Karambit Knives

[Bradw3451]

As of late I’ve given serious consideration to picking up a karambit knife. I’ve never owned one, but feel it’s one of the better self defense and EDC blades made. Looking for opinions on which one to pick up.

Best!

 

[Piso Mojado]

Karambit is a knife. You've chosen a non-knife corner of bladeforums to post a knife question. That won't get you far. Ask a mod to move your post to General Knife Discussion.

 

[knarfeng]

Moved to General Forum from Gadgets and Gear.

 

[Korean Hog]

I have real mixed feelings about a blade for self-defense, but I think it's better than being empty handed, relatively speaking.
Now if your attacker takes your knife from you, you would have been better off empty handed ...that's one plus of the karambit, the ring locks it in better than say a neutral handled bowie. More often than not, a quick, thoughtful distraction and quick feet are the best self-defense

For EDC, I think the close-ish cousin, the hawkbill is way better suited. My little spyderco salt series hawk is one of my favorites especially for tight, tedious electronics work. A karambit should/ will function quite similar to a hawkbill.

With all that said, I couldn't resist a Karambito from Half Face Blades and one of Spydercos folding Karambits was a very close second, but I ultimately decided a defensive blade might as well be fixed, and I enjoy supporting the smaller company, especially since I already have quite a few Spydercos. Pick your own "reason" or "need" but I think every knife guy oughta have at least one good example of each of the main blade shapes and karambits are no exception!

 

[DangerZone98]

What is your preferred budget for the karambit? Do you prefer folding or fixed models?

If you’re looking for an inexpensive entry fixed karambit, the Boker Spike Karambit is a fairly decent model. It has hand-filling ergos and the spike on the finger ring can be useful in emergencies where you need to break glass. The knife was also sharp out of the box. The only con I have with this knife is the use of 440A steel. Its edge retention can’t compete with higher quality steels, but for light to moderate EDC use (opening packages, cutting binding, etc.), the steel should suffice. I’m fairly happy with mine.

If you want higher quality folding or fixed karambits, Fox Knives is the way to go. I don’t know about their folding models, but I am happy with the fixed Fox Hanuman Karambit. Ergos are excellent, fit and finish are topnotch, and it comes with a decent sheath. Compared to 440A, N690co boasts superior edge retention.

Like Korean Hog , I also have mixed feelings about knives for self-defense. My default response to this is, if time, budget, and your local law allow, to purchase a firearm and train, train, train under a qualified instructor. With knives, you’re gambling with a worse deck of cards, even with years of training. Besides the moral and legal thorns of knife fighting, the tactical thorns need consideration too. What about multiple opponents? What if the other guy pulls out a machete or a sawed off shotgun? The reality of “knife fighting” is messy and super unfair to us good guys.

I could go on, but I think that’s for another thread. These are just points of discussion, and not a means of discouraging you from pursuing armed martial arts under a qualified instructor (if that is your goal). If you are serious about the karambit as a defensive knife, PLEASE do get a rubber training karambit as well. Do not train with live knives until you’re 200% sure that you won’t accidentally impale your forearm. That shit sucks.

 

[BitingSarcasm]

If you go do a search in the Practical Tactical subforum, you will find plenty of information on karambits. There is also a good thread on ring knives with straight edges, it's worth a read. It's quicker and more in depth than waiting for posts to show up in General.

 

[JeremiahWeaver09]

i think the spyderco karahawk is probably one of the best ones available because of the spyderco quality and also it as a backlock instead of liner lock like a lot of other karambits.

also i really love the cold steel tiger claw karambit folder, its really great for the price, but it actually doesnt make for a good karambit. its too big, so when i hold it i grab it by the handle without using the ring on the end like i would a normal folder.

another cool option i see some people doing is buying signet rings and installing them on your choice of spyderco knives to turn them into karambits.

 

[Addicted_to_Knives]

As of late I’ve given serious consideration to picking up a karambit knife. I’ve never owned one, but feel it’s one of the better self defense and EDC blades made. Looking for opinions on which one to pick up.

