Karambit EDC

Wolverine666

Wolverine666

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2009
Messages
6,642
Does anyone carry a karambit for EDC ? The claw-style blade shape seems like it'd be great at certain tasks but not so great for others.

Anyway , I like how some of them look and I'm considering getting one for an EDC for a nice change of pace.

The Brous Enforcer Elite (Titanium and D2) looks pretty awesome. That's the one I'm eyeing right now.

So karambit for EDC , good idea ? Bad idea ? Thoughts ?
 
I own a Steve Taranni 5:11 C.U.B in s30v that i used to edc . I think of it as more of a defensive tool . i used it when i carried it for daily task from peeling an apple to opening boxes but found it lacking in many ways compared to a straight edged knife in most utilitarian roles .
 
I edc an Emerson Combat karambit and love it - sure it can't slice and dice a tomato but I have plenty of other knives that can. It's awesome at cutting rope though and trimming small branches. What really gets my juices going though is how it absolutely destroys zip ties. There is something primally satisfying in shredding a zip tie in one fluid, reverse grip sweep - something a lot of folders struggle with. I think it's definitely a knife that, once people start looking past the "weapon" aspect, can be a nice, practical, addition to your rotation. That Brous looks like a good one!
 
The extreme hook shape of the Brous Enforcer Elite blade attracts me. Not to mention the titanium handle. I think I'm going to give it a try.
 
I EDC a Karambit left (weak) pocket, reverse grip. It comes in quite handy at times, especially for tasks like cutting cord or rope. For example, if I have something tied down in my truck I can grab the cord and pull it taut with my right hand, then wave the Karambit out of my left pocket and make the cut. I used to (and sometimes still do) carry an Emerson Super Karambit, but I had a concern that there would be a slight chance of it opening in my pocket in an extreme situation (car accident, fall) given the fact that the way I carry it does not rest the blade against the back seam of my pocket. I have since switched to the Brous due to the strong detent as well as the fact that I like the way the finish matches my daily carry folder (ZT0095BW) perfectly.

 
My EDC rotation includes an Emerson Combat Karambit and Medford Burung. I also have a Brous but it's heavy and thick for the light clothes I wear in the tropics. An Emerson La Griffe is always hooked inside the upper left shoulder pocket of my ski vest (I'm in a walk-in cooler often, no skiing). The hawk bill blade is great for cutting cordage, plant material and packaging, the finger ring is also a plus for a secure grip. If you hand is large enough, a Super Karambit is actually a better all around blade IMO as the angle of curvature from the handle is less severe than the others, especially the Brous. Just be aware it can be a bit scary...

emerson-super-karambit.jpg
 
If you are determined to try the karambit, Ryan Weeks has an excellent model- "U Trap" is the name. Pricey, but well executed and elegant.

Or you could go with the Emerson (fixed blade) model for about half the price. Both 154cm, both well done. Those are two examples out of literally dozens.

Are karambits a common edc? Not really, but the hawkbill blade can useful for many cutting tasks. If you want to try one, go for it.
 
NSBFL said:
I EDC a Karambit left (weak) pocket, reverse grip. It comes in quite handy at times, especially for tasks like cutting cord or rope. For example, if I have something tied down in my truck I can grab the cord and pull it taut with my right hand, then wave the Karambit out of my left pocket and make the cut. I used to (and sometimes still do) carry an Emerson Super Karambit, but I had a concern that there would be a slight chance of it opening in my pocket in an extreme situation (car accident, fall) given the fact that the way I carry it does not rest the blade against the back seam of my pocket. I have since switched to the Brous due to the strong detent as well as the fact that I like the way the finish matches my daily carry folder (ZT0095BW) perfectly.

Click to expand...

NSBFL , Awesome pic right there.

Good heads up , Mr.X. Thanks.

And thanks Ratman. I'll check that Weeks out today.
 
Can you use that steep jimping on the back ofnthe Brous Karambit to wave it open reliably?
 
Wolverine666 said:
NSBFL , Awesome pic right there.
Click to expand...

Many thanks, my friend...Enjoy!

Lapedog said:
Can you use that steep jimping on the back ofnthe Brous Karambit to wave it open reliably?
Click to expand...

You can indeed. It waves perfectly, and that was a major factor in my decision to pick one up. Since I carry it left pocket reverse grip a wave feature is a must for me in a folding Karambit.
 
Yes, huge hawk fan and carry a brous elite often. Don't over look the version1 either. I have 2 of them as well. Bought a couple of them new at 180 bucks each! Love the 1 handed deploy/wave oop.
 
dtoad said:
Yes, huge hawk fan and carry a brous elite often. Don't over look the version1 either. I have 2 of them as well. Bought a couple of them new at 180 bucks each! Love the 1 handed deploy/wave oop.
Click to expand...

Oh yes , the G10 versions. They are considerably less money than the new Ti models.
 
I carry my 5.11 quiet frequently. The hawkbill blade offers a lot to be desired from straight edged, in certain situations...

But, I always have a straight edge available, if none other then my small SAK classic on my key chain which comes in handy where the karambit lacks.


I suggest if you edc a hooked karambit to still always cutlery a straight edge, if even just something small on your keychain or a fixed blade, or a multi-tool. Together the two work quite well together.
 
I like them. I had a couple of Emersons and ditched them. I don't trust their locks, especially on a knife where the back of the blade could see a lot of force if you happen to fall on it as the karambit would. They did not "wave" open reliably for me either. I have a 5.11 Tarani with an S30V blade the I like but it's not very quick to open. The Spyderco Karahawk is the best EDC karambit I've carried. It's small, thin, and "waves" perfectly.
 
I've been doing research over the last week on karambits. They definitely have an interesting blade shape and style. And I like it very much.

And since I have never owned one , I think I'll pick up a nice Ti frame lock karambit. The Brous Enforcer Elite looks sweet for $400.

It'll def be a change of pace from my usual style EDC's (Manix2 , Yojimbo2 , Ti Military).
 
lately ive been toting around a black label vanquish. ring style pakal grip but with a nice mako style blade. best of both worlds. plus @$33 bucks its a well made knife!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top