Folding Karambit

S

Seanski

Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
548
I am thinking hard about grabbing a folding Karambit. Great looking folder.
How are they for edc? I cut everything with my knives including my lunch.
Anyone care to comment on theirs? Thanks.

Sean
 
depends which model. i have the combat version, and its not so great for utility stuff.

and the blade is a bit short.

maybe the commander or cqc versions would be better.
 
I have a folding EKI Karambit, along with a trainer, and the DVD set. The locks on both absolutely SUCK. A great design, but the execution is lacking. Check your lock-up VERY carefully.:thumbdn:
 
The blade and the knife itself are designed for combat, hence the name Combat Karambit. The commander and 7 variants are better for EDC.

I've never had a problem with a lock on my Emersons. I've owned 7 Emerson folders and have never had an issue.
 
Hammer27 said:
The blade and the knife itself are designed for combat, hence the name Combat Karambit. The commander and 7 variants are better for EDC.

I've never had a problem with a lock on my Emersons. I've owned 7 Emerson folders and have never had an issue.
Click to expand...

This.

The hawkbill shape is not good for subdividing a sandwich. It is, however, good for subdividing a man.

That being said, I've found that the Tarani karambits by 5.11 are better folding combat karambits. They have better fit and finish, better lockups (they're lock backs), and more strongly curved blades (good for joint manipulation).
 
TheBleedingEdge said:
This.

The hawkbill shape is not good for subdividing a sandwich. It is, however, good for subdividing a man.

That being said, I've found that the Tarani karambits by 5.11 are better folding combat karambits. They have better fit and finish, better lockups (they're lock backs), and more strongly curved blades (good for joint manipulation).
Click to expand...

Ditto. I have over a dozen EKI knives. Some locks are fine, others not. Why EKI can't produce better, more consistent knives, I can't say. Until they do, my $ will go elsewhere.
 
I have one of Emerson's folding karambits, and the lock was faulty from day one. Sent it back, and it returned with the same problems. I eventually had a custom folder maker fix it for me. I might just be really unlucky; who knows why I got a bad one.
 
Mitchell Knives said:
I have one of Emerson's folding karambits, and the lock was faulty from day one. Sent it back, and it returned with the same problems. I eventually had a custom folder maker fix it for me. I might just be really unlucky; who knows why I got a bad one.
Click to expand...


What kind of issues did your lock have?
 
The lock would visibly slide across the lock face with minimal pressure on the back of the blade. It moved enough that I was worried about it unlocking.
 
Bimmer1 said:
I can see where that would certainly be an issue.................
Click to expand...

Yeah, could be a major problem.

I really like the design and ergonomics of Emerson knives, I'm just too worried about getting another lemon to order another one.
 
I carry two Combat Karambits, one on each side, for EDC in the city. Under 3", so I don't run afoul of any local 3" rules no matter where I happen to go. I use to think the K was just some gimick, but after some experience with them, they are one of the nastiest edged weapons there is! It's all about disabling your opponent by cutting and slicing tendons.....leave them laying there like a useless rag doll! If you don't understand this, you will never understand this weapon....

For utility, they are useless, so I don't carry them out in the bush or woods.

I have a dozen + Emersons, and no complaints of any kind about locks, construction, materials, or anyting else!
 
Last edited:
reconranger said:
I carry two Combat Karambits, one on each side, for EDC in the city. Under 3", so I don't run afoul of any local 3" rules no matter where I happen to go. I use to think the K was just some gimick, but after some experience with them, they are one of the nastiest edged weapons there is! It's all about disabling your opponent by cutting and slicing tendons.....leave them laying there like a useless rag doll! If you don't understand this, you will never understand this weapon....

For utility, they are useless, so I don't carry them out in the bush or woods.

I have a dozen + Emersons, and no complaints of any kind about locks, construction, materials, or anyting else!
Click to expand...

well said.
 
I have a karambit folder and a trainer from Emerson. The lock on the folder is fine, the skinny liner on the trainer barely engages. Shaky QC is why I stopped buying Emersons, though I do like the basic design of their Karambit.
 
I just picked up An Emerson Commander Karambit and I'm really liking it. I wanted the Karambit handle and finger hole but I didn't want a hooked blade that was really only good for combat or rope cutting. The stubby little Commander blade on this thing is much friendlier for every day tasks while still retaining nice draw/slash cut potential, and even better reverse grip stab thrust ability than the traditional blade.

My lockup is very tight. Actually it was too tight, but I read this is common with Titanium liner locks and a bit of pencil lead on the blade tang contacting surface fixed it up for me while it breaks in. Also, I put some teflon tape on the blade pivot screw right away since it wasn't very tight. Overall, I'm very happy with this little knife.

My 2 cents.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top