Need some folding karmabit help

[Piper Maru]

I dont really know anything about karambits at all (or how to spell it). First I would like to know what it their purpose, the blade profile seems a little less then practical. Regardless of this, I am thinking about buying a folding one. If possible I would like the blade to be 2in-3in max. I am not sure who makes the best karmabits. So any suggestions would be much appreciated. So pictures of the ones you have acquired.

 

[razorsdescent]

Karambits are indonesian blades meant to mimic tiger claws. They started as agricultural tools but were adapted to martial applications. Karambit like other hawkbill blades are actually suprisingly useful.

Karambits are marketed mostly as Self defense blades, and have the advatage of being hard to disarm and intuitive to use.

IMO Emerson makes the best folding karambit on the market. I love mine. For a cheaper alternative Fox knives makes a very well reviewed knife. historically 5.11 models have been great and are designed by steve tarani. There are some great custom makers including cutters knife and tool that make excellent excellent karambits.

Pick one up and enjoy.

 

[Piper Maru]

Thanks, I mean my main interest is balisongs so I try to only spend "big" money on them, but I might drop some cash, as aesthetically I like these karambits, so I will see.

 

[michaelm466]

If you don't plan on actually using them as a fighting knife but as a utility knife and don't care about the ring part, you can find the same blade shape in some of Spyderco's line, such as the Tasman salt, I'd suggest SE if you don't mind sharpening SE, edge retention will be improved compared to PE and the combo of Hawkbill/curved blade + Serrated will make for an excellent cutter, I think the Tasman is around 2.9-3" blade. Also they only run around $50-$60. As far as folding Karambits, +1 on the Emerson and Fox, I'd probably go for Fox of the two, but either should be great.

 

[Piper Maru]

I am sure not going to be using this knife as a self defense, but I would like the ring to be their as I would like it to have the traditional karambit elements. I am going to look into fox, because I have seen the emersons and I know they are like $200 on up.

 

[MarkIII]

I love the karambit design the Emerson Super Karambit is my absolute fav. I also had a 5.11 karambit which I also recommend good quality for a decent price. If your into Bali flipping you should at least check out one. Equally as flashy and dangerous (and fun!) as a Bali in my opinion. I have not tried Fox karambits but they should be good quality. They have the official wave patented by Emerson on there karambits.