I love the karambit. its a cool knife. To my knowledge, the knife wasn't designed to be a self defense weapon but more of a stealth and max damage weapon. Most people, myself included have never experienced a knife fight, and those are the people who rant the most about what is effective and whats not. Not to sound like an asshole, but for the most part the primary weapon of choice for those people are their keyboards.
Aadil Mohammed And it wasn't a self defense weapon. This is a weapon used in what you could call "dirty boxing". Hand strikes and grappling can also be used effectively with the karambit.
Aadil Mohammed ,Im not an expert but I do have a general interest in the karambit, I was under the impression that the karambit was originally a farming tool , which silat practitioners recognized could be a formidable weapon. Clearly not perfect but under the right training and system could be very effective
The karambit started out as a farming tool, as many martial weapons have (nunchaku or taboo-toyok, sai, Kama, etc.) and then became a tool to fight oppressors. In the case of the karambit, to help the people of Indonesia fight back against the Dutch invaders. I carry a karambit sometimes, but generally carry a straight fixed blade, and a back up straight folder for the exact reasons mentioned in the videos. Under stress and adrenaline dump the fine motor skills required to use the karambit aren't there without 1000s of hours of training. I train with the karambit, but not nearly as much as I do with a straight blade.
Forgive me if I missed this but as far as what I've seen when people talk about using a Karambit there is a very very simple way of explaining how to deploy a Karambit which I have not seen anyone talk about. 1st of all I agree with you 100% that you can not use a Karambit like a straight blade and that is a mistake I've seen more often then not. 2nd and only real point I'm trying to make is that a Karambit should only be used as an extension of your hand when striking like a boxer. If you get the "its a knife" process out of your head when using it, you're not going to use it like a knife, and the motion is more like throwing a punch while adding small angles to the strike.
Great videos; for many of these folks here is my take. One; almost no one will ever get into a situation where they will need a blade. Two, most will crumble under the pressure, you see this in battle, in the dojo, in the gym. Some guys have great technique but when it comes time to perform and/or their ass is on the line they cant handle the pressure. Three, if you do find yourself in a situation where you need it and you can perform under high stress and the other person doesnt have a gun, then I dont think it matters rather you have a karabit or a straight edge blade... which I think is the point he is trying to make, you just need to train with what you have and will use.
I carry a knife all the time and I have martial training. Under stress, the stabbing or thrusting movement would be the easiest way of doing serious damage to internal organs in my opinion. I guess the exception would be if you train in a martial art that emphasizes the karambit.
100% agree. for an edc carry for self defense you must consider your ability to use that weapon. it looks pretty to use fancy techniques but knife fights are down and dirty ugly fighting. for the minimally trained you want to use simple, natural movements. if you want to use more advanced weapons you must train and practice with them.
So I’m not a soldier nor am I a Asian islands martial stylist...I am a martial artist who over the twenty years I’ve trained and as the kind of knucklehead that once took every opportunity to test and hone what I had learned by finding every single chance I could to get into street fights (I’m a little older now and have realized I’m neither bullet proof nor immortal)I have discarded more techniques than I could probably remember learning to embody this same philosophy...take what works and feels right and natural for you and use in ways to make it max effective...I have in fact been in fights where knives were involved and it fucking sucks....both ways ...but I keep reading about reach and extension and slashes and thrusts ...and this is somewhat enigmatic to me that this type of openly revealing your weapon isn’t seen by lore as folly...posturing with a weapon such as a knife serves no other purpose but to make it look like a mere prop you have no intentions of using or to get your skull split from behind when someone (possibly meaning well )sees a “knife wielding maniac “attacking this other poor guy ...and not realizing until it’s too late that you weren’t the bad guy...what I mean is nothing good usually comes from brandishing a weapon this way....your concealed weapon stays concealed until the moment of critical threat and when it’s in your hand you are using it to directly oppose the threat by removing a fair portion of the blood of said threat...the ONLY reason I made it out of the one fight I’ve had where I faced a knife with nothing more than a few scratches (none of them co big from the knife)was because the guy pulled the knife held it in plain sight and arced and whirled it through the air in front of him and I used the environment to keep objects between us until I found the right timing and opening (.and bottom section of pool cue)to make my reach greater than his and neutralize the knife by breaking the hand that was holding it more ....however had he at anytime rushed me without tables and chairs or room(lots of room to retreat I would have been in trouble and as we all know most fights still end up on the ground or close in-style grappling on your feet which will almost always still lead to the ground ...having a knife in your hand doesn’t change that ...we also know that while training is always a good thing it’s one of the primary ways we grow in anything...but the