Is the Karambit Strictly a Fighting Knife?

T

tatfiend

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The title pretty much says it all. Does the karambit, particularly the claw shaped blade version, have any practical purpose other than as a combat or fighting knife? I ask as I cannot imagine much in the way of any utility use for that knife configuration.
 
Actually, it began as an agricultural knife. Think "pruners." They are quite common, widely used knives in a similar configuration.
 
I believe the karambit evolved from a rice or root knife to a weapon. I may be wrong though.
 
It could be used as a regular knife.
But it just excels at self defense.
 
I think a karambit would make a spectacular box cutter and would work great for draw cuts, as well as harvesting. I think it is actually much better as a tool than as a weapon, in most cases. I love my karambit, but as a self-defense knife, it's one of the last I'd prefer to have on me.
 
Originally a rice harvesting knife, but rapidly adapted

Edit: Karambit use specific techniques in a very devastating fashion.
 
A good slicer is a good slicer is a good slicer no matter what it's slicing... if you can keep from damaging the tip, they make awesome EDC's and utility blades. They can be a bit of PITA to sharpen. Also I wouldn't go trimming linoleum with it but for cutting rope, twine, opening ups boxes, mail...Oh and for opening that Mutha lovin clam shell packaging. They absolutely rock...

and of course they can scare the mudd outta most bad guys wanting something from you... A Karabit in reverse grip is the equivalent of racking your 12 gauge...all biddnes :D
 
A linoleum knife is a hawkbill blade on a plain handle. That does not a Karambit make. Again with semantics. Regardless of its origins, we all know that the design is now made for a weapon. You can hunt with an AK47, too, but it's not what it's designed for. You can harvest corn with a sword, but it's made to harvest heads.

Here's an announcement: ALL KNIVES ARE POTENTIAL WEAPONS. SOME ARE MADE FOR THAT PURPOSE. IT'S OK TO BE HONEST.

Geez.....
 
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In many cultures women are traditionally the harvesters of rice. I imagine that after several rapists who tried isolating a woman at a remote rice patty came back with their intestines in their hands...the word got out that the karambit was good for SD.
 
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In the West? Yes.

That said, I don't think they're on anyone's prohibited list. They seem legal to import into New Zealand (although assisted openers are classed as flick knives, go figure).
 
the karambit is a martial arts weapon.
and it takes some learning to exploit its full potential as a fighting knife.
i suspect a non practitioner would have limited striking motions in any eventuality.
but as many had written, the karambit has it's roots in paddy fields of south east asia.
so i guess a modern mega bucks tactical would work fine on harvesting agricultural produce too.
The key feature of a karambit is that hole on the top end of the handle for manipulation.
I suppose some might even try to open beer bottles after a hard days work
;-)
 
Look to buy one from anyone, and guess what they sell them as? Weapons....
Fox, 5.11, Boker, Cold Steel, Emerson, and so on.....
Yeah, for opening boxes.... denial...
 
jimh0220 said:
Look to buy one from anyone, and guess what they sell them as? Weapons....
Fox, 5.11, Boker, Cold Steel, Emerson, and so on.....
Yeah, for opening boxes.... denial...
Click to expand...

Hehe. An object is just an object until it is put to use.
A stick is just a stick until someone stabs it into someone's neck.
 
Then it's a weapon, because Lynn Thompson killed rope and a side of beef with it.

Is Lynn Thompson the Chuck Norris of knives, btw? I think he just might be.
 
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