Why is a Karambit better than a Harpy?

[AlonzoMosely]

Just wondering what it is about a Karambit that makes it a better SD knife than a similar shaped blade like a Harpy or an MOD LadyHawk?

 

[nelsonmc]

I carry a Merlin (FRN version of Harpy).. Seems like the Karambits are just another craze (yes I realize they have a history, but still). :barf:

*Prepares for flaming*

 

[Danzz]

...what it is about a Karambit that makes it a better SD knife than a similar shaped blade...

Where did you get that idea? I'm not saying its wrong or right. I guess a FIXED BLADE karambit would be more reliable in a stressful situation than a folder, if that's what you mean...

 

[gorlank]

I carry a Merlin (FRN version of Harpy).. Seems like the Karambits are just another craze (yes I realize they have a history, but still). :barf:

*Prepares for flaming*

I sort of agree, the karambit craze seems to have petered out a bit.
Reminds me a lot of the kukri craze a few years back when everyone and his brother had a "new, improved" version of the kukri out. Not that the blades don't have their niche.

 

[ERINT]

Just watch what happens when the CF Harpys hit the market. I give em a week before the PE versions are gone.

 

[Ascoe]

I bought a CCC copy of an Emerson Karambit (With 440 stainless blade and plastic handle) for seven dollars today. I now see how a karambit would be retardedly effective in a fight. It's so natural to use.

Now as far as paying >100 for a linerlock knife? No thanks Ernie.

 

[SIFU1A]

I bought a CCC copy of an Emerson Karambit (With 440 stainless blade and plastic handle) for seven dollars today. I now see how a karambit would be retardedly effective in a fight. It's so natural to use.

Now as far as paying >100 for a linerlock knife? No thanks Ernie.

actually the more ya pay the better the liner lock (usually anyway) there aint nothing wrong with a well made/fitted liner lock some of the best makers of custom knives on earth make mostly if not almost exclusivly liner locks (ie emerson specwar, pat crawford, bob terzuola, etc)

i would prefer a harpy to a kerambit myself, i had the tarani master and didnt like it at all, dont see what all the fuss is about, only thing i liked was it sold for about what i payed in one day. didnt fit my hand well, very stiff action, dont think it would be very good at utility, just wasnt for me at all. give me a harpy any day.........

 

[Bullets]

Personally, I always liked my Spyderco Civilian, until it was swiped in the Balkans. Had a problem with the thin tip on the first one I bought, but they replaced it at no cost.

Cheers,

Joe

 

[cdf]

I wouldnt say that a Karambit is in any way superior to a harpy or Dodo . They suck rocks as utility knives , something the others do very well . They have a very high retention factor , whitch is a plus, as getting nocked on your ass is a common S/D scenario . They are at their best in the hands of someone with special training .

 

[DJKali]

I wouldn't say they are "better" per se, but there are some things that karambits can do that other blades cannot do. Granted there are some karambits without a ring, and so in that sense they are very similar to hawkbilled blades. With a ring however, one could extend the karambit and hook into the groin or femoral artery for instance and then pull for the cut. This type of movement would be difficult to do with a blade that does not offer a secure way to pull and hook.

Yes there is a "fad" phenomenon about them, and I once scoffed at their novelty but with the right exposure and training I personally have come to value them greatly. But its like serrated versus straight edge... neither is "better" but each has its own place and time.