What are some of the best Karambit custom designers?

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ShinobiWarrior

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Mar 18, 2010
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I'm currently in the U.S., but could be deployed at a moments notice with my teammates. I have a few questions with regards to my desire to purchase a Karambit.

I'm trying to locate a custom knife who is highly experienced in Karmabit design and understands it use in certain applications, or who has an excellent reputation and the necessary set of skills to make custom knives for individuals in the military who understand the rigorous field that those of us who are deployed in currently.

Any assistance is much appreciated.
 
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Welcome to the forums. Well a few come to mind..the most famous is probably Rich Derespina, his models are very unique and appealing, but very pricey.
http://www.derespinaknives.com/
Perhaps Mike Maniord knives, he makes many kbits great designs also, usually uses 1095 or O-1 steel, also very resonable prices, nothing on his site goes over $300 even his machetes. :
http://maniordknives.com/karambits
Also consider Emerson kbits, not custom but very acclaimed and useful and well thought out. Mr.Emerson is one guy who knows his way around a 'bit as well.:
http://www.emersonknives.com/ekKFBBT.php ....that price is of course msrp and can be found far cheaper
 
Thantos:

Thank you for the terrific insight! I heard about Rich Derespina but haven't been able to reach him yet. I sent an email to the one listed at his site, but it was supposedly a bad email. Any contact info for him?

Also what are your thoughts on a folder versus a fixed blade? I'm looking for integrity and function of the knife. Any thoughts on Reese Weiland's designs? I need a heavy duty Karambit, that will hold up in the field. I'm not planning to put it through a brick or a concrete block nor stand on it, but it needs to be extremely durable. It looks to me as if Derespina's knives would be just that. I however, did not see any folders on his site. Thoughts?

thantos1858 said:
Welcome to the forums. Well a few come to mind..the most famous is probably Rich Derespina, his models are very unique and appealing, but very pricey.
http://www.derespinaknives.com/
Perhaps Mike Maniord knives, he makes many kbits great designs also, usually uses 1095 or O-1 steel, also very resonable prices, nothing on his site goes over $300 even his machetes. :
http://maniordknives.com/karambits
Also consider Emerson kbits, not custom but very acclaimed and useful and well thought out. Mr.Emerson is one guy who knows his way around a 'bit as well.:
http://www.emersonknives.com/ekKFBBT.php ....that price is of course msrp and can be found far cheaper
Click to expand...
 
I don't believe derespina makes folders, and Weiland's look quite nice but are probably very expensive. If you are looking for a rough use bit stick with a fixed blade. But if you want a folder I would choose an Emerson combat folding karambit,
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/s...eqCATE CODEdatarq=em&eqKEYWORDdatarq=karambit
They are generally highly recommended for their quality and ruggedness, also use the wave opening feature which allows the knife to be deployed into the reverse grip quickly
 
Sorry dude I have no experience with Weiland's knives, too expensive for me. But if his knives are as good as the customized emersons he does then they must be good. Maybe someone else with a Weiland blade could help?
 
Another vote for Derespina Knives. Don't know much about Reese Weiland. Charlie Mike, a member here, has had a good deal of experience with him.
 
I sent you an email about Strider fixed karambits. They have a few models designed by karambit master Steve Tarani.
 
Rich Derespina makes some of the best karambits money can buy, but right now he is pretty back-logged.The usual wait time is upwards of 6-8 months, and if you're being deployed soon, you might not have that kind of time.

The best karambits to get if you're actually going to carry them, and may have to use them
would be either the Traditional Filipino Weapons karambit (traditionalfilipinoweapons.com / 5160 steel / $155. us) or
Laci Szabo Atomic Kerambit (custom made by Robert Newton / 5160 steel / $225. us / szaboinc.com)

Both of these knives are readily available, top notch, fighting tools.
I own 2 of the Szabo models, and 1 of the TFW models. Trust me, these knives are damn near indestructable, but not so pretty you'll be scared to use them. The 5160 on both models holds a great edge, and is very impact resistant. They also won't cost you a fortune.

Hope that helped. Stay safe soldier.
 
Terrific! Thanks for the info.

ronmageddon said:
Rich Derespina makes some of the best karambits money can buy, but right now he is pretty back-logged.The usual wait time is upwards of 6-8 months, and if you're being deployed soon, you might not have that kind of time.

The best karambits to get if you're actually going to carry them, and may have to use them
would be either the Traditional Filipino Weapons karambit (traditionalfilipinoweapons.com / 5160 steel / $155. us) or
Laci Szabo Atomic Kerambit (custom made by Robert Newton / 5160 steel / $225. us / szaboinc.com)

Both of these knives are readily available, top notch, fighting tools.
I own 2 of the Szabo models, and 1 of the TFW models. Trust me, these knives are damn near indestructable, but not so pretty you'll be scared to use them. The 5160 on both models holds a great edge, and is very impact resistant. They also won't cost you a fortune.

Hope that helped. Stay safe soldier.
Click to expand...
 
Derespina Model 8

Cutters knife & tool karambit - CK&T - (Ex. Hossom & Dionaldo Karambit & Bengal)

Emerson Fixed or folder

Strider PS or HS Karambit

Keen edge Knives Live Karambit 1 or 2

RJ Martin knives

Mark Terrell knives

Deviant blades
 
Himalayan Imports makes a very tough kerambit, forged from 5160 steel and differentally HT'ed the same way the khukuris are. Ultimately tough with one of the best warrantys and customer service. They have the original Dan Koster Design and a couple of redesigns i did at the end of last year. Many of H.I.'s khukuri have served well in the sandbox. Check out this thread : http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=717540&highlight=kerambit
 
 
Hi Fellas,
First let me thank you all for the kind words regarding my Karambits. It is humbling and inspiring sincerely!

Secondly, I think my website is due AGAIN for a major over haul and a new host all together. Which will be done after Blade show probably around July.

Next, anyone interested or who needs to get in touch can email me at derespinaknives@yahoo.com

I do have a lengthy wait list though. However, I can put you on a second list for random knives that become available. Random knives are some of my standard models and or one of a kinds that are without a home and made in between or along with bulk orders, etc. So you could potentially get the exact knife you want or something no one else has.

Rght now is crunch time for me preparing for Blade show table 22BB. Anyone who will be there stop by and hang out.

Thanks again
Sincerely,
Rich
 
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