What is a karambit knife?

The karambit comes from Southeast Asia, where legend holds that it was inspired by the claws of big cats. The curved bladed knife was initially used as a farming tool by the peasant class but, eventually, was used as a weapon.

How did the karambit get here?

Eventually, the karambit found its way into martial arts, especially, Filipino martial arts. The Filipino karambit is shorter than its forefathers and has become popular in the West because of its value as a self-defense weapon.

Why is the karambit knife shaped the way it is?

The blade’s curved design was meant to work as a tool for a variety of jobs. The safety ring allowed the user to work at uncomfortable angles with ease and still retain a secure grip on the knife. In combat, the safety ring allowed the soldier to keep a tight hold on it instead of being disarmed by an opponent.

How do you use a karambit?

As a weapon, this curved knife is meant to be held with the blade pointing down from the bottom of your fist, not held upward in your hand. Your finger is inserted into the safety ring or finger guard at the top of the handle. This knife is used with a slashing or hooking movement.

How do you sharpen a karambit?

You want a triangular shaped sharpening system that includes a medium sharpening surface and a fine sharpening surface. This makes it much easier to sharpen the curved blade. Start with the medium grit and stroke the blade along the surface in one, smooth motion, keeping the blade pointed away from you. Make sure that you use the same number of strokes on one side as you do on the other. Then, switch to the fine grit surface and repeat the process until you get the sharpness that you want. When you’re done, wipe the blade with a soft, dry cloth to remove the debris from the sharpening process.

Karambits

With its uniquely curved blade, the karambit knife (AKA karambiak) is the perfect blade for self-defense and cutting through tough material (like rope). KENNESAWCUTLERY.COM has the largest inventory and widest variety of karambit knives in both the fixed blade and folding pocket knife styles. From damascus karambits to steel karambit sets and shoulder harness sheaths, we’ve got you covered.

14 Results

M48 OPS Tanker Combat Karambit With Sheath - 3Cr13 Stainless Steel Construction, Black Finish, Open-Ring Pommel - Length 9 1/8”

$35.98 ~~Price reduced from $49.99 to~~

Honshu Karambit Silver Boot Sheath

$49.99

Black Honshu Karambit With Shoulder Harness Sheath - 7Cr13 Stainless Steel Blade, Over-Molded Handle - Length 8 3/4”

$49.99

M48 Liberator Falcon Karambit Knife And Sheath - Cast Stainless Steel Blade, Black Oxide Coating, Injection Molded Nylon Handle - Length 10”

$54.99

Gil Hibben Recurve Karambit Knife With Sheath - 5Cr15MoV Steel, Black Linen Micarta Handle Scales, Open Pommel - Length 11 1/2”

$49.99

Riddick Claw Knife With Sheath - Stainless Steel Blade, Aggressive Cut-Outs, Full Tang, Wooden Handle Scales - Length 12 3/4”

$39.99

Gil Hibben High Polish Karambit With Sheath

$59.99

Delta Defender Stiletto And Karambit Knife Set - Stainless Steel Blades, Textured TPU Handles, Assisted Opening

$14.99

Black Legion Midnight Black Triple Set - Karambit / Mini Huntsman / Military Fixed Blade

$24.99 ~~Price reduced from $35.99 to~~

Black Legion Stratosphere Triple Set - Karambit / Huntsman / Military Knives

$24.99 ~~Price reduced from $35.99 to~~

Black Legion White Galaxy Triple Knife Set With Sheaths - Karambit, Hunter Knife, Survival Knife, Stainless Steel Blades, TPU Handles

$24.99 ~~Price reduced from $35.99 to~~

Silver Honshu Karambit With Shoulder Harness Sheath - D2 Tool Steel Blade, Over-molded Handle - Length 8 3/4”

$69.99

KARAMBIT KNIVES FAQS

What is a karambit knife?
The karambit comes from Southeast Asia, where legend holds that it was inspired by the claws of big cats. The curved bladed knife was initially used as a farming tool by the peasant class but, eventually, was used as a weapon.
How did it get here?
Eventually, the karambit found its way into martial arts, especially, Filipino martial arts. The Filipino karambit is shorter than its forefathers and has become popular in the West because of its value as a self-defense weapon.
Why is the knife shaped the way it is?
The blade’s curved design was meant to work as a tool for a variety of jobs. The safety ring allowed the user to work at uncomfortable angles with ease and still retain a secure grip on the knife. In combat, the safety ring allowed the soldier to keep a tight hold on it instead of being disarmed by an opponent.
How do you use a karambit?
As a weapon, this curved knife is meant to be held with the blade pointing down from the bottom of your fist, not held upward in your hand. Your finger is inserted into the safety ring or finger guard at the top of the handle. This knife is used with a slashing or hooking movement.
How do you sharpen a karambit?
You want a triangular shaped sharpening system that includes a medium sharpening surface and a fine sharpening surface. This makes it much easier to sharpen the curved blade. Start with the medium grit and stroke the blade along the surface in one, smooth motion, keeping the blade pointed away from you. Make sure that you use the same number of strokes on one side as you do on the other. Then, switch to the fine grit surface and repeat the process until you get the sharpness that you want. When you’re done, wipe the blade with a soft, dry cloth to remove the debris from the sharpening process.

Karambits

KARAMBIT KNIVES FAQS

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