What does BladeForums think about Kerambits?

WadeWilson

WadeWilson

Joined
Mar 21, 2011
Messages
1,139
So I'm relatively new to the knife world, but since I first saw a Kerambit I was intrigued. I see them obviously as defensive weapons, but are they more than that? I don't know if this gets touched on much here. Or if it's been beaten like a dead horse. Sorry I didn't search. I guess I'm just curious to see what everyone thinks of them around these parts. Tell me good, tell me bad or tell me to shut up if this is something that has been ran into the ground. Thanks in advance.

-Zack
 
I personally consider kerambits next to useless, don't get me wrong a properly made karambit in the right hand could be very aggressive but I doubt an untrained person would be able to use them effectively.
 
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I definitely see your point, Rider. I think they look sweet. Very aggressive and tactical (I hate that I just used that word) and I find myself wanting one. The Emerson with the wave is very cool and well thought out. But on the other hand I'm like, I don't know how to properly use it and then I'd feel like a dork with a toy. Anyway, more thoughts people. Discussion continues!
 
You can always get a cheaper one and see if you like the design. I like my coldsteel steel tiger but I probably won't buy another karambit .It just doesn't really do anything much better than any other blade. I think it would be useful in opening boxes,gutting fish,etc.
 
while im a big fan of hawkbill style blades, the karambit becomes a little more limited because of the ratio of blade to handle (traditional karambits have a short blade) and also the angle most companies use for attaching the blade to the handle because of this i am not a fan but if it floats your boat have at it

(just for clarification i was talking about edc use not SD)
 
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I think they look relatively useless, but fun none the less. a decent, sharp plain edged one could be a really nice veggie slicer when a traditional kitchen knife is unacceptable.
 
Next to useless?
I am trained so maybe that's why I dont get this.

The typical blade shape and angle makes it a ripper.
The finger hole makes it deploy really fast and keeps you from dropping it.
 
Like pretty much any sharpened piece of steel it will always have some utility, but mainly the kerambit is a very specific knife meant to be used by people trained to use it to sever arteries and tendons. If you want a hawkbilled knife specifically for self defense, the average, untrained person is better off with a Spyderco Civilian. Or Matriarch, or one of any number of utility hawkbills. Or something long and stabby.
 
Why is it that these knives are so expensive? There doesn't seem to be anything about them that would make them cost that much to produce, but they all seem to be around $100 or more. Anything under that is plastic or doesn't look like a karambit.
 
A waved karambit is among the fastest opening knives(very easy to hook a finger in and yank it out). However, the fact that it's a purpose-built weapon will mean exactly that legally should you ever use it. Might just be better to carry a gun really. I personally carry a Delica Wave because it at least looks like it might have some utility use to it. It's sad we have to sacrifice effectiveness for something socially and legally acceptable as we are forced to tiptoe on thin ice due to this legal BS that continually makes every effort it can to force citizens to disarm themselves.
 
BTW I was talking about fixed karambits, not folders. I know there are a few folders out there.
 
i certainly agree with members commenting on the limited use of karambits. certainly ca'nt peel a apple well , clean game or skin. as to defensive uses i would prefer a ka-bar, the karambit is a slasler basically , certainly limited in thrusting- stabbing movements. however the biggest problem is the finger hole. much is said about the stable strong grip capable with this tool but if one's movement is compromised the lest you can expect is a broken finger. sometimes losing the tool can be better than losing a digit.--dennis
 
DennisStrickland said:
i certainly agree with members commenting on the limited use of karambits. certainly ca'nt peel a apple well , clean game or skin. as to defensive uses i would prefer a ka-bar, the karambit is a slasler basically , certainly limited in thrusting- stabbing movements. however the biggest problem is the finger hole. much is said about the stable strong grip capable with this tool but if one's movement is compromised the lest you can expect is a broken finger. sometimes losing the tool can be better than losing a digit.--dennis
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I would also much rather have the kabar in a bad situation,but the karambit used the right way would be deadly as well..Especially in a very close grappling situation.
 
Honestly I'd have a hard time taking anyone seriously that caries one around. Nothing but a silly ninja knife imo
 
Kerambits are very niche-specific. If you are trained in Silat or a related style then they are a devastating option to have in the 'live' hand for close-in techniques and tearing the hell out of your opponent. If you don't have competence in that sort of fighting it becomes a cool looking luxury item.
 
brets-ftw said:
while im a big fan of hawkbill style blades, the karambit becomes a little more limited because of the ratio of blade to handle (traditional karambits have a short blade) and also the angle most companies use for attaching the blade to the handle because of this i am not a fan but if it floats your boat have at it

(just for clarification i was talking about edc use not SD)
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Exactly my thoughts.
 
HoosierQ said:
No Klingon should be without one:rolleyes:
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lol lol! :D
I agree with most comments, and though I am trained with its uses and at times carry one I will say that aside from SD purposes its quite useless utility wise.
For EDC purposes I'd always pick my delica over anything and in a fight I'd rather have a longer blade or a ginunting :)

Its hella fun to train with though
 
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