Yeah...I would have no use for such a knife. Looks like a blade you would find at a ninja supply store. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I believe the knife was originally designed to be used on ships to cut rope and netting, while allowing the use of the hand without putting the knife down. +1 on Musashi Flex. It was really good.

If I ever feel threatened enough (ability, opportunity, jeopardy) to require this kind of defensive knife, I will be unholstering something with dramatically more range, intimidation and stopping power. But, that's just the option that I would choose if it came to such a moment, heaven forbid.

The blade style is a functional design. Have you ever trained in the combat arts? The blade is designed to cut larges amounts of tissue during trapping, grappling, boxing, etc. It in no way belongs in the same sentence as ninja stars or something non-functional.

100% agree. However, never hurts to have a plan B, right? That is the beauty of this design, you get the most out of a few inches and a few ounces of blade.

Ka-bar produces a line of knives that are very karambitish. They idea is as a weapon (firearm) retention tool.

http://www.knivesplus.com/ka-bar-knife-tdi.html

Man, it is a full out assault on the karambit. Where are some crazy east asians when you need them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Not Asian, but he is right, it's not a typical US CQC tool. In the right hands they are scary, hook behind bones, spine etc to create deadly cut throws. Sever tendons leaving arms useless, etc. Yes any any knife in a well trained hand can cut tendons. It's ability to be held closed fisted and 100% at full use. Like i said you wont see them used alot here, but they do have a formadable reputation. Think Kukri on a much smaller scale and recognition

Karambits also excel as a non fighting knife......they are WICKED slicers for breaking down cardboard boxes, slicing fabric, rope, skinning, meat prep (cutting blubber - think seals , whale etc)

I have trained and seen the karambit in action. Armed with one or two of these , there is only a small chance of taking someone down without a firearm. Used as a defensive tool , the karambit has multiple uses and they have folding models that are fairly compact for edc. A karambit is a tool for the "trained in blade" group....they are highly efficient defense tool , but not one I'd carry daily. Knives are tools...don't use a hammer , if you need a screwdriver.

I'll see your karamwhatsit and raise you a FiveseveN. I just don't wanna smell 'em, you dig?

Please don't take my earlier comments as somehow saying that this blade shape has zero value. To each, their own, as they might say. I was merely saying that it seems to be generally a defensive slasher, and for my system, I would tend to carry an EDC blade and something with more range/power for the defensive function. But, my system may not be suitable or even possible or practical e for many people.

no offense taken <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I cannot comment on the 'rambit as a defensive tool, as i am not trained in such disciplines. I can only comment that they excell as a slicing tool in other areas.

I personally would NOT carry a karambit as an EDC tool........i get enough grief carrying a basic folding knife, never mind something like a kbit

I had a karambit "phase", just as I went through a puukko & leuku "phase" and for a time I was even captivated by pesh kabz. Karambit fighting techniques were primarily developed, not because a curved hawkbill blade style is the ultimate combat knife, but because in the cultures where those fighting styles evolved, they are commonly carried as utility knives. While US culture is evolving, I'd say that straight, single-edged, clip point blades are the most popular pocket/fixed utility knives. Armed CQ combat techniques developed in our culture would be more likely to play toward the strengths of that blade, focusing on thrusts rather than slashes. If a situation requires that you fight, it's simply best to make plans based on what you'll have, not what you won't.

To get back to the karambit as a utility knife; I liked using a folding karambit quite a bit. It sliced open packages well and was outstanding for breaking down (even over-taped) cardboard boxes. However, it was a little less comfortable to carry than my normal EDC because it was more bulky, and because its shape was unusual for a pocket knife, people at my office tended to think of it as a weapon, which was mainly what caused me to retire it.