep it sharp for a long time. This is probably one of the most comfortable knives to use and carry. This is why a lot of survival enthusiasts prefer it over other models on the market. This small knife has a lot of potential.

Pros:

  • A lightweight compact design.
  • High quality 1 3/8 inches blade made of 440 stainless steel.
  • An ergonomic handle for maximum control. It won’t strain your hands when you use it for different activities.
  • A reliable Kydex sheath to protect the edge and allow you to carry it safely.

Cons:

  • Some users thought that the knife’s tip is rather blunt compared to the whole blade.

11. Spyderco Ark Personal Defense Knife

This is one of the most expensive models. Nevertheless, it is by far the neck knife if you are looking for a sharp reliable blade. This neck knife measures almost 5 inches long.

The blade is 2.5 inches which is relatively big compared to the whole so it is convenient to use. This Always Ready Knife has a fixed blade that is made of h-1 steel. This is a nitrogen-based alloy that is 100% rust-proof.

You are buying a neck knife that you can depend on for a very long time. It is perfect for a lot of activities.

This is a sturdy and durable neck knife with a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle. It allows for maximum control and accuracy thanks to the non-slip grip. The bi-directional textured design will allow you to hold it firmly even when it is wet.

This makes it the best neck knife for tactical purposes and survival. The clip point blade is good to perform different tasks effortlessly and with great precision. It comes with a convenient neck chain and a sheath to wear it comfortably.

Pros:

  • A compact durable neck knife.
  • ARK fixed blade made of h-1 rustproof steel.
  • A versatile design. Suitable for various activities.
  • A fiberglass reinforced nylon handle for maximum control and non-slip grip.
  • Neck chain and sheath.

Cons:

  • Due to the small size of the handle, it might strain your hand when you use it for a very long time.

12. Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Pocket-Sized Knife

If you don’t want to be disappointed with the performance, quality, and durability, Morakniv Eldris can be your first choice. We also go for the details discussion for which reasons the knife can be purchased.

The size of the knife is not too large and not too small also. The size is very standard to carry in the pocket everywhere. If the knife size is large and you need to carry it, everybody feels disturbed definitely.

But the knife is made for the purpose so that you can carry it easily. According to many users, this Morakniv Eldris is one of the best pocket knives for pocket carry.

The sheath design is very simple, and it is straight. At the same time, the special feature of the sheath locks the blade securely. Just place the sheath in the right place and just push a simple click, it locks securely. The sheath lock mechanism should be easy and secured for your highest level of safety, right?

Now come to the point of performance. According to the users of this knife, the performance of this knife is more than their expectations. And because of using the quality steel on the blade, the knife lasts longer.

And the users are also happy about the durability of the knife. Are the points not enough to say a knife is best?

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Pros:

  • Compact size and that is why it can be carried easily in the pocket.
  • Quality materials are used to construct the blade, which provides great toughness and hardness.
  • The blade lasts longer as it is corrosion-resistant.
  • The sheath needs a simple click to secure the blade finely.
  • The overall performance is excellent.

Cons:

  • Size is small but fat.

13. MTECH USA Mt-665Bk

Quality and performance are the things that are needed to review first before purchasing not only a neck knife but also everything.  But some users also look for the outlook when purchasing a neck knife. If you are one of them, this MTECH USA Mt-665Bk neck knife is recommended for you.

The performance of a neck knife depends on many factors, but blade quality is notable among them. The blade is built from high-quality steel, and the blade is also resistant to rust. And the blade comes sharp very effectively, and that is why its performance is outstanding.

Now, look at the handle design. It is non-slip and well-gripped. Your fingers fit on the handle finely, and the knife remains secure within your hand because of its ergonomic design and non-slip features.

And the beginning of the handle also has a hole to carry with the neck cord. And you can also hold the knife by penetrating a finger into the hole.

You may have noticed the blade design, it is curved. The knife is ideal for different purposes, such as rope cutter, package opener, leatherwork tool, camping, fishing, hunting, and even construction work. I love the knife for its outstanding performance.

Pros:

  • An excellent and unique neck knife.
  • The sheath locks the blade securely just by a simple click.
  • The rust-resistant blade provides outstanding performance.
  • Ideal for different purposes.
  • Easy to carry.

Cons:

  • The cutting performance is poor directly on the flat surface as the blade is curved.

