Bastinelli Diagnostic karambit / neck knife

[DrtyHarry]

I am a huge fan of karambits and always have one with me. I took several classes as to how to properly use one, and am actually rather handy with one.

I am considering the purchase of a Bastinelli Black Cerakote Diagnostic blade...it's not really a full karambit, but it's really small and very easy to conceal. I saw a video on the maker's home page, and it looks to be deadly effective. I am able to get one for $80...just not sure if it's worth it or how comfortable it is. I was hoping someone had some experience with one and might be able to shed some light if they would be so kind. Here is what they look like....

Thanks so much, fellas!

Harry

 

[HFinn]

I have Bastinelli's larger karambit, the Kalinou but not the diagnostic. My experiences with this larger knife are really positive, so I think you would be satisfied. I am also interested about other people's opinion since I have also been considering the Diagnostic.

 

[VanDammet]

'I'm pretty good with a bow staff'....I don't have their karambit, but I had a Raptor L & loved it...fantastic design & F&F. I say if you're into these karambits, then get this one...Bastinelli knows knife design - best of luck brother!

 

[DrtyHarry]

Gonna do it...I have a few of their pieces. The Assaucalipse Compact and the Dragotac compact...amazing knives. I have the full size karambit on order, (the Kalinou) but am having both sides sharpened. It comes fixed and in a sheath, not sure why they don't offer it sharp on both sides. I would love to hear a review if anyone can. Thanks!!

 

[DrtyHarry]

Got it! Well...it's in the mail. Got a sick deal on it as well...under $80 shipped (with 50ft of paracord). I'll post a detailed review here after I had some time with it...maybe throw something on YouTube in English instead of French.


Harry

 

[tsuba]

You'll not be disappointed with the design, my only complaint would be on the cerakote finish...
Now you need the "picoeur" his last collaboration with D. Marcaïda !

 

[DrtyHarry]

You'll not be disappointed with the design, my only complaint would be on the cerakote finish...
Now you need the "picoeur" his last collaboration with D. Marcaïda !

I'll probably be one of the first to get one, I pre ordered it last month direct from Bastien. He had the stonewash ones ready, but the black ones won't be ready to ship until the 15th. Those look awesome and I LOVE how the sheath can be clipped behind your tie with formal attire. I hear ya on the cerakote finish...but it's harder for someone to see black, both in your hand and when it's on your waist. Around your neck it can't be seen at all, but I plan on wearing it on my belt in front...to the right of the buckle and the left of the pocket....IWB. I am toying with the notion of having the other side sharpened on the Diagnostic. I have been planning on getting a Kalinou for a while but Bastien will not sharpen both sides of the blade for me. The guys over at karambit.com however, will sharpen the other side for me. I don't understand how come they don't offer both the Kalinou and Diagnostic with 2 sharp edges instead of one. They are in a sheath. We shall see...I am going to order them as is. And when I get them and examine them closely, I will decide if I want the other sides sharpened, and if so...depending on the width of the blade....what degree of a cut. I'm surprised they have not come out with a folding karambit yet. Especially after doing some work together with Marcaida....and Marcaida has had FOX Knives commissioned to make some of his designs, like the Karambit 599.

Anyway, I didn't get the Kalinou because I am waiting to hear more about the new Brous frame lock karambit he is working on. I have his first karambit, and I extensively modified it. I put a wave on it, I had a new clip put on the other side to allow a reverse grip wave draw. It's my favorite karambit, it opens like no other with the ball bearing system Brous uses on that knife. Makes for opening it from the pocket SUPER simple....never miss.

My favorite karambit....