vast majority of knife type attacks are not open reveal scenarios and find the defender (or victim)usually stabbed or cut multiple times before they realize the bad guy even has a knife in his hand because its totally concealed until the very moment of the first strike...all that pretty ass twirling ,swirling kata type movement you are these guys doing will be not show up in an actual knife attack or defensive scenario if it’s not over before you have the chance to spin your Karambit around your fingers you’re probably dead or dying ...this guys dies great videos and seems to be a competent of not highly skilled practitioner but guys if you let anybody yeah you knife defense techniques that don’t involve running like hell until you can retreat no further the. You are letting someone train to get seriously injured or killed because the majority of empty handed weapon defenses fail ...not because the theory behind them isn’t sound but because they represent situations that will not be present in the reality of a knife attack conversely routines of kata movement with weapons is great for learning angles and just plain becoming comfortable with your weapon...and if it’s a a knife and the use of it isn’t taught be deployed and executed from concealment to and as a deceptive unknown quantity that will be most effective if used not as a standoff or siege weapon,but as a hidden way out when your in critical trouble and are forced to use potentially lethal force to survive...if you use it in any other way your likely gonna to find its usage was in fact criminal in the eyes of the law ...this reality is why I prefer he Karambit....because it can easily be deployed from seriously disadvantaged positions and is Taylor made for this close type usage whereas a straight blades knife depending of the size could be a liability you have to have the space to remove it straight out of the sheath and this can be the seconds that determine your life or death...just my opinions but it’s based on real life experience the only time I’ve used a knife against another human being was done in this way and only when retreat was no longer an option and I found myself (I weigh around 160 pounds being pummeled into oblivion (which felt like dying at the time ..so yes I was in fear for my life)by a 220 pound dude ... had to retrieve a folding tactical style straight blade from my pocket where it was clipped ,open it and stab upwards about from under took way too long ....curved Karambit would’ve slid right out went to its bloody work had I have had one in way less time
its not legal, but i rather carry my karambit and slash the hell of those who dare to harm me. its your choice ive experience almost getting stab so i would never take chances.
Yeah... the area I used to live in was pretty much lawless (squatter area). Cops are corrupt anyway so it's not like they're there to help you out even if you were to follow the law. Nobody but the kids really worried about following the law in that area I lived in... hell the only time I saw cops was when they had assault rifles and came in to get someone.
My friend said the way I like to hold one is called Pikal, I'm making them and other blades in traditional forging methods of high grade high carbon steel now. He said take a few classes so I can understand more and figure out why the tools are designed this way to at least make them correctly for their application
Iv been carrying my karambit for years, and training/teaching with it for years. it has even saved my life in Afghanistan. to me the first platform was great when the punch came down the line because my stand up is muay Thai and its just right there hitting his arms and hands with very little movement, the second platform took years of training and a lot of hard work but it comes down to the clinch (in this case, undertook, low wrist using head control) and the karambit excels. with the third platform the hardest thing was to control the gap until I was ready to close it, to be fair it was also hard with the straight blade, but once I was in and clinched again the karambit excels. however, I agree with literally everything you said lol. my training is in muay Thai, judo, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu, it took a lot of trial and error to make the karambit work for me because it's very hard to find proper instruction. to be honest, it would have been better for me to use the straight blade when I first started training, then added the karambit. People need to understand, the trap and roll flow drills are not going to happen. the only thing that is going to happen is violence. I think more people need to take your advice and not be emotional about the tools they use.
There are 2 kinds of knife fights, the kind done in anger followed by immediate remorse/regret resulting in the stabber knowing they just fucked up their life, and the kind with malice where the guy literally wants to kill you. For the latter, which if your going to get into one will likely be the one you encounter I recommend to anyone watching prison shanking videos because that's about the extent of it when it goes down in most assault and murder cases where knives are deployed. Its an explosive repetition of short quick stabs all over the torso and where ever else they can get to. I focused on boxing and Greco-Roman for ground work but my best friend has done bjj and Thai boxing for several years and both styles have more in common with each other than they do with other styles like Kung fu, karate, Tae Kwon do ect. Most of the traditional eastern martial arts have two major draw backs, no full contact sparring, and they are mired in centuries old tradition and aren't meant for modern self defense. Because I don't have time to practice another* fighting art I've done similar like you and incorporated a blade into my existing strike work only in my case its a punch dagger instead of a karambit.