14. Esee Knives, James Gibson Pinch Fixed Neck Knife

It is very easy to find the best neck knife at an affordable price, especially when you expect top quality, high performance, ideal size, and so on. But I find everything as your expectation on a knife that is Esee Knives James Gibson Pinch

Fixed Neck Knife. According to quality and performance, it is also inexpensive, I think.

The knife is made from 1095 carbon steel. And it is known as hard steel, and it offers toughness and hardness with edge retention. Though it provides hardness and toughness, it is not too difficult to sharpen the blade. And the blade also doesn’t get damaged quickly.

Have you noticed the handle of the knife? It is skeletonized, and this design is made to make the knife lightweight. And the overall weight of the knife is only 1 ounce. Because of being lightweight, you won’t feel that you are carrying something. That means it provides hassle-free transport.

As a neck knife, it is an ideal choice, no doubt. And it is ideal for the people who use the neck knife for the relevant use and also for casual cutting. At the same time, the knife can be the perfect EDC backup of your primary knife because nobody can know you have it.

Pros:

  • Made from tough carbon steel.
  • This super-lightweight of about 1 ounce only.
  • The sheath and neck cord is also supplied.
  • The blade is rust-resistant.
  • Ideal neck knife for concealing anywhere.

Cons:

  • The size is a bit small for everyday use.

How to Choose the Best Neck Knife?

Neck knives come in different models and styles. They are very practical to use if you don’t want to stuff your pockets with extra knives. They will allow you to move freely and comfortably.

You can even wear yours when you are swimming without your pants on. However, there are some key features that will help you pick a suitable model. Paying attention to these details will allow you to buy the best neck knife depending on your needs.

Also Read: How to Use a Knife in Self Defense?

The Blade Shape:

Neck knives come in a lot of shapes. The blade shape will depend on the reason you are most probably going to use the knife. The Bowie-Style blade is great for general use.

It is a versatile blade that you can use while camping, hiking, or want to cut a parcel open. If you are going to spend some time in the wilderness where you will actually cook what you hunt, then a drop point blade will be suitable. You can use it on the skin and generally prepare the food.

As a matter of fact, you will be able to find some unique and exotic designs. Some people prefer spike blades or Karambit blades. These are very sharp and will turn your small neck knife into an amazing survival weapon.

However, if you are not sure about the style to buy then you are better off with a classic one.

The Steel:

The steel is the core of the knife. High-quality steel will not break or rust and will keep your knife good to use for years. The best neck knives are made of high-quality steel that will probably cost more.

There is no point in spending your money on a cheap or flimsy knife that will break when used. A cheap knife will be replaced before you even know it.

The top neck knife manufacturers usually offer information about the steel they used to make their knives. You should generally avoid something that uses generic words like stainless steel or surgical steel because the products might not be sturdy enough.

The Handle:

The best neck knife should be easy to use and control. Always invest in a high-quality durable neck knife with a good handle. This will keep your weapon in great condition and will allow you to use it for a long time.

Some knives will have ergonomic handles that are very comfortable to use. Practically speaking, the better the quality of the handle, the more control you have over the knife.

You will be able to perform different tasks accurately and there will be no accidents. High-quality handles provide maximum control. They allow you to use the knife with great precision.

The Sheath:

You shouldn’t forget about your sheath. After all, you need to make sure that your knife is well protected when not in use. The best sheaths are made of high-quality polymers like Kydex.

Plastic and leather sheaths are not very sturdy and will not hold your knife well. You need a good sheath that will protect your blade so that it doesn’t fall off or cause any accidents. At the same time, you should be able to draw your knife out quickly whenever you need to.

The Best Neck Knives on the Market:

You will never know how valuable a reliable neck knife is unless you really need one. So we have decided to test some products to narrow down the options. We were able to come up with our top 10 list. In this section, you will find everything you need to know about the best neck knife.

The Reasons to Have a Neck Knife

If you search for the exact reasons for wearing or having the neck knife, you also find a long list, yes. But all of those are not necessary to discuss at this time. Rather it’s better if we discuss the significant advantages of wearing the neck knife.

Always With You

It is the most significant reason for wearing a neck knife. If you want to carry other things that are moderate in the size, you need to carry that in a bag or something else.

But to carry the neck knife, you just don’t need to have anything because it is a neck knife, and you can carry it by hanging with a neck cord.

Safety

For safety purposes, many people carry a neck knife. The design of the knife is very simple; it is plain and small. So, there is no difficulty in carrying by men or women.

Just hang the knife around your neck with a neck cord. If anybody sees the knife with you, they automatically get some message such as you are an armed person, you can be dangerous, and you are ready to survive.

