Kerambit

Joined
Apr 24, 1999
Messages
282
Okay, I didn't do a search, and I only know a little bit about the background of the weapon, but someone tell me, what's a Kerambit. Yeah, I know it's Malaysian, but how do you use one, that is, what's the most effective way to wield it? I know Worden and Szabo both have their own versions, but are they more specialized weapons, or does someone w/ extremely advanced martial arts training use it as effectively as someone w/ only a little, or no MA experience? That's a stupid question, when you think about it, I'm just trying oversimplify the example in order to get a good description of the weapon's utility. Well then, I open the floor to you guys...
 
Chas over in rec.knives turned me on to the kerambit last year and I purchased one. One of those "I've got to have one of those" purchases. I have no clue on how it should be used. If it is sharpened properly on both sides, this would be one wicked puppy! With proper technique, it could remove appendages. At the very least, I see it severing tendons and ligaments!

I too am interested in learning proper technique for the kerambit. Thanks for bringing this up.

It is, however, probably one of those weapons you only practice with as part of martial arts or FMA or similar training. There is no way this thing could be street legal for carry. I've mentally cataloged it with my nunchucks and other paraphenalia of the past. It remains one of my more interesting collectibles.
 
The Kerambit is a curved knife that is used in Filipino & Indonesian Silat. It is used like the claw/talon of an animal. I think it is used blade up and blade down by putting the index or pinkie finger through the ring.

This site sells one:
http://www.invis.com/kriscutlery /
 
>>Okay, I didn't do a search, and I only know a little bit about the background of the weapon, but someone tell me, what's a Kerambit. Yeah, I know it's Malaysian, but how do you use one, that is, what's the most effective way to wield it?<<

the most effective way to use it would be to learn Silat, i'm sure.

>> I know Worden and Szabo both have their own versions, but are they more specialized weapons,<<

yes, they are a bit atypical/non-traditional.

>> or does someone w/ extremely advanced martial arts training use it as effectively as someone w/ only a little, or no MA experience?<<

well, given exactly similar natural attributes, for the sake of comparison, advanced practicioners will usually do better than barely trained ones.

>> That's a stupid question, when you think about it, I'm just trying oversimplify the example in order to get a good description of the weapon's utility. Well then, I open the floor to you guys...<<

it's basically a knife with a pointy blade, curved 90 degrees or more, with a ring or hole in the handle. it's usually grasped with the index finger through the hole, blade out the bottom of the fist, though it can be used the other way (i work both ways). it can be utilized any number of ways, from simple boxing type attacks, to long, looping slashes/tears, to rakes with the back edges or barbs, if it has them, picking with the point, blunt strikes with the finger ring, etc.

there's lots of variances in size, handle shape, and exact blade design, depending on the style, are of SEAsia, etc. i've heard stories of them often times being poisoned back on the islands: one scratch, you're dead. they're sually carried in a simple wooden or plastic slip sheath with a hook in an number of places on the body.

interesting note: because of the manner in which a kerambit cuts/slashes, not only does the knife not have to be "sharp" in the conventional sense of the word, it also enables cuts through certain types of fibrous clothing found in Malaysia that's normally quite slash resistant.

if anybody has any more specific questions, or wants some pics or something, e-mail me.

Stay Sharp,
Joe S.

P.S.-IMO, while Worden's DTL is a kerambit shaped device, it's a blunt weapon, like a kubotan. the training type for this percussive device won't be the same as techniques suitable for a bladed object, even of similar design.
 
Bob, what kind of Kerambit did you get? I only know of two, and that's Szabo's and Worden's, and b/c you were talking about edges, I'm assuming you got one of Szabo's. Do you know the specs on it, and remember how much you paid for it? I was thinking of classifying the kerambit w/ nunchaku, but does the kerambit have the same bad rep? I was thinking that it's obviously a weapon, but since my state judges bladed weapons by their length and whether they qualify as switchblades or gravity knives (you can even carry boot knives around, they don't count as concealed, I guess) I wouldn't know if it qualifies as something illegal. Would that mean, then, that the La Griffe, too, would be illegal, simply b/c of its looks? In that case, I could get a Worden Kerambit, but that might be considered a weapon, as well, seeing as how you can't do anything w/ it but kick someone's ass. Things are so complicated w/ laws these days; you can carry this, but not if it has this, or this, but if you substitute it w/ this... Ridiculous! That's why I'm looking for sub 3 inch stuff, b/c at least I'm safe that way. What were we talking about? Oh yeah, P.J., do you have a Worden Kerambit and the videos about them? If you do, are they worth it? And finally, to Joe, I'm very interested in pics and stuff like that, if you could post some here that would be most helpful.
 
Thrawn,

I purchased my kerambit through Kris Cutlery and found it to be well made, not presentation grade, but using grade with good material. The handle and sheath are wood. The blade is not particularly sharp, but it will cut on both the inside of the curve and the outside of the curve. If what Joe S says is true, I may not need to sharpen it at all for it to be effective.

Check out the Kris Cutlery site that K Williams posted, that will show you my kerambit and should have specs too. I believe the total including shipping was under $60. I've got to run my daughter to a friends graduation party right now, so I'll check back later and post specs if you don't find them.
 
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