When it comes to self-defense, the karambit is a nifty little tool designed for safety and work. Simply because of the popularity in battle, you can find both folding and fixed blade karambits. There is even custom made ones that you may want that you can add to give it a touch of personality around your karambit. I’ve been asked before if karambits could be used as survival knives. No they’re not, they’re self defense knives. Click here to find out more about what makes a good survival knife.
The origins of the karambit come from Indonesia, back in the 11th century. The earliest designs were based on the curvature of a tiger’s claw, which made the knives best for hooking, ripping and tearing. The razor sharp, curved blade was mean for those tasks that needed to be carried out with very little effort and a lot of efficiency. Because they are so sharp, they even make for a good hunting knife.
The karambit is still an everyday carried weapon in Southeast Asia and was mainly used in ancient times as a utility blade for carrying out farming chores but it is famous for being a fighting knife. The karambit is a popular option for those who like neck knives. It has had the same type of design for thousands of years being hooked or curved with a handle that had at least 1 safety ring.
Now in Indonesia, the karambit is considered to be a traditional weapon of the combat art PencakSilat. The knife is really great for combat and self defense. Southeast Asia has a really long tradition of knife fighting and these particular techniques are becoming really popular in the west. The karambit is still used by law enforcement, are considered to be a beautiful yet functional tool. Even though the blade length is quite short, the karambit is still deadly and effective.
If you have been thinking about purchasing your very own karambit, then you will need to keep some things in mind. Making an educated choice will depend on you being able to compare the features like amount of curve, material quality, and blade length against the price.
No worries. I have done all the research for the most available karambits. Now ask yourself why do you want to own a karambit?
The karambit is a very deadly tool. If you are wanting an effective, yet small self defense tool then a karambit is going to be the best option. The curved blade is supposed to offer you protection in any type of environment, even if you are in a pretty cramped up space. A karambit will fit in your pocket easily, and can be grabbed in just seconds. They look quite intimidating to your attacker. These are the sexy knives that have a variety of styles that are available in a variety of great looks. You will need to consider about adding a karambit whether it is just as a collector’s item or to be carried around daily.
Types of Blades
Simply because of the curved design, a karambit for a short blade is very intimidating as well as effective self defense tool. The length will impact how well that it will fit in your pocket and how well it can remain hidden. That will need to be a deciding factor on how you plan to use it as a concealed carry weapon. You also need to consider just how easy it will be to draw the knife. In a self defense emergency, time is going to be an important factor. Having a fixed blade karambit will be more sturdy and easier to access than one that folds out, but it will be harder to conceal.
Many experts have agreed that a double edged blade for a karambit doesn’t do anyone any good. They are actually dangerous for the user of the blade. Although it isn’t suited to be multipurpose, there are some karambits that have a serrated edge that can really increase their utility.
Instead of going for the jack of all trades type of blade, it is better to focus on a karambit that will excel in the type of use that they were meant for which is close quarters combat.
Next you will need to determine the type of knife quality that you are wanting. A cheaper knife needs to be designed to last for a long time. A good blade should not rust or warp, and the handle will need to be durable and comfortable to hold. Many karambits will have a ring that allows for more weapon retention. If you plan to get an assisted opening knife, then you need to test to ensure that the mechanism is sturdy, because the last thing that you will want to deal with is a faulty spring when you are in the middle of an emergency.
Just like other tools, the karambit will need to fit your taste and style. There are some karambits that are functional and tactical while there are some that are meant for decoration.
Before you invest in a karambit, you will need to figure out if you want an assisted opening or fixed blade karambit. It is quite important to really figure out the quality of the blade and the company’s reputation about the blade. Be sure to also look at the overall design of the blade. It needs to fit your needs and your personality. Below are some really nice options.
Best Karambits
TDI Law Enforcement Fixed Blade by Ka-Bar
This blade was designed by John Benner who happens to be the founder of the Tactical Defense Institute. This karambit is a great final option type of blade. Most law enforcement officers have stated just how easy it can be concealed, how effective and just how high quality it is. Although it is small, it is great for that final option type of situation, like when you cannot reach your hand gun. It is faster to get than a folding blade, but it is still secure and safe to carry when you use the sheath. It is also great for those who are left handed or right handed. It can be carried on both the strong and weak side of your body.
Most of the complaints about this knife are just about the sheath. It has been updated, so it is a much better version now. For a well-respected company, Ka-Bar has created a great self-defense karambit with the help from the Tactical Defense Institute. It is also at a very affordable price, although it isn’t the cheapest model out there this is a knife that will really stand the test of time.
Spring Assisted Open Skull Skeleton by Tac-Force
This interesting folding karambit is actually really cool looking, it is made to really show outstanding quality- especially when you realize just how cheap it is. This 3.5-inch blade is spring loaded which makes it a pretty fast assisted open blade that opens efficiently and smoothly. There are some people that really do not like the skull design on the knife, but the texture handle actually gives you a better grip on the knife. Many people love the look of the blade, but those who dislike it often associate it the skull handles as a cheap blade from over seas that are often sold at a flea market. This particular karambit, is actually a study, quality blade that is for a really low price.
TF-816 Series Folding Karambit by Tac-Force
This particular karambit is often advertised as a hawksbill knife, it is in fact a 6 inch closed karambit. Tac-Force is one of the best companies for a blade, and the quality of this particular blade is actually hard to beat for the price. It is a self defense blade that many people are quite happy with. Most people talk about the speed for the spring assist opening, simply because quick opening is quite important in a self defense situation. It is a comfortable blade that is a nice size to keep in your pocket, although it really depends on your size, size of your pockets and your actions. This is very great for daily use as an everyday carry type of blade.
E419-PP by BladesUSA
Although this particular blade isn’t best for a self defense situation, it is a great knife to train with if you are beginning to prepare for a knife fight. There are a lot of people who are quite happy to use this blade to train with. The hard plastic blade is quite high quality built and strong. It can withstand a lot of hard training against punching bags are a person, but just be sure you are using protection with a plastic blade. One of the downsides to this blade is that is isn’t a folding blade and it is a bit lighter than an actual blade. But, if you are using it for training purposes, it is really well built and very suitable to be practicing with.
Overall
The Karambit is a very deadly but beautiful blade. They are great to be used every day or even as a back up if you are unable to get to your hand gun. It is as effective as a tiger’s claw, but you can conceal it easily. These are great weapons for any type of self defense type of situation. I don’t believe in using force unless absolutely necessary. The best thing you can do is to avoid the situation if you can. Unfortunately in life, you can’t always avoid situations like that. Read this guide on what to expect after lethal force has been used.
If you’re looking for another type of combat knife or self defense knife, check out a push dagger, boot knife or Tanto knife.
