hello new member here

[NitroxAZ]

Hello. I am a new member with a quick question. I am looking for a reasonably priced kerambit. What would you recommend? What grade steel? etc.

 

[babakanoosh45]

Welcome to BF. I am sure someone will be along to guide you in this search. I did at one time have a folding Byrd "Hawkbill" Pretty close for the money. It was a good piece! Hope you have fun in the forums...:thumbup:

 

[NaturalMystic]

Welcome to the forums Nitro. Unfortunately I can't offer any advice on the kerambit but just wanted to say hi and welcome you aboard.

Cheers!

 

[spiralarchitect]

A Fox made Derespina would be a good place to start:
http://newgraham.com/store/product/5489/Derespina-Fox-Parong-Black--DK-FX637T/

If that doesn't turn your crank, sometimes you can find a Derespina Model 10 in the exchange or on the internet for a decent price.

Those knives don't have the latest or greatest steels, but they are pretty nice for the price. Some others you can look for are the Emerson K-bit in folding or fixed at about $150 or sometimes the Warren Thomas designed Spyderco K-bit turns up in the exchange for $100ish. IIRC the Emersons use 154CM and the Spyderco uses VG-10.

In my limited experience, I say go with a Derespina Mod 10 if you can find it. It is nicely sized, reasonably priced, great to learn on and no one can dispute that Richard knows K-bits.

 

[Chazzy151]

Welcome to BF

 

[mdauben]

Hello. I am a new member with a quick question.

Hi, Nitro!

I am looking for a reasonably priced kerambit. What would you recommend?

Fixed or folding? I think Cold Steel makes a decent fixed Karambit (5 inch AUS8A blade; around $50-60).

If you need a folder, 5.11 makes a very nice one (2 3/4 inch S30V steel; around $80-100).

Spyderco used to make a nice one, too (2 1/8 inch VG-10 blade; around $100?). Unfortunatly, its OOP but you can find them on the on-line auction sites pretty regularly.

What grade steel? etc.

I'm going to sound a but heretical, here, but I don't think you really need a super-steel for a SD blade. It just does not see the wear and abuse an EDC utility blade does. I think as long as you avoid no-name "stainless" and cheap 420-series steel, most anything else should work just fine.

 

[Bimmer1]

If you want a folding karambit I would suggest the 5.11 Tactical Journeyman karambit as a first purchase.

 

[Kaizen1]

I'm going to sound a but heretical, here, but I don't think you really need a super-steel for a SD blade. It just does not see the wear and abuse an EDC utility blade does. I think as long as you avoid no-name "stainless" and cheap 420-series steel, most anything else should work just fine.

Not heretical at all. SD knives aren't utility knives. What's considered mediocre steels for utility should be plenty sufficient for SD. I completely agree.

 

[cj65]

Welcome to BF. I do not have knowledge on kerambits to give advice, just wanted to say "Hello."

 

[vic2367]

welcome aboard..

 

[knarfeng]

What does your sensei recommend?

kerambits are primarily SD knives. As such, I would not recommend carrying one without obtaining the training necessary to use one successfully. So, what does your sensei recommend.

Plus one on not worrying too much about the alloy.

 

[NitroxAZ]

Thanks for all of nice welcomes. Also thanks for the great advice. I think that I am going to go with the 5.11 Tactical Journeyman.

 

[harkamus]

Emerson Kerambit is nice too if you want to foot the bill. However, it is chisel ground if that's not your cup of tea.

 

[Jason.Lee740]

Good choice going with 5.11. I am sure it will serve you well and welcome aboard.

 

[alaskanmonte]

Glad to have you here. Those 5.11 Karambits are nice for the price. You can get them in 154CM or S30V. I like the 154CM version. Let us know how you like it once you receive it.