Saturday, December 16, 2006

The Karambit



The Karambit is a very well made folder, however its use is limited as a defense knife. The Karambit pictured above is the folding version of the fixed-blade Karambit which is a utility/defense knife from Indonesia. The fixed-blade version is double-edged with 2-3 deep serrations on the rear of the blade near the handle. For the most part, the knife can only be used with a particular martial arts style. In other words, you won't be able to use the Applegate or Fairbairn-Sykes style of knife fighting.

Using the folding model, you won't be able to use most of the moves that can be used with the fixed-blade Karambit.

One of the main experts of this martial art is Steve Tarani, who also designed the U.S. version of the Karambit. More information about Tarani and the Karambit can be found on www.Karamit.com.

I attended a one-day course taught by Mr. Tarani and after the course, I bought several Karambits. I had a little too much money to burn at the time and I bought the Masters, Journeyman and practice models of the Karambit. The Masters model is made from CPM S30V Steel and is very tough.

I don't carry my Karambit and only keep them as a collector's item. Just for kicks, I used the Masters model to make several cuts to an aluminum soft drink can. the can made the cuts with no no damage to the blade.

Basically, it's a well-made knife, but for most people it is impractical for use as a defensive knife.