The CJRB Spud Series: Built for Neck Carry, Fifth-Pocket Carry, and Everyday Use

At CJRB, we are constantly asking ourselves what makes a truly great everyday carry tool. It is not just about sharp steel or flashy designs; it is about how a tool fits naturally into your daily routine. We noticed a recurring frustration among our community regarding micro-blades. Most of them are simply too small to hold securely, making them feel unsafe during tougher tasks. We knew we had to fix this.

We wanted an edc knife that practically disappears when you carry it, yet performs like a heavy-duty workhorse when called into action. That exact vision is what led to the birth of the spud. We set out to create something incredibly compact, but without sacrificing the ergonomics required for real-world utility.

Whether you need a dedicated neck knife for quick access on the trail, or just a trusty backup for opening packages at the office, this little tool packs a serious punch. I personally found that during our initial field testing, the grip confidence totally changes how you approach small-blade tasks. Let me walk you through exactly how this tiny powerhouse came to life.

Designed by Jake Diaz / Happy As Larry Knives

We have always loved working with Jake Diaz. If you follow the knife community, you probably know his beautifully unconventional style. He is a designer who does not just follow industry trends; he builds tools that make you smile while getting the job done.

For instance, our previous collaboration on the CJRB Fugly | challenged traditional aesthetics in the best way possible, proving that quirky designs can be highly functional. And then there is the CJRB Lanky, a gentleman's folder that genuinely feels like a sleek pen in your pocket. Jake knows exactly how to blend a sense of humor with serious mechanical utility.

When we sat down with Jake for this new project, the goal was clear. We needed a micro-blade that did not compromise on safety or grip. His initial sketches immediately showed promise, blending a stout, practical blade shape with a surprisingly roomy handle.

The Idea Behind the Spud

The inspiration came from observing how people actually use small knives. Most folks grab their secondary blade for quick, utilitarian tasks—cutting zip ties, breaking down heavy cardboard, or scoring materials. However, a two-finger grip just does not provide the leverage needed for those jobs safely.

We wanted something as easily concealable as our popular Mini Pyrite, but we needed to squeeze out a slightly longer cutting edge and vastly improved ergonomics. The name itself reflects its nature: small, stout, and tough as nails.

In practical terms, sometimes you just need a trusty pocke knife that does not weigh down your pants or take up precious pocket space. By focusing on maximizing the cutting-edge-to-handle ratio, we managed to create a profile that feels much larger in the hand than it looks on paper.

Compact Size Without Giving Up Grip

Most small knives on the market leave your pinky finger hanging awkwardly in the air. Honestly, that feels sketchy when you have to bear down on a hard cut. With this new design, we engineered the handle geometry to allow a full, comfortable four-finger grip for most hand sizes.

During our prototype testing, we handed the early models to users with large hands. The feedback was unanimous: the gentle curve of the aluminum handle naturally guides your fingers into a locked-in position. You feel entirely in control of the 2.34-inch blade.

We paired this excellent grip with dual thumb studs and a smooth ceramic ball bearing pivot. Deployment is incredibly snappy. You do not have to fumble around; a quick flick of the thumb and the blade is ready.

Built for Neck Carry and Fifth-Pocket Carry

How you choose to carry your gear matters just as much as the gear itself. That is why we designed this model to be a highly functional neck knife right out of the box. We integrated a secure lanyard clip that features a specialized quick-release system.

If you are hiking, fishing, or wearing gear that blocks your pockets, having a blade safely suspended around your neck is a game-saving convenience. The quick-release mechanism ensures that you can deploy the tool instantly without having to pull the lanyard over your head.

Not a fan of wearing things around your neck? No problem. The overall closed length is just 3.25 inches. It drops perfectly into the fifth pocket (coin pocket) of your jeans. It stays completely out of the way until you need it, making it the ultimate unobtrusive companion.

Practical Materials for Everyday Use

We do not believe in charging premium prices for materials that look good but fail in the field. For the blade, we utilized our proprietary AR-RPM9 steel. According to metallurgical tests and our own quality control, this fine-grained steel offers an excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

We heat treat the AR-RPM9 to a hardness of HRC59-61. This means it holds a sharp edge through plenty of cardboard boxes, yet remains relatively easy to sharpen when the time eventually comes. To keep the weight down, we opted for durable aluminum handles.

At just 1.71 ounces, you will genuinely forget you are carrying it. The liner lock mechanism provides a sturdy and reliable lockup, giving you absolute peace of mind during use.

Three Versions Available

We know that EDC enthusiasts love to customize their carry to match their personal aesthetic. That is why we are launching this series in three distinct colorways. Each offers the exact same mechanical perfection, just with a different visual flavor.

First, we have our stealthy black version, the CJRB CJRB Spud. It features a classic stone wash blade paired with a black aluminum handle. This is the go-to option for those who prefer their tools low-profile and strictly business.

If you want a touch of elegance, you will love the CJRB CJRB Spud in Champagne. We paired this beautifully warm handle color with a striking Black PVD Coating on the blade. It stands out visually while providing extra corrosion resistance thanks to the coating.

Finally, for a sleek, industrial look, we offer the CJRB CJRB Spud in Gray. It shares the rugged stone wash blade finish of the black model but pairs it with a cool slate gray handle that hides scratches exceptionally well.

Can't decide which one fits your style? You can view the full lineup and compare them side-by-side by checking out the CJRB Spud Collection directly on our store.

Who Is the CJRB Spud For?

To be perfectly honest, this tool is not for someone looking to chop firewood or baton through thick branches. If you need a heavy tactical fixed blade, this is not it. But if you need an ultra-light, razor-sharp backup that comfortably handles 95% of daily cutting chores, it is a perfect match.

We highly recommend it for hikers, office workers, tradespeople needing a secondary blade, and anyone who appreciates compact engineering. Here is a quick breakdown of where it shines and where it has limitations:

Launch Offers & Final Thoughts

Bringing this vision from Jake Diaz's sketches to a finished product has been an incredibly rewarding journey for our team. We believe we have created one of the most practical, ergonomic micro-blades available today.

At just $39.99, we made sure it is priced aggressively so anyone can add it to their rotation. For a limited time during this launch period, we are offering special bundle deals on our site. Do not miss your chance to experience a small blade that thinks big. Grab yours today and see how it completely changes your daily carry.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Carrying a Neck Knife

Is wearing a blade around your neck actually safe?
Yes, provided you use a properly designed sheath and lanyard system. Our quick-release mechanism ensures the tool securely stays in place during rigorous movement but detaches safely when you apply intentional pulling force.

Will the aluminum handle get scratched up in my coin pocket?
While all tools show wear eventually, we use aluminum that holds up excellently against keys and coins. The gray and black models particularly hide minor scuffs very well.

How hard is it to sharpen AR-RPM9 steel?
Not hard at all. Despite its impressive edge retention, AR-RPM9 responds beautifully to standard ceramic stones or diamond hones. You do not need specialized industrial equipment to maintain a razor edge.

Can I remove the lanyard clip if I only want to pocket carry?
Absolutely. The lanyard clip is designed to be fully functional for neck carry, but if you prefer to drop it strictly into your fifth pocket, the setup remains slim and perfectly unobtrusive.