Small folding karambit. Reccomendations?

J

JBARR

Joined
Nov 4, 2014
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OK guys I'm obviously new here. I could not find a specific area to post this. Normally the balisong guys like karambit too. But I've learned you never start talking to a balisong guy without a heads up. Haha.

I am looking for an acceptable folding karambit that is under 6" oal. And under 2" blade length. with large ring and deployment serrations (single side or both). And a comfortable feel while blade is not exposed.

A Snug blade housing and liner locks would be preferable but not a must have.

I am looking to remove my command and control spike from my edc so this will take over for my blade and control/force multiplier.

( I weighed all of my edc the other night.... 6 lbs 7oz.) So I'm trimming the fat so to speak.

Anything you guys can recommend I will be grateful for!

Thanks,
Jacob Barrett
 
Don't see many with under 2" blade and a ring. Mantis has em rite around 2 but no ring. Check out fox knives they make a few different ones. I like the chiroptera the best
 
Avid karambit collector here. Here's the thing about owning and using a karambit: it's a specialized tool-- unless you have a good amount of training, it's more of a novelty than anything. Hell, I own a good number of folding models, and I hardly carry them anymore, because I have knives like the Manix 2, 0700, and Ti-Lite will perform all my daily tasks just as well, if not better than a karambit.

That being said, if you're dead set on getting a karambit, I highly suggest saving up and getting the Emerson(s). There's a reason they're the best and the standard to which all others are measured. If not the Emerson, then consider the 5.11 CUB Master.

Due to my personal experience with the "customer service" from Fox Knives, I highly discourage you from getting the Fox 599.
 
Spyderco's Karambit is the only one that comes to mind that's close to the blade length you're looking for.
 
Ttran778 said:
Avid karambit collector here. Here's the thing about owning and using a karambit: it's a specialized tool-- unless you have a good amount of training, it's more of a novelty than anything. Hell, I own a good number of folding models, and I hardly carry them anymore, because I have knives like the Manix 2, 0700, and Ti-Lite will perform all my daily tasks just as well, if not better than a karambit.

That being said, if you're dead set on getting a karambit, I highly suggest saving up and getting the Emerson(s). There's a reason they're the best and the standard to which all others are measured. If not the Emerson, then consider the 5.11 CUB Master.

Due to my personal experience with the "customer service" from Fox Knives, I highly discourage you from getting the Fox 599.
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Haha. I've used them before. Took a class from a Philipa marine instructor for 6 months and then joined the navy. And never followed up. I just ran into a guy who has had some silat at work. And decided why not bring some old skills out and start training again. My requirements are so that I can make my own training blade and so that I can lose some edc weight.
 
I'm looking at the mantis site. Anyone know how good mantis is? I mean I know they aren't Emerson level. But are they descent?
 
Had the garbanzo. Was solid for what it was. Not really any bad feedback about customer service either. The fox chiroptera is great. Also not many detractors for them either.
 
JBARR said:
I'm looking at the mantis site. Anyone know how good mantis is? I mean I know they aren't Emerson level. But are they descent?
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**decent

I got the chance to handle some Mantis knives. Unless you're going to get the fixed version (which isn't too shabby), I wouldn't recommend them. I honestly felt like I was able to snap them clean in half. I'm not saying they're flimsy; I'm saying they feel that way.

Seriously, consider the 5.11 CUB Master if you don't want to break the bank for a folding karambit. It's just as solid as the Emerson IMO, but of course you're missing come creature comforts (the Wave, G10 scales, and the handle width).

If you have larger sized hands (size 8 or larger gloves) then look at the Fox 478 and 479. They're both very well built, has the Wave if that's your thing, and have great hand feel. However, the traction on the Fox scales IMO are way too aggressive. Also, the N690 steel, as I tested and found, seemed to be a very soft steel. I had to take mine to a ceramic rod several times a week after daily use (cardboard, plastic zip ties, tubing, and poster board). I didn't have to touch up my Emersons or 5.11 nearly as much compared to the Fox.
 
Another feature to think about is that the 5.11 has a solid ring, compared to the separated ring of the Emerson and the Spyderco. The 5.11 and the Spyderco are lock backs, Emerson is a liner lock. Both the 5.11 and the Spyderco have 1 inch ring diameter and the Emerson is smaller (I don't know it's measurement, just that it's too tight for my mitts) in the ring area. The 5.11 can be waved (members on this site can point you in the direction) and the steel is S30v, Spyderco is VG10, Emerson is 154cm. Options, it's all about the options! I would stay away from the Fox folder, I didn't like lock up of the various k-bits I have handled, seemed to have too much play and the blade was too easily dulled.
 
There aren't many folding kerambits out there: Fox, Spyderco, Emerson, 5.11

Personally, I find the Emerson to be the best handling one of the bunch. It has a wave opening feature, a must for a kerambit, in my opinion, since it's SD knife and it might not be easy to open in in some grips. It doesn't have the best steel nor perhaps the best bit and finish. However, for a defensive folder I don't mind the chisel grind and 154CM is certainly good enough.

If you want something smaller, the Spyderco Karahawk is quite good. My only complaint with this one is that the handle and ring are so flat and thin (which makes it super comfortable to carry) that it doesn't fit my hands well and it makes some extended grip techniques difficult. Other than that, I like it. The blade is 2.3" or so, and the OAL is 6.5".

Are you looking for something under 2" for legal reasons? If so, I'd just take an Emerson Combat Karambit and have somebody grind the blade to the legal length in your area.
 
Dude, get a Fox 590. You have a background in Silat, this will flow the best of the folders. I drank the Emerson Kool-Aid and gave it a fair shake: not impressed. It's too much like a utility knife and not enough like one for combat.
 
I have a few Karambits.....the Spydie (hit the spine on a table & it closed )....the Emerson is good the Tool & Cutter is "expensive but is the best " for folding K's!I now....don't really trust "folding K's.I carry a KEEN EDGE fixed blade K.
Jim
 
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