The Karambit and the straight blade are as different as cars are to motorbikes, you don’t drive/ride them the same way. Adjust your method to the tool in hand. You don’t fight using a curved blade style with a straight knife and vice versa.
Exactly, each weapon has advantages & disadvantages. Strategy and tactics should vary accordingly. Karambit is a CQ weapon the idea that it is not the best sparring weapon at range should be obvious, but how many times does knife sparring actually occur? Most of the time it is used CQ where the karambit shines. Also, the karambit folder is one of the most limited of the karambits available. This video is sort of biased against the karambit.
@@TheTruthseeker1231 especially using a short one to compare to a straight blade and standing the same distance lol. I mean grab a same size kambit then that comparison goes away.
It’s all about one’s proficiency and familiarity with a type of blade. A Samurai and an European knight with a Long sword both will be effective if trained and skilled in their respective arts
Use a straight blade Karambit with a tip that points back. Mine is double sided. I think the best karambit is the the lil tiger 🐅 claw with the 90* angle. People don’t know it’s coming which is the biggest upside to saving your life.
I should say also that after carrying knives for over 40 years, I always thought of them as my friends and helpful tools. Having to explore knives now for self defense because as I get older I may become a target is very disappointing for me. But it is better to practice and be ready and hope I never have to use those skills than not be ready and possibly be killed.
my main problems with the karambit are: - reverse grip is bad for slashing - can't stab - shorter reach - catches onto certain clothing - no EDC use - hard to justify carrying it in case you have to use it
Depends what karambit you have, there are many karambit's that double edge to be able to slash just fine whatever grip you chose, You can stab perfectly fine. It actually can extend alot further if you flip it forward. I deploy mine just great and never catches if anything it deploys alot faster and more discrete then a straight blade.
Yes Yes, I agree! I personally have trained using a Karambit and I can tell you that it is only effective with training. The Karambit was designed like an Eagle's talent or a Tiger's claw. Its primary objective is to hook or slice skin (Not very deep ones). It is extremely deadly especially in close-quarter combat (With an experienced wielder). I've seen a fight in my Indonesian town before, where a man literally got his forearm sliced open (You can see the damn bone!) But a Karambit. He was unable to run away because his Achilles was also sliced into 2 parts. In conclusion, the Karambit is not a weapon for someone who just wants to defend themselves without any training. It is, however, a good choice for trained military personnel, martial artists, and bouncers. It can really do damage as the blade's hook is meant to hook eyeballs, ligaments, and nerves on the neck (Sometimes genitals but let's not think of that). Its curved edge is used for slicing or redirecting other blades. Some professionals even use the hook to catch long blades like katanas. But the hook is generally more well used. The karambit is better with 2, as it is a style of martial arts that always blocks then attack. Hook a person's arm, redirect it away, slice his neck. It's something like that. I've never killed anyone but I've sliced dummies and pig bones, along with hand-to-hand combat in real scenarios and not those fancy stuff (More MMA-like). So if you wish to devote the time and effort, go get a Karambit! If not, get something easier to use. Great video btw! I think some people are just too biased towards the karambit.
I have my Guro in Arnis De Mano, as well as many years training in silat. The point I would like to make is simple: a folder and a karambit are two different weapons. It is a fallacy (as you noted yourself) to equate them. They are only "equal" in the sense that they both cut. I do think it's pointless (no pun intended) to talk about which weapon has the greater reach as a criteria for choosing one over the other. Some karambits are huge, and likewise some knives are very short. Any serious student of the blade should concern themselves with the various ways to carry and utilize their weapon. I do not own a karambit and usually carry a folder that deploys in "earth" grip. I've done enough training that when I'm in "heaven" grip my brain is in slash/thrust mode. If I'm in "earth" position, I am thinking CQC - punching, manipulation, and tearing, more akin to the tools of silat. Bottom line: anyone who carries a blade for self-defense needs to spend time exploring the possibilities of their weapon. Not everybody needs a bicycle, but having one is pointless if you can't ride it.