Also Read: How to wear a neck knife?

Easy Access

If you carry something that needs to carry within a bag or in the pocket, then you cannot get access to the thing as easily as you can find the neck knife.

After hanging on the neck, the neck knife is just near your hand. In any emergency situation, you can find the knife within a while.

Can Intimidate Threats

All the places around you may not be safe for you, especially when you are alone. But if you are an armed person, you are relatively safe.

The neck knife is a small thing, but it is clearly visible to the people. All the people around you see the knife when you hang around the neck. And no one will come to quarrel with you when you are armed. So keeping a neck knife is indirectly a threat to other people.

The Uses of the Best Neck Knife

The neck knife is a small thing; it is true. But the neck knife has a wide variety of use. Somebody think, it is smaller than the other knife, and that is why its uses are also very limited, which is not true.

The knives can also be used in our daily life activities. Surprised? Yes, this is reality.

Self-Protection

Nobody is always safe everywhere. Maybe you know the zones where you are safe, but the unsafe zones remain unknown most of the time. If you are an armed person, a person thinks twice before attacking you.

The neck knife is the visible arm most of the time. If anybody attacks you anytime and if you have a neck knife, you can protest. You know the neck knife is easy and fast to access.

Camping

For many purposes, we need to make a camp sometimes to pass the night. And all the time we may not have a readymade tent, and at the time you need to make the tent.

At that time, a knife is a very important thing. What type of thing do you need to cut to make a tent for camping, you can use the neck knife to cut everything.

Hunting

A hunter knows very well the necessity of a knife. When you are going for hunting purposes, you may need to keep many necessary things.

And you also need to think about the matter it’s better for you if all the items are lightweight that you need to carry. A neck knife is always a lightweight thing, and that is easy to carry everywhere but most effective everywhere and in hunting also. You may also need GPS for hunting trips.

Fishing

A fisherman also knows the importance of having a good fillet knife when he is fishing. But all the time, you are not ready to carry that type of knife.

That is why it’s always better to have something that is small, lightweight, and most effective. Can you find such a thing other than a neck knife?

Other Uses

The uses of a neck knife are not mentioned all the time in the manufacturer’s guide. Except for the above listing purposes, we can use the neck knife in many other purposes in your daily life. Just don’t go for cutting anything that is metallic or made of the toughest element. And otherwhere you can use the neck knife, definitely.

Is It Safe to Carry a Knife Around Your Neck?

Before going to answer the question, let’s see the characteristics of this knife and using purposes. First of all, knives are small in size. It usually has two parts blade and handles.

Usually, the handle is designed in such a way so that it can be carried by a cord around the neck. Anything else? No. And when it is carried around the neck, it remains visible. A bad person usually doesn’t come outside with evil motives in this style. And the knives are legal in many states.

Now let’s see the use purposes of the knives again. Usually, the knives are frequently used in opening mail, package, cutting rope, hunting, camping, fishing, and otherwhere.

And it is not usually seen to make a crime with a neck knife. For this reason,s the neck knife is legal to carry around the neck in most states and countries.

On the other hand, it is also illegal to somewhere. So, before carrying the knife around the neck, you should know the law of the land, whether it is legal or illegal there!

Conclusion:

There is nothing that beats the best neck knife on the field or in the wilderness. We are reviewing another Santoku knife. Neck knives can be lifesaving. They are practical, economical, and comfortable to use. Although neck knives are rather small, they have a lot of potential because they are usually very easy to access.

Unlike a knife hung on your waistband, a neck knife is very easy to conceal. All you have to do is to run a little research and go through the product features. You will definitely find something that is suitable and convenient to buy and use.

 

Frequently Asked Question

Before choosing the knife, you should consider some factors that determine the quality and performance of the knife, such as the style of the knife, blade quality, the handle, the sheath, and the weight. If you look at those features, I hope you can find the best neck knife.

The purposes of the use of a neck knife are many. Sometimes it can also help to give you self-protection. Furthermore, it is an essential thing that is needed in camping, hunting, fishing, and also everyday use.

The using mechanism of a neck knife is very simple. Just open the sheath, hold the handle, and cut anything needed. Anyone can use the neck knife in casual cutting and also cutting anything except metallic or toughest things.

The benefits of carrying neck knives are many, and self-defense is notable of them. At the same time, the knives become very useful when you need to cut anything anywhere.

The neck knife is small to medium in size, and it is carried by the chain or cord around the neck. And the knives are used for self-protection and many other legal purposes also.

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James Smith

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