What does BladeForums think about Kerambits?

stabman said:
Bolded part is true enough...many people revert to slashing motions when under pressure, and a karambit, or other curved blade, is good for slashing.:)
I never said that simply stabbing was better either, but having options is generally a good thing.
I haven't come across too many techniques for which a karambit is better than a straight blade, and those that are tend to be "low percentage" techniques.
You are correct though in that everyone's fighting style is different, and for some folks, a karambit might suit them better.
On average though, I give the nod the a regular straight blade.
Of course, I'll probably get kicked out of the Karambit Fraternity for speaking such heresy!:D
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crktm1612m said:
They are great if your requirements are:

sub-3" to be legal
carry for very minor utility and defense

The Emersons are great. I had one for a while and will recommend them for sure. Very fast opening and even in a standard sabre grip with pinkie through hole, very comfortable.
Obviously these are purpose-built and those who practice Silat will use them to great effect. Without training= use the saber grip and don't go flipping it forward and back and NEVER spin the thing.
It is a very viable defensive knife held in the saber grip using circular motions. With a pinky through the hole, you gain a little retention over a standard handle.


Unless you are lucky enough to find one of the bullnose, commander, or 7- shaped Emersons; they really have limited utility function. Unless you don't mind dulling up and/or damaging the tip, I wouldn't use one for much work- it's just not what they were intended to do.
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I'd take a straight blade over a karambit for SD as well, but that's more a matter of familiarity and repetition. I've got more muscle memory to fall back on with that.

For bare bones SD, though, a karambit can be a useful addition if you hold it in a reverse grip with the ring around your index finger and just punch or hammer anything that gets in your space. Good retention, fills the hand, is very natural, and is both surprising and hard to track with the eye.

That's how I would use one if it was the closest thing at hand.
 
I think it's funny how most people talk about the karambit being a niche knife designed for mall ninjas and only can be used by highly skilled individuals.

Karambits were originally used as utility knives. What can't a karambit do that other blade styles can? A curved blade will allow you to slice by trailing along with the blade, a reversed curve like a hawkbill or karambit will be more agressive and allow you to tear through materials, and a straight blade like a wharncliff will stand somewhere in between. Sure a blade with belly might be better for some food prep, and a reverse curved blade might be better for cutting cordage, boxes, and tough materials, but it's not like the different styles are totally useless. You may not see the utility in a certain style, but some might. Different strokes. Use what is most effective you for.

And how trained do you really need to be with a karambit to tear at someone's body, arms, and head? As a weapon it'll create much deeper slash wounds on soft flesh than any other blade style, but you're more likely to get hung up on clothing and bone where a curved blade would just slide off. You're also going to slightly decrease reach, but stabbing with a karambit is still effective enough because it's closer to the natural joint positions of a punch. This also means there's less chance of slippage onto or off the blade when stabbing, with the added benefit of the finger hole for retention.
 
From what I'm hearing from all you guys is that the karambit is mostly a cutting weapon, but if you are really in a life and death situation were a blade is truly needed, that style of blade is not what you would look for in a man stopper, I'd go whit a long curved blade (or a gun if possible).

I have a 511 karambit, I really don't like it as far as a SD weapon, a straight or curved blade can do more than the karambit. I'd go whit a long persian style blade, good at bought slashing and stabbing.

It is a good box cuter. And may be as a gardening tool.
 
Vertebrae, very well put. I think it really does come down to preferred style. Some like it. Some don't. It's definitely unique and I like that about it. I really appreciate everyone's inputs. The knowledge here is really astounding whether it's straight fact from some or opinions backed by facts which a lot of people put in. This is the second thread I've started. The first being my introduction, so I appreciate all participating. But please feel free to keep it going. I've read some great points.

Cheers,
-Zack
 
Karabits are limited in there use and IMHO are a poor choice for a self defense weapon

Poor reach especially in a reverse grip. For tose that say they are for in close grappling . The last thing I want is to wrestle with knives .

larger blades distance and timeing mixed with speed and power makes more sense with edged weapons
 
I normally carry an Emerson Combat Karambit for weak side firearm retention. IMO, it's a perfect weak side weapon since it's very easy to grab the finger hole.

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I personally think they're just about the most ridiculous 'mainstream' knife design out there. I don't see any practical advantage to them whatsoever, they'd be a nightmare to sharpen, and it would be difficult to find a more pug-fugly design. :barf: :thumbdn:

tl;dr: I do not like them, Sam I am.
 
JParanee said:
Karabits are limited in there use and IMHO are a poor choice for a self defense weapon

Poor reach especially in a reverse grip. For tose that say they are for in close grappling . The last thing I want is to wrestle with knives .

larger blades distance and timeing mixed with speed and power makes more sense with edged weapons
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I agree with all your points about SD from my own experience and training. That said, I think Steve Tarani would disagree, and if both Mr. Tarani and I were attacked and forced to defend ourselves I'd put my money on him, cos I'm not that good and what's better for me is not necessarily an indication of what works best.

Also, distance and timing are more of a factor if the person attacking you is a knife fighter. If they crash and stab or blindside you it's going to take work and luck to get into a position where either distance or timing will get you an advantage and in-close the shorter blade and ring might be a greater advantage.
 
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Than I would make due and i am sure it would suck

buy I would not choose an edged weapon that is as limited as a Karabit
 
SeaxyBeast said:
I agree with all your points about SD from my own experience and training. That said, I think Steve Tarani would disagree, and if both Mr. Tarani and I were attacked and forced to defend ourselves I'd put my money on him, cos I'm not that good and what's better for me is not necessarily an indication of what works best.

Also, distance and timing are more of a factor if the person attacking you is a knife fighter. If they crash and stab or blindside you it's going to take work and luck to get into a position where either distance or timing will get you an advantage and in-close the shorter blade and ring might be a greater advantage.
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Distance and timing are a factor in any fight

Everyone should try this make a trainer from pvc with a foam on the pvc

make one the size of a Bowie make the other the size of a karabit

You will be amazed how easy it is to defend any attack the person with the karabit tries so easy my 16 year old daughter will fend off most men. Distance reach and timing is always key

being aware of your surroundings is how you avoid being blindsided . And even bum rushed ill take the power of my big fixed blade over a silly design such as a karabit

Now some of you are gonna say well thats not fair a big knife vs a karabit and my answer to that is lifes not fair and when it comes down to a knife fight who wants to be fair I wanna win
 
tokerblue said:
I normally carry an Emerson Combat Karambit for weak side firearm retention. IMO, it's a perfect weak side weapon since it's very easy to grab the finger hole.

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Maybe I'm a mall ninja but that's a pretty nice looking knife, aesthetically speaking.
 
Mostly ignorant posts with no real insight into its history origin or many uses. Me? I think they're great for gardening. No joke.
 
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