Tough decision - Combat Karambit vs. waved Delica

R

rorypreddy

Joined
Apr 24, 2006
Messages
5
Hay Sal and knife fanatics.

I have been surfing these forums and the spyderco/emerson websites crazily over the last 3 months. You see, my Matriarch of 6 years, is in need of retirement and I am so conflicted on what to do!!!

I love Spyderco but recently I bought my dad an Emerson combat karambit for his birthday. It has a waved feature and is the fastest waved knife I have ever seen!

I read a review on the sharpness of the Delica family and the author confirms that the quality and grind of the blade makes it one of the sharpest blades around!

I am so confused :( . I can’t afford both because here in South Africa they are very expensive. So I have to choose one :(

My question to you is:

Which one would you get? Baring in mind that the karambit is double the price.

This message will also be posted on the Emerson forum

Regards

Rory
-Avid but a little obsessed knife owner
 
My Friend,

Especially given the price differential, I would personally go with the waved Delica (FWIW - I have owned both). The Emerson design is almost strictly a self-defense tool - the Delica can be more effectively utilized for everyday cutting, as well as self-defense should the need arise.

Nothing personal against the Emerson design; though I love them, I just do not consider karambits of any variety of much use day-to-day save for self-defense.

YMMV.

--------
Hannibal
 
I dunno, I saw some of those Karambit videos. Looks flashy when the guy is twirling it around and stuff, but who the heck is going to do that in a real fight?

People have already mentioned that you can use the Delica for cutting other stuff. But just think about that for a second. Wouldn't you want a more versatile blade for self defense also? Seems all you can do with the Karambit is tear at people with claw like strikes (isn't the design based on a lion claw?)

Finally, it's a struggle for me to use the wave feature on Emerson knives. I guess it's because the knob sticking out is so small. However, the hook design on the Delica makes it much easier to use the wave feature. Catches on to the pocket lining much easier. Chances of you fucking it up when your ass is on the line probably aren't as bad. Then there is always the spydie hole to fall back on if you need to thumb it open.

That said. A fixed blade is a much better choice for a SD weapon. But if a folder is your only option, then I'd definitely go with the Delica. It's my EDC and I love it.
 
Consensus over on the SD forums here is that unless you have training in how to use a kerambit, you're better off with a more normal knife type. So go with a Delica.
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
Chisel Grinds are the easiest grind to sharpen.
Click to expand...

I agree totally.The knives I have with a chisel grind are easier to sharpen and seem to hold an edge longer
 
HARO said:
I dunno, I saw some of those Karambit videos. Looks flashy when the guy is twirling it around and stuff, but who the heck is going to do that in a real fight?

People have already mentioned that you can use the Delica for cutting other stuff. But just think about that for a second. Wouldn't you want a more versatile blade for self defense also? Seems all you can do with the Karambit is tear at people with claw like strikes (isn't the design based on a lion claw?)

Finally, it's a struggle for me to use the wave feature on Emerson knives. I guess it's because the knob sticking out is so small. However, the hook design on the Delica makes it much easier to use the wave feature. Catches on to the pocket lining much easier. Chances of you fucking it up when your ass is on the line probably aren't as bad. Then there is always the spydie hole to fall back on if you need to thumb it open.

That said. A fixed blade is a much better choice for a SD weapon. But if a folder is your only option, then I'd definitely go with the Delica. It's my EDC and I love it.
Click to expand...

What I like about the karambit is that it is the only knife I have seen that can be waved with confidence.You take out the blade with your index finger in the hole and this provides a secure grip to "wave" the knife.
You have to hold other blades on the handle and I find this slips often.

I like the delica as a utility knife but I dont really carry a knife for that purpose.

Can someone comment on the sharpness of the Delica?
 
Delica first. More utility to it. The karambit has less utility therefore more of a novelty or self-defense knife. Get that knife next.
But if you have the cash are really got to get your hands on the karambit, go for it.
 
Just a thought. Why not pick up both a waved Delica & a waved Endura? You can carry the Endura in one front pocket and the Delica in the opposite front pocket. I have both and I've tried it out. I flipped the clip on my Delica. Works great. If your strong side arm is disabled, pinned, etc. you can still react with your weak side Delica. Two waved Delica's would work too if the Endura is too large for you.

Not to mention it's just darn FUN to snap them both out at the same time goofing off in the living room. :D I WOULD NOT recommend performing that act in public though. That would be a very irresponsible act. Not cool at all.

If you bought both you'd probably still have less in them then the Emerson.

Either way, Spyderco or Emerson, your going to end up with a cool new blade.
 
Do you have training in the use of a kerambit? If not, then I would strongly suggest something else. In fact, people so willy nilly think about using a knife for SD, with absolutely NO TRAINING. I don't get it.
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
Do you have training in the use of a kerambit? If not, then I would strongly suggest something else. In fact, people so willy nilly think about using a knife for SD, with absolutely NO TRAINING. I don't get it.
Click to expand...

You're absolutely right. I feel the same goes for carrying guns without training.
 
The karambit is my edc knife. It actually has more utility use than you would think. But i dont like to use it for that. I really like my karambit. And contrary to due beleif the curve is just subtle enough that you could stab with it. If you wan tto know more. Join usualsuspect.net and mosey on down to the karambit forum. It is a real good place to learn the basics. And as for spinning you dont do that with the karambit in a fight. The best feature of the emerson karambit is the fact that you can draw and attack in one motion hwen it is carried in the reverse grip.
 
I also agree about training for guns!! I carry a gun and I have had training, several. And intend to get more.
 
razorsdescent, i want to speak with you about your spyderco karambit. i am in teh process of getting one and i have been training with one for about 2 weeks now.. i am very excited.
 
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