Best!

Get a $20-$30 OK quality budget Karambit from bladehq and check it. I bought Boker one flipper with liner locks and I love it. However, it gets very little pocket time, as this is 100% defensive tool for me and for defense I prefer 9 x 19 ammo with hollow point heads and extended magazine.

Check out Bladehq! Take a look at their Karambits, then go on Youtube and check videos (you can ignore the opinions) and get a visual feel.

 

[Bradw3451]

I have real mixed feelings about a blade for self-defense, but I think it's better than being empty handed, relatively speaking.
Now if your attacker takes your knife from you, you would have been better off empty handed ...that's one plus of the karambit, the ring locks it in better than say a neutral handled bowie. More often than not, a quick, thoughtful distraction and quick feet are the best self-defense

For EDC, I think the close-ish cousin, the hawkbill is way better suited. My little spyderco salt series hawk is one of my favorites especially for tight, tedious electronics work. A karambit should/ will function quite similar to a hawkbill.

With all that said, I couldn't resist a Karambito from Half Face Blades and one of Spydercos folding Karambits was a very close second, but I ultimately decided a defensive blade might as well be fixed, and I enjoy supporting the smaller company, especially since I already have quite a few Spydercos. Pick your own "reason" or "need" but I think every knife guy oughta have at least one good example of each of the main blade shapes and karambits are no exception!

What is your preferred budget for the karambit? Do you prefer folding or fixed models?

If you’re looking for an inexpensive entry fixed karambit, the Boker Spike Karambit is a fairly decent model. It has hand-filling ergos and the spike on the finger ring can be useful in emergencies where you need to break glass. The knife was also sharp out of the box. The only con I have with this knife is the use of 440A steel. Its edge retention can’t compete with higher quality steels, but for light to moderate EDC use (opening packages, cutting binding, etc.), the steel should suffice. I’m fairly happy with mine.

If you want higher quality folding or fixed karambits, Fox Knives is the way to go. I don’t know about their folding models, but I am happy with the fixed Fox Hanuman Karambit. Ergos are excellent, fit and finish are topnotch, and it comes with a decent sheath. Compared to 440A, N690co boasts superior edge retention.

Like Korean Hog , I also have mixed feelings about knives for self-defense. My default response to this is, if time, budget, and your local law allow, to purchase a firearm and train, train, train under a qualified instructor. With knives, you’re gambling with a worse deck of cards, even with years of training. Besides the moral and legal thorns of knife fighting, the tactical thorns need consideration too. What about multiple opponents? What if the other guy pulls out a machete or a sawed off shotgun? The reality of “knife fighting” is messy and super unfair to us good guys.

I could go on, but I think that’s for another thread. These are just points of discussion, and not a means of discouraging you from pursuing armed martial arts under a qualified instructor (if that is your goal). If you are serious about the karambit as a defensive knife, PLEASE do get a rubber training karambit as well. Do not train with live knives until you’re 200% sure that you won’t accidentally impale your forearm. That shit sucks.

I should have been more specific with my questioning as well as provided a background on myself. I have extensive training with various firearms, including but not limited to pistol, AR and shotgun. All of which have been in various class/group formats as well as one on one courses. These trainings have also been held in a variety of scenarios, from an open range, mock buildings, my house, etc. I also have my CCP in various states I visit or own property.

My standard EDC consists of a CCW in 9mm, spare magazine, folding knife, small fixed blade knife, hinderer extreme duty pen and various other doodads based on how I’m feeling that day. So I’m not new to knives, nor fixed blades of any grind. I’ve owned them all outside of a karambit.

Lastly, I do have some hand to hand training. I’m not going to get into details, but it’s also in a variety of courses with a combination of group and one on one.

A karambit is something I’ve always liked the looks of, as well as the functionality. I’ve come close to buying several customs in the passed but never pulled the trigger. I own a variety of knives all with different materials/steels from scales to blade.

