Karambit uses?

[IAFF318]

I have been seeing these style of knives all over the place, fixed and folders.
It seems to be an obvious fighting knife, or self-defence. This style of design with the hole in the handle, puzzles me. Again it seems obvious that a finger goes in the hole but which finger, I would think that you can change the grip and use a different finger. Is there a web site that explains the uses of this style knife and does it have any practical uses? Thanks

 

[lotus1972]

Go to www.karambit.com and you can get lots of cool history on karambits. I find that I use mine for lots of practical everyday chores. Some people may question the functionality of a karambit as a utility blade but just ask a spyderco owner of a Harpy or Dodo if there blades are functional utility blades since they are roughly the same shape as a karambit blade.
If you are thinking about one go ahead and get a cheaper model like a spyderco and give the blade style a chance. They just feel so right in your hand. However my advice would be DO NOT SPIN! Spinning is cool but serves no purpose except looking cool just extend and retract, extend and retract.

 

[IAFF318]

Thanks for the info.

 

[m_calingo]

I have been seeing these style of knives all over the place, fixed and folders.
It seems to be an obvious fighting knife, or self-defence. This style of design with the hole in the handle, puzzles me. Again it seems obvious that a finger goes in the hole but which finger, I would think that you can change the grip and use a different finger. Is there a web site that explains the uses of this style knife and does it have any practical uses? Thanks

There are two ways to hold the knife. For SD only, the karambit can be held with the index finger thru the finger hole and the blade coming out the bottom of your closed fist, blade pointing to the front.

For utility use, and SD also, the karambit can be held with your pinky finger secured in the finger hole, and the blade coming out the top of your closed fist, blade pointing to the front.

I don't own one (yet) but I have handled a few, and the design does take some getting used to. If you are planning on using one for SD, I'd suggest you seriously consider taking a course that specializes in this edged tool, because its use isn't, IMO, entirely intuitive.

 

[Phil Brown]

The number one use for a karambit: scaring sheeple.

I'm not a big fan of karambits, but it's true that they share some of the advantages of a hawkbill blade. The main draw of these knives is their unique appearance and the way they feel in the hand. If you do like them, you should be able to find one that is also fairly useful for typical knife chores.

 

[razorsdescent]

I worked in a deli and they made opening meats and draining blood out of stuff a breeze. Then again i guess thats essentially what they would do with people. lol.

They are surprisingly useful. The hole in the handle makes it hard to disarm. I favor it in the reverse grip but youll probably find out what you like easily on your own. Good luck.

 

[bubbacatfish]

If you do like them, you should be able to find one that is also fairly useful for typical knife chores.

Bengal utility karambit, the blade is a wharncliffe, actually looks just like a boxcutter blade.

 

[Paul1967]

In Indonesia where the blade originated the karambit is an every day carry. In an agrarian setting it could be used as a mini sickle. A guy I know in the land scapping biz uses his to cut sod, twine, and light prunning.

 

[JPD1998]

I have been seeing these style of knives all over the place, fixed and folders.
It seems to be an obvious fighting knife, or self-defence. This style of design with the hole in the handle, puzzles me. Again it seems obvious that a finger goes in the hole but which finger, I would think that you can change the grip and use a different finger. Is there a web site that explains the uses of this style knife and does it have any practical uses? Thanks

I was curious too, so I bought an inexpensive S&W model ($20.00 from Smoky Mtn) just to see if I'd like the handle/blade shape. I find it to be quite useful as a utility blade, but the S&W is a bit heavy. I'm sure a better made knife wouldn't feel like I'm carrying a brick in my pocket...