Choosing a karambit for EDC

S

Skaletti

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Jun 18, 2014
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Okay fellas. I have made the decision to have my next EDC knife be a karambit. I know that it is not always the knife people think of, but I have found that while testing out cheap $10 models, I have decided to go all out and choose something that will last me more than five minutes of use.

I plan to use this as my EDC for simple tasks like opening boxes, cutting apples, stuff like that.

I know there are other knives for this purpose, and I have used my Cryo for a long time, but like I said, I want something different.

My two choices are the 5.11 C.U.B Master http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/TG51048/511-Tactical-51048-CUB-Master-20-Karambit-287-inch-S30V-Black-Blade-FRN-Handles and the Spyderco Karahawkhttp://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Karahawk-Folding-Knife-w--15297

Have you guys had experience with these knives? Which one would you choose?
 
Both of those knives are great options. The 5.11 is more "tactical" than the Spyderco. However, it lacks the wave option. That makes it far less capable as a defensive option than the Karahawk. Defensive options aside, I think the spyderco would be a better option. It is far better suited for everyday use.
 
Not quite a Karambit but I really like my little Smith and Wesson HRT Bear Claw. Probably not the best for slicing apples but with a little paracord it just disappears on the belt and having the ring on the pointer finger rather than the pinky when held like a normal knife just seems more practical to me unless you're actually trained to fight with a karambit. Since you're not so set on defense, do you really need the ring or would a hawkbill knife suffice? Something like the Byrd Crossbill would definitely get the job done well without spending so much and having added bulk.
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Probably just how much more curved it is than the Spyderco. You could always do the zip tie wave mod if you don't want to risk messing up your knife right away.
 
ninjarabbi said:
Not quite a Karambit but I really like my little Smith and Wesson HRT Bear Claw. Probably not the best for slicing apples but with a little paracord it just disappears on the belt and having the ring on the pointer finger rather than the pinky when held like a normal knife just seems more practical to me unless you're actually trained to fight with a karambit. Since you're not so set on defense, do you really need the ring or would a hawkbill knife suffice? Something like the Byrd Crossbill would definitely get the job done well without spending so much and having added bulk.
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That Byrd Crossbill is definitely a cool knife, and I may look into it as another option. However, I still am leaning towards the 5.11 and Spyderco because I like the look of the karambit. I know aesthetics only go so far, but in addition to that, I feel like I have a more secure grip with a ring. Plus, you mentioned bulk, and from the research I have done, both knives seem fairly thin.

Your S&W HRT Bear Claw looks pretty cool, but since I will be EDC'ing in an urban environment, I do not believe that a fixed knife would go over so well
 
ninjarabbi said:
Probably just how much more curved it is than the Spyderco. You could always do the zip tie wave mod if you don't want to risk messing up your knife right away.
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Would the curve really be that much of a problem? and yeah the zip tie mod would probably be a good bet initially. I could practice on a few cheapo's before I go pro
 
don't overlook the FOX karambit. I have one and love it. Make sure you get the right size one. I have big hands and the smaller one is perfect. From what I understand the larger one was a mistake when translating the design from the designer to the factory. I don't own a karahawk but was researching getting one and I found out that the ring is comprised of two pieces of steal and isn't well finished leaving sharp edges on the inside (a pet peeve of mine and a dealbreaker). The 5.11 looks nice but isn't waved which is a must for me on a folding karambit. I just find that the idea of getting a non waved version out and into the fight, with the proper ring grip is too much. The waved one you already have it finger in hole reverse grip as you draw. much better positive retention.
The fox has a single solid ring that is finished very well and coated leaving a really smooth comfortable feel. It's great in hand, manipulates well, if you're into that (you will be if you're not ) ;) It too has a wave so you get super fast secure deployment. Aside from maybe the actual emerson I think it's the best folding K-bit out right now. Just beware of fakes, buy from a reputable dealer. Good luck.
 
I love hawkbills but I don't understand a karambit for EDC. Karambits seem pretty purpose built for SD as far as I'm concerned. I'm not knocking your decision just curious as to what led you that way.

I would totally rock a Karahawk if I was a karambit user.
 
One word...Bengal, the best production karambit made. Not readily available from Cutter Knife & Tool, but they are still being produced in very limited numbers.
 
second on the bangal. I use to have the fox and that worked well, tip was weak though. But no surprise with that blade thickness
 
Adrstout said:
I love hawkbills but I don't understand a karambit for EDC. Karambits seem pretty purpose built for SD as far as I'm concerned. I'm not knocking your decision just curious as to what led you that way.

I would totally rock a Karahawk if I was a karambit user.
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I just like the uniqueness of it. Everyone can have a normal folder, but something like a karambit just stands out. and yes they are mostly build for SD, but they began as farming tools and their roots are utilitarian.

Here's a link to the wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karambit

Obviously the modern day ones are more "weaponized" and tacticool, but it is still as useful as an EDC, it just has a different way of doing tasks.
 
Blade Junky said:
One word...Bengal, the best production karambit made. Not readily available from Cutter Knife & Tool, but they are still being produced in very limited numbers.
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Wow, that is one beautiful knife. about 4x the cost of the 5.11, but I know it would be worth it. Since I am going in college, I don't think I would risk it getting stolen, but I am definitely putting this at the top of my list of knives I need to get. Right now I'll probably go with the 5.11 for cost, and because I would be more willing to mess with/modify a $90 knife instead of a $375 knife

would they still be in production in say four years? or are they phasing it out?
 
Not exactly a karambit in the traditional sense but similar are the Spyerco Tasman Salts and also the Matriarch/Civilian. The Tasman Salt is a hawkbill folder in H1 steel, so it can't rust (nitrogen rather than carbon based steel) and is extremely light and compact. The Civilian and Matriarch are purpose build for defense, don't have much utility use, but are tremendous as weapons and the Matriarch can be had with the wave opener as well.
 
Blade Junky said:
One word...Bengal, the best production karambit made. Not readily available from Cutter Knife & Tool, but they are still being produced in very limited numbers.
Click to expand...

Yep, I have one of those. :)
Very nice; full of titanium goodness.
 
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