Recommendation? Folding Karambit?

Hello fellow CT-er!

I like karambits and have a bunch. The ones I find pretty consistent in quality is Fox since they make so many.

Other companies make them sometimes, like Emerson, Spyderco, Hogue, CRKT, etc...but Fox has alot of variety and that's what I'd recommend.

I'll post some pics later!
sgt1372 sgt1372 has a bunch too, I'm sure he's got lots of knowledge and pics to share...good luck!
 
Lil Matriarch w/ wave and ring from Wise Men Co is the best bet for me. Flips open like a fixed blade with the Emerson wave and the shape rends like a claw.

Plainedge, hollow grind. Or a plainedge Black Talon from Cold Steel if you can find one.
 
These are all of the folding karambits currently in my collection, which represents a wide range in types of karamabits in terms of cost/weight/size:

1) Spyderco Karahawk -- the black one is supposedly still in production but out of stock at Spyderco; the satin one is discontinued.

2) Spyderco P'kal -- discontinued; method of deployment is entirely different than a standard karambit. A collector's item.

3) Emerson Combat Karambit Flipper but Emerson makes many others that you can see here.

4) Fox Model 479 G10 Folding Karambit -- a "best buy" at about $156 here. Similar to the Emerson Combat Karambit Flipper which is listed for almost 2x's more.

5) Fox Model 599TicS -- my favorite and also the most expensive but Fox also makes many others for less that you can see here. However, the CF/Ti 599TicS is well worth the $ if you can afford it. Really nothing better in terms of lightness, quality of construction and materials. You get what you pay for.

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Emerson and Fox are the best commercial sources for folding karambits. I've noted where you can find them above.

Bastinelli also makes several versions of a karambit called the "Black Bird" in your price range. Don't own and have never handled any but you can find them here.

The Spyderco Karahawk is very good but Spyderco only makes the black Karahawk now. However, you can find both on EB for around $250-260 (plus tax and shipping cost if any).

I wouldn't buy a Hogue karambit -- too big & heavy. The only karambit that CRKT currently makes is the Provoke. Owned/sold one. Bought it as a curiosity. Way too big and heavy for normal/use carry.
 
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I was intereseted in the L.E. One when it was 1st announced but disappointed when it finally dropped. DLT seems to be trying to blow these out at $170. Other dealers are still selling it for $190+.

A bit too big/heavy at 5.625" handle length and 4.8 oz -- larger, heavier and most expensive than the Fox 479. Weight is probably due to the integral construction which would seem to be an advantage at 1st blush. Personally, I don't like the all metal integral handle either. CF or G10 is my preference. Magnacut is "nice" but of no real important for actual use/carry.

OP: If you buy one, make sure that you can return it if you don't like it.
 
Small or medium hands? Emerson Combat Karambit. Large? I would give the Lionsteel L.E. One a try since it's the same size as the Emerson Super Karambit.
 
I do like this one. It opens really well and is secure. It's a bit bulkier when closed though.

CRKT-Provoke-Zap-Kinematic-Morphing-Karambit-Black-BHQ-119339-jr.webp


CRKT-Provoke-Kinematic-Morphing-Karambit-First-Responder-4042-BHQ-103621-jr.webp


Both versions are in your price range.
 
Soon, I’ll be 73. My medical chart looks like a small town phone book. I carry the CRKT Provoke, with VEFF serrations. When asked, I refer to this wonderful blade as Geezer’s Surprise. Easily fits the hand, opens very easily, and if assaulted, the unwary thug will soon bleed-out. No, it’s not “slice, dice, julienne fry, Ginsu!” For that, I have other blades…
 
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