All that said, I’m a buy once, cry once kind of person. I prefer nicer things as they generally last longer. In terms of fixed or folder, I’m torn as I can legitimately see advantages to both.

I hope this helps!

 

[BitingSarcasm]

i really love the cold steel tiger claw karambit folder, its really great for the price, but it actually doesnt make for a good karambit. its too big, so when i hold it i grab it by the handle without using the ring on the end like i would a normal folder.

another cool option i see some people doing is buying signet rings and installing them on your choice of spyderco knives to turn them into karambits.

Unfortunately, the Wise Men signet rings suffer from the same issue as the Tiger Claw. It just sticks off the end, and if you try and use it with a finger through the ring there's an inch of handle between you and the blade. If it was offset, there probably wouldn't be a problem, but I ended up taking it off. I cut that ring off my Tiger Claw, too, and it makes a much better big hawkbill knife than it ever was karambit.

 

[Skar]

Fox karambit. Good steel and emerson wave.

 

[DangerZone98]

I should have been more specific with my questioning as well as provided a background on myself. I have extensive training with various firearms, including but not limited to pistol, AR and shotgun. All of which have been in various class/group formats as well as one on one courses. These trainings have also been held in a variety of scenarios, from an open range, mock buildings, my house, etc. I also have my CCP in various states I visit or own property.

My standard EDC consists of a CCW in 9mm, spare magazine, folding knife, small fixed blade knife, hinderer extreme duty pen and various other doodads based on how I’m feeling that day. So I’m not new to knives, nor fixed blades of any grind. I’ve owned them all outside of a karambit.

Lastly, I do have some hand to hand training. I’m not going to get into details, but it’s also in a variety of courses with a combination of group and one on one.

A karambit is something I’ve always liked the looks of, as well as the functionality. I’ve come close to buying several customs in the passed but never pulled the trigger. I own a variety of knives all with different materials/steels from scales to blade.

All that said, I’m a buy once, cry once kind of person. I prefer nicer things as they generally last longer. In terms of fixed or folder, I’m torn as I can legitimately see advantages to both.

I hope this helps!

Sounds awesome, thanks for sharing. In that case, I can easily recommend Fox Knives’ fixed models. In aggressive fights or hard use, it is possible for the liner lock to disengage or break. With fixed blades in general, you don’t have to worry about this.

Whatever knife you roll with, we’re excited to know.

 

[sgt1372]

As of late I’ve given serious consideration to picking up a karambit knife. I’ve never owned one, but feel it’s one of the better self defense and EDC blades made. Looking for opinions on which one to pick up.

I own a variety of karambits and carry one occasionally. The one I choose to carry and have actually used "legally" in SD is one of the smallest but not the least expensive available.

It's a Pika made/sold by Marcaida/Bastinelli. It is a fixed blade that is only 5" long w/a razor sharp 1" blade. It retails for around $125 and sells for around $100. I prefer it because it's small, light, easily concealable and easy to draw/deploy BUT it is a close quarters, block and slash weapon that requires some skill (as all karambits do) to use effectively.

I also have a Fox Emerson Karambit, a Bastinelli Kalinou and a Spyderco Introvert and Karahawk. And, I also have the Warren Thomas designed Spyderco Karambit but IMO it is mainly designed for show and is impractical as an actual SD weapon.

I prefer the Fox over the Karahawk and prefer the Introvert over the Fox. While the Introvert is not designed as one, it is shares certain characteristics with and is much easier/intuitive to use than a traditional karambit. For the uninitiated, I'd recommend the Introvert which is a largely unknown and unappreciated SD knife BUT it is discontinued and not cheap, going for about $180-200 when you can find it.

 

[Smiling]

When it comes to self defense, most people are better off with straight knife than a karambit.

Karambit is less useful than straight knife in hands of untrained person, but also a better weapon in hands of trained person. Untrained person will most likley just stab, and you can stab even with screwdriver.
That ring also helps a lot with keeping the blade in hands which is a huge benefit.

