who makes a good folding karambit (not Emerson or 5.11)?

harkamus

harkamus

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Apr 23, 2007
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I'm looking for a good, production folding karambit that isn't from Emerson or 5.11 (as the title says). Let's say price point of 1 - 200 USD. I suppose if custom folding karambits can be had for that pricerange, you can list those too. Any ideas ppl?
 
The two you mention you dont want are probably the two best production folders out there IMO.
Any particular reason you dont want the EKI or 511 ?

I would have to say if you want one as good or better than those you would probably need to go custom.

You could take a look at Boker kerambit, you can get that for a good price.
I dont really like the blade shape or the caribiner finger hole but they do look like they could be ok.
If your lucky you might find something like a Spyderco K'bit for sale, there is one or two others but there is not much else about really.
 
whoa, hey!
wiping out both Emerson and Tarani?
that's probably a no can do if you want a "good" production folder.
as you may will know, folding karambits aren't exactly top of the list for most above average quality knife manufacturers...
 
Hey guys I'm looking for a useful and high quality multitool but absolutely NOT from Victorinox/Wenger or Leatherman.
 
Even though the two you mention are pretty much the top of the list, you could try a Spyderco Harpy or Tasman - or the Superhawk.
 
A Spyderco Warren Thomas k-bit is the only other high quality model available that I would use or recommend. Have no experience with the Boker yet.
 
If I was into Karambits,I'd get this one from Spyderco.


SpydercoKarambit002.jpg
 
Another +1 on the spyderco karambit. It looks dirty and has great blade steel, definitely the best choice. Better than 5.11 and Emerson IMHO.
 
If the only reason keeping you away from Emerson is the chisel grind, why not pick up a used one/or bargain hunt and get it re-ground as a V? You'd probably be close to your $200 mark, and have a proven design that is pretty easy to find.
Just an idea...either way please post what you decide on and how it works out.
 
highvoltage said:
If the only reason keeping you away from Emerson is the chisel grind, why not pick up a used one/or bargain hunt and get it re-ground as a V? You'd probably be close to your $200 mark, and have a proven design that is pretty easy to find.
Just an idea...either way please post what you decide on and how it works out.
Click to expand...

you could do that or you could just give the chisel grind a shot.My emerson karambit is by and far my favorite knife i own, i love my busses and myu strider and my cusdtoms and chris reeve knives but no other knife gets anywhere near the pocket time of my emerson k-bit,

if your buying one for SD the chisel grind seems pretty much ideal, and if for some reason your getting a karambit for utility then itll work just fine anyways.

i urge you to try the emerson karambit it is a goodness, ergos fit and finish materials and of course the wave make it THE karambit to get. i wouldnt trade my emerson for any other k-bit unless of course i could sell it and then get a new k-bit its that good. ive been carrying one for 4 years now and it has never let me down. :thumbup:


also i own a 5.11 k-bit and while it never sees pocket time anymore because of my emerson it certainly didnt seem to bulky or large to ride comfortably aand it fit my hand nicely.

have you handled either of these models?
 
harkamus said:
Ruling out Emerson because I don't favor the chisel grind. Ruling out the 5.11 because it's on the large side.
Click to expand...

I think that is a mistake, the chisel grind is one I personaly like so thats easy
for me to say but if that the only reason you dont want the EKI it is a mistake.
The options your left with are either hard to find or just simply not as good.
For the money the EKI is not going to be beaten by anything else on offer just now IMO.

The Spyderco k,bit is a nice piece but I found the handle to be a bit larger than it needed to
be and a bit uncomfortable TBH. I didnt really like the full SS handle either. but I loved the blade
shape and the over all quality of the knife was to a high standard as to be expected for Spyderco.
 
All said, the Spyderco WT Karambit has an unequally large handle in relation to it's blade length.
i do not know if the handles were intentionally made wide, when compared to a standard Spyderco knife; but i would think that the grip fits perfect for folks with "large hands" (read long fingers).
The quality is unquestionable, but it don't fit my idea of small.
 
Yep........you ruled out the two best. I carry a 5.11 journeyman karambit almost every day. I don't even notice it in my pocket. Sometimes I carry my Emerson combat karambit or super karambit in my back pocket.

The only other alternative you have is to contact Tom Kyle and purchase a Cutters Knife & Tool Bengal framelock folding karambit (around $285). Considered to be the best production folding karambit ever made. These are apparently hand assembled and made on a very limited basis.

I have the Spyderco as well and really like the design and size. I just don't care for the all steel construction or overall weight. I wish that Spyderco would have used a different handle material.
 
The Spyderco is a good karambit. IMHO its about even with the Emerson. While the Emerson has the wave (a huge plus) the Spyderco has a framelock which is a big plus with this design IMO. I got mine for $90 after they were discontinued; if you check the forums/ebay you'll probably be able to snag one.

 
The only problem I've had with my emerson (and entirely my fault) was that I knocked it of a table, the blade was open, and when it hit the floor the needle tip broke. I ended up just sharpening the broken edge. Never had a problem with the chisel grind on any Emerson.
 
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