I just picked up a copy of Steve Tarani's new book on karambits at a local Borders book store. Many of the techniques are applicable to defensive use of hawkbill or billhook-type knives such as the Civilian, Matriarch, and Harpy. The title is "Karambit" published by Unique Publications, and I paid $16.95. If Borders has it, then I would guess all the major booksellers can get it. I knew Steve Tarani made good, easy-to-understand videos, and his book is very readable and the photo sequences easy to follow and understand, IMHO. Before anyone jumps in and says a Civi or Harpy is not a kerambit/karambit, some of the karambits shown in the book do not have the finger loop, and like I said, SOME of the techniques are applicable, not all.
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New book applicable to hawkbill knife use!
- Thread starter Rex G
- Start date
Will this trick convert a Harpy or Merlin into a quasi-kerambit?
I have long used two "split" key rings for added knife retention on my SS Dragonfly. The first ring attached to the knife is very small and the next ring attached to the small one is large enough to slip my pinkie into with room to spare. I like this setup for cleaning small fish since I can dangle the knife off my pinkie when I need to handle the fish with both hands.
With my pinkie finger in the larger ring the knife feels very secure in my hand. Granted, this is not a fixed finger loop and may not work in the reverse grip--with the index finger in the key ring hole--nor does it afford an opposite end impact surface but it might be an inexpensive alternative for some to a $400 or $230 folding kerambit. I'm no SD expert but someone in the know could try this out with a Harpy or Merlin and report back with his/her experience--good or bad.
I have long used two "split" key rings for added knife retention on my SS Dragonfly. The first ring attached to the knife is very small and the next ring attached to the small one is large enough to slip my pinkie into with room to spare. I like this setup for cleaning small fish since I can dangle the knife off my pinkie when I need to handle the fish with both hands.
With my pinkie finger in the larger ring the knife feels very secure in my hand. Granted, this is not a fixed finger loop and may not work in the reverse grip--with the index finger in the key ring hole--nor does it afford an opposite end impact surface but it might be an inexpensive alternative for some to a $400 or $230 folding kerambit. I'm no SD expert but someone in the know could try this out with a Harpy or Merlin and report back with his/her experience--good or bad.
I would think the switching of grip positions would best be done with a fixed hole, but someone more informed than myself might better be able to answer you. The techniques which would work with a Civie or Harpy are limited to those which use only the one grip, IMHO. I am certainly no authority on this. Try the Strider forum, where there has been some discussion recently regarding karambits. Also, remember some of this stuff is DANGEROUS with a live blade. I think I will soon purchase a karambit trainer. It would surely be nice if Spyderco would make a Civilian trainer, especially since the sole purpose of that knife is defense.
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- May 6, 2001
- Messages
- 458
I've been thinking maybe someone with moderate fabrication skills could cut out some rings with tabs on them that would bolt up where the clip is attached, since the clip is reversible. Maybe drill some holes in the rings, countersink, and add the filler material of choice...