Personally, I also have some hand to hand combat training, but I was trained to fight without a weapon and would therefore rather rely on my legs (running) and pepper spray before reaching for a knife.

Knife that would probably suit my current style the best is push dagger or even trench knife LOL, but jokes aside, my 2 cents are:
Get a double edged fixed blade karambit.

Also, most fights end up on court, and trust me, even when you're innoccent it's not nice to be there. But court is still better than a hospital or coffin.

 

[SW-EDC]

A knife for self defense would be an absolute last resort for me..I never want to get that close to anyone wishing to do me harm.
Here in Southern Cal, I always have my Pro-Tech in my pocket but also carry a can of Fox Labs 5.3 SHU pepper spray. Where I am at, a concealed firearm is out of the question even though I have a CCW permit.
My buddy has about 3 Karambits. Can't say they are for me. Just not a practical EDC for my needs even though I realize your question was about self defense and recommendations. I think he really likes the Fox. I'll have to ask him.

 

[sliceofaloha]

Looks like a good way of getting your pinkie ripped off in a tussle.

 

[Smiling]

Looks like a good way of getting your pinkie ripped off in a tussle.

Sadly that actually happened to some people...

 

[DangerZone98]

Sadly that actually happened to some people...

Especially if the user’s “training” only comes from YouTube masters.

 

[DangerZone98]

When it comes to self defense, most people are better off with straight knife than a karambit.

Karambit is less useful than straight knife in hands of untrained person, but also a better weapon in hands of trained person. Untrained person will most likley just stab, and you can stab even with screwdriver.
That ring also helps a lot with keeping the blade in hands which is a huge benefit.

Personally, I also have some hand to hand combat training, but I was trained to fight without a weapon and would therefore rather rely on my legs (running) and pepper spray before reaching for a knife.

Knife that would probably suit my current style the best is push dagger or even trench knife LOL, but jokes aside, my 2 cents are:
Get a double edged fixed blade karambit.

Also, most fights end up on court, and trust me, even when you're innoccent it's not nice to be there. But court is still better than a hospital or coffin.

I read somewhere that common complaints WW1 soldiers had with the trench knife were the limited grip options and the slower draw compared to a conventionally handled knife (you have to deliberately insert your fingers into the holes). Not ideal in a high stress situation.

I can see push daggers working though. Punching motions are relatively, well, straightforward. Just rinse and repeat until the bad man stops.

I wholeheartedly agree with the Joseph Joestar technique of running away first or using pepper spray. De-escalation and/or tactical retreat should be Plan A. If that’s not possible, the use of firearms should be the last resort. Knife fights are messy.

 

[Smiling]

Especially if the user’s “training” only comes from YouTube masters.

I must record myself and upload it on YouTube to get my master certificate

I read somewhere that common complaints WW1 soldiers had with the trench knife were the limited grip options and the slower draw compared to a conventionally handled knife (you have to deliberately insert your fingers into the holes). Not ideal in a high stress situation.

I can see push daggers working though. Punching motions are relatively, well, straightforward. Just rinse and repeat until the bad man stops.

I wholeheartedly agree with the Joseph Joestar technique of running away first or using pepper spray. De-escalation and/or tactical retreat should be Plan A. If that’s not possible, the use of firearms should be the last resort. Knife fights are messy.

That makes sense too... you need to make a fit on all those holes.

And push daggers would be ideal for the kind of training I received, keeping distance, relying on kicks and punches, avoiding getting too close. Actually similar to karate. But push daggers sadly aren't legal to carry here.
I also remember they taught us to hit with bottom of our palm if opponent is very close, you're not risking breaking your fingers, can get more velocity, and bottom of your palm will have devastating crushing effect.
Even with head protection I felt how powerful it is, so that's a good one.

And last - I also have a pepper spray and fully support running away technique as best solution