Question about Fox karambit

[Frankstonalum]

First of all, first post. I have been a lurker many times and always found good info here so thanks for all that previous info!

I am in the process of getting a new EDC knife. It would be a secondary to CCW firearm. Previous to this I have always just had a basic pocket knife with no training. My goal would be primarily for defense but obviously use it for day to day stuff 99.99999% of time I'm sure.

I have been looking at a fox karambit lately and been going back and forth from the more traditional 599 vs the dart. I love the Emerson wave option for deploying quickly.

I have 2 questions regarding this I was hoping to have some input on:

1) in looking at the dart vs 599, it seems like the main reason I have found for the benefit of the dart is it "looks less like a scary weapon" (may be way off on that). I don't care about that, I live in a very permissive area in terms of that stuff, and considering my primary purpose I want the best option for defense. But if the dart is just as useful for defense then I like the added utilitarian benefit of the straight blade.

2) as stated above I have no training and live in a smaller rural area with no local training available. Is it practical to think that I could become somewhat safely proficient with this type of tool with DVD training only? Doug Marcaidia DVDs for example. He seems to be amazing with it! If I could just have a fraction of his ability I would be happy.

Any realistic input would be appreciated, so thanks in advance. Also if you think there is a better option for a brand or type of knife feel free to share I am open-minded about it, but I wouldn't consider anything higher in price.

Again thanks!

 

[DPC]

Karambits for self defense are a meme blown way out of proportion lately. DVD "training" is a meme blown way out of proportion since DVDs existed.

If you want a knife to kill a dagger is best. If you want a knife to scare people away just get any cheap china folder with pointy corners and serrations.


I suggest you get a knife for utility first and foremost. Anything can be used as a weapon. If you live in a rural area there must be plenty of sticks and stones there.

Also you're in deep sh*t if you do something stupid with a knife on someone regardless of the situation, much more a "scary looking" knife, or in this case, a karambit.

 

[lemonslush]

Carrying a karambit for self defense should only happen if you have proper training with it. Your morel likely to be injured with your own knife in an altercation and your even more likely to never actually need a knife for self defense...ever... You want something for self defense, get pepper spray or start taking hand to hand combat classes.

IMO as I don't suggest anyone should be using a pocket knife for personal defence without training. The Spyderco matriarc 2 is a similar design to the civilian which was created for field agents who couldn't carry a firearm that had little to no close combat training. It makes a horrible EDC as the blade tip is very thin and will break when used against any hard material. But its ideal for slicing through clothing and flesh.

As for the fox, you would need to practice drawing it with blade side down waving the knife forward. Its tricker than a standard wave as the blade is more likely to catch your hand upon opening. The thumb hole opens the knife OK and the flipper is useless. I dont like the pocket clip as I find it to long and it bends easily for me. I owned the knife for about a month the hawk bill shape is great for cutting rope and can be used for EDC as it was my intended use for the knife. I gave it away as I never ended up carrying it and the spyderco wave knives are superior in my opinion.

Having a "scary" knife is all about who is perceiving it. Pulling a knife out in a fight or to intimidate people both have serious legal repercussions.

My cousins restaurant was recently robbed and he wanted to get a knife for self defense. He has a firearms permit and wanted to start carrying a gun as well. Since he has very little training with both I suggested to him as well pepper spray is ideal. Non lethal, involves almost no experience using and is very effect. If you have ever been sprayed with that stuff, its no joke. Its also dirt cheap. you could buy a few and even get one to practice in a well ventilated area.

Whatever you decide to do be safe and good luck.

 

[Todd21969]

The Spyderco matriarc 2 is a similar design to the civilian which was created for field agents who couldn't carry a firearm that had little to no close combat training. It makes a horrible EDC as the blade tip is very thin and will break when used against any hard material. But its ideal for slicing through clothing and flesh.

Not in my experience. I have used my waved Matriarch 2 for every EDC task that I'll use any other knife for. Even cutting PVC tubing.

Also the Matriarch 2 is warrantied by Spyderco for normal useage.

The Civillian has a finer tip and isn't covered.

 

[stonproject]

First of all, first post. I have been a lurker many times and always found good info here so thanks for all that previous info!

I am in the process of getting a new EDC knife. It would be a secondary to CCW firearm. Previous to this I have always just had a basic pocket knife with no training. My goal would be primarily for defense but obviously use it for day to day stuff 99.99999% of time I'm sure.

I have been looking at a fox karambit lately and been going back and forth from the more traditional 599 vs the dart. I love the Emerson wave option for deploying quickly.

I have 2 questions regarding this I was hoping to have some input on:

1) in looking at the dart vs 599, it seems like the main reason I have found for the benefit of the dart is it "looks less like a scary weapon" (may be way off on that). I don't care about that, I live in a very permissive area in terms of that stuff, and considering my primary purpose I want the best option for defense. But if the dart is just as useful for defense then I like the added utilitarian benefit of the straight blade.

2) as stated above I have no training and live in a smaller rural area with no local training available. Is it practical to think that I could become somewhat safely proficient with this type of tool with DVD training only? Doug Marcaidia DVDs for example. He seems to be amazing with it! If I could just have a fraction of his ability I would be happy.

Any realistic input would be appreciated, so thanks in advance. Also if you think there is a better option for a brand or type of knife feel free to share I am open-minded about it, but I wouldn't consider anything higher in price.

Again thanks!

I have experience with the dart and 599, and carry a karambit daily for weapon retention too my concealed pistol.

Go for the karambit 599. Your knife is only for retention of your firearm, a thrust with the point of a karambit will cause significant pain ti an assailant which is the goal so they have to react and you have a chance to draw your pistol. You should be drawing your karambit into an icepick grip, this gives you multiple advantages. You use more muscles, yet have less necessary motions by "pulling" upwards, or pulling sideways with a karambit thus causing more pain and damage with less movement compared too a forward grip. Also, a karambit in an icepick grip, makes it less likely your assailant can guide your blade into yourself. Idk that id rely on a dvd for training, check your town for advanced tatctical handgun training and weapon retention is a topic that will be covered.

I also have the civilian that I have waved. Its a nasty weapon, but I think the finger ring on a karambit significantly decreases the chance of you dropping, or losing your grip on your weapon ( adrenaline dumps are very real and serious in this situation).

Just to mention, make sure you're as well trained in the laws of defense, as much as you're trained in the use of your weapons. Knife combat is incredibly brutal, and barbaric. Be safe.

PS. I personally prefer the fox 479 because it has SLIGHTLY more reach, which in a weapon retention situation, could make the difference.

Pardon my typos I'm using a tiny cell phone