Popularity on folding karambits?

MEJ

MEJ

Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
1,283
I find it interesting that there never seem to be in folding combat karambits made by bladesmiths here... just not a popular demand or what? Seems like they would be snapped up rather quickly.
 
Sounds like someone wants a folding kerambit...
Folders, in general, require significantly more work and require extremely expensive equipment to produce. Simply designing a folding kerambit from scratch would be rather difficult, as the blade style doesn't lend itself to an ergonomic folder in the least. Very few makers here produce locking folders, and all the makers here usually try to produce their blades with maximum functionality in mind. This doesn't apply universally, of course, but a kerambit is about as far from functional as you can get amongst known blade styles. If someone did make one, I wouldn't expect to pay less than $500 for it.
 
Because a price for a combat folding karambit would be too expensive. I carry a Fox Karambit withthe Emerson wave because its affordable, I can use it for more than just combat. If I want a pure combat Karambit, I would honestly go with a pistol or a fixed blade karambit. Its the cost benefit analysis.
 
I'm not exactly sure what makes a foding karambit into a combat one. That said, I have made several folding karambits for customers. While they are somwhat of a challenge to design, I did not need extremely expensive equipment to make them. One problem with them is the blade has to be short in comparison to the handle length. It did take a few tries to get the grind on the curved blade to look right. Mine were made with S30v and titanium. I must have way underpriced them, as they did not come close to $500.00.
Chip Kunkle
 
Kunklec said:
I'm not exactly sure what makes a foding karambit into a combat one. That said, I have made several folding karambits for customers. While they are somwhat of a challenge to design, I did not need extremely expensive equipment to make them. One problem with them is the blade has to be short in comparison to the handle length. It did take a few tries to get the grind on the curved blade to look right. Mine were made with S30v and titanium. I must have way underpriced them, as they did not come close to $500.00.
Chip Kunkle
Click to expand...

What sort of lock did you use? I was implying the use of a mill would be necessary, and I wouldn't imagine trying to make folder components without one.
 
lockgembloux3.jpg

http://forum.weapons.be/showthread.php?t=5295&highlight=karambits

IMG_9877.jpg

http://forum.weapons.be/showthread.php?t=16425&highlight=karambits

These are by a talented Belgian knifemaker
 
those are nice... i bet all of those are all around 500 though
 
I think it might be just because a karambit is such a specialized knife. With a more general bladeshape, you can use it for a lot more, while karambit, and hawkbills, are specialized for slashing.
 
Where would i be able to get one of those knives.... just for future reference? Im liking the blue one with what looks to be G-10
 
I've send a PM to the maker on the forum where he posted those knives.

I've copy/paste-ed the links to the subjects of the forum where he posted those knives under the pictures.
If you like, you can contact him trouh that site. He's a friendly guy.
 
MEJ said:
Where would i be able to get one of those knives.... just for future reference? Im liking the blue one with what looks to be G-10
Click to expand...



Hi Guys,

I made the karambits in the pics. the first ones are about 7 years old. And I learned a LOT since then. :)

At the time, I really didn't like making them, because it took a LONG time cutting out the titanium handle. (didn't have a band saw at the time) Making one of the kbits took about as long as making three other folders.

And still now, it's challenging. Because the blade is ground very thin at the edge, it warps in Heat Treatment almost every time. Gives me a headache.

But I have to admit: the damascus/mammoth one with the S-shaped bolster is one of my favorite knives I've ever made.
 
I didn't know that you are a BF member, I've seen one of your folding kbit couple of years ago and I tried to find more info about your work :). Looks great !
 
Response to T_Davis,
While I did use a mill to help cut the lock, it could be done with a drill press or dremel. The mill makes it more accurate and faster. THe lock face on the blade can be done on belt grinder. I also carbide plated the lock to prevent sticking/galling between the steel and titanium. Using a band saw and mill, it probably did not take much longer than any other frame or liner lock. Designing the blade/handle to work together took the most time.
Chip Kunkle
 
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