I used a crkt bearclaw for 15 years almost every day. The design is almost identical except the finger hole is at the top of the handle by the blade. The design made a very secure, manuverable knife. One thing that struck me is what a devistating stabbing weapon it could be even with such a small blade. If you were to stab into the neck, collar bone or any soft tissue then violently pull back it would do tremendous damage.
You can see by your wrists that when you measure the thrust forward, your wrists are not in the same position. So your poking out the straight blade and holding back on the karambit. That's my only concern. Everything else is good.
I'd recommend everyone to hold an equal overall length curved blade and straight blade with the blade tip to a wall and see if basic geometry holds true. Straight line vs curved line will always have a greater reach.
So about karambits I use one I have a longer blade it’s about as big as your standard knife maybe bigger and I use mine going up then down :edit: karambits are very good if you take training
Look at it this way why are animals such as a wolf, bear, lion, tiger.. there claws aren't straight there curved like the karambit it's for grabbing easier and tearing through flesh... Anything can be used as a weapon it's just the matter of what you want the weapon to do to the victim..
hmm.. just a thought here but looking at the movements required to effectively use a kerambit, it reminds me of traditional muay thai with the elbow blows and sharp slicing movements. maybe I'm just seeing things.
That is a great observation, and pretty correct. The empty handed movements of Kali and SIlat are heavily based off the movement of the blade. So we use elbow strikes the same way we use our blade, and vice versa. So the correlation that you see of the blade movements in relation to empty handed striking is correct.
@@S2StrategicDefense interesting, I've started training at my local mui thai gym (I'm lucky to have one, apparently not many people do) and have a karambit lying around in my knife collection. Might look into fighting techniques with the karambit.
i have trained most of my life in edged weapons ,father was the teacher and i can appreciate everything this man has put forth..Now for me when i picked up a Karambit i was much older and was out on my own when i picked it up it felt great in my hand and i was able to use the blade almost like breathing so im a huge fan of both..i carry the karambit most of the time..i also of course have my ccw one thing dad got me to believe in never bring a knife to a gun fight...lol...shalom
the second part I agree more with, provided you have the small, single edged Karambit. yep for a newbie in such a case without much of body mechanics involved, a straight blade would be better choice. But then all blade fight really require many hours of training and attitude. one can train but if the attitude isn't there...you are just holding a stick in your knife that can be used against you. the best feature of karambit I like, is its retention capabilities due to the ring, and yes you are right reverse grip is the traditional and primary grip for karambit.
wrist bending is really minimum when you have a traditional double edged Karambit. What I find in a straight edge is that blade itself acts like a lever to dislodge it from your hand, and also in a straight blade the handle material and design matters a lot. That is one big handicap! I use straight blade as my EDC or survival knife. when it's self defense I trust all forms of karambit ONLY! however many who are proficient in karambit like Doug marcaida, they handle most knives with equal elan...but I ain't Doug I am good with the karambit only.
As a female, I carry my straight blade folding knife AND karambit every day. I carry my revolver every day provided I am legally able. The reason I carry all of those options is because 1) it is pretty much par for the course to carry a straight blade for everyone where I live 2) I feel infinitely more comfortable using my karambit if I were to need it and 3) sometimes you are just gonna need a firearm. Concealing blades is a lot easier than conceal carrying my firearm, but if it ever comes down to it, having multiple options to get to if need be is always going to be preferable for me. My father is a LEO and trained myself and my siblings and his advice was always to have more options than you think you will need. Just my own two cents. Carry and hope you never have to use it, but if you do, be ready to do what must be done. Be safe out there, everyone.
May i ask what state you live in and what the laws regarding knifes (specifically the karambit) are? I've been wanting to carry a karambit but my state law makes it EXTREMELY confusing what's legal and non-legal to carry even going as far to say "Everything else has not been specifically allowed/banned" meaning they don't even have laws for some knifes (Including the karambit). Mostly i'm worried about what to say if a cop ever sees it and asks about it, apparently "self-defense" isn't a good enough reason and you'd get arrested on the spot and the knife will get confiscated and you might even get charges.
friendly heavy Louisiana. We are one of the friendliest carry states. I can pull the laws for you, but essentially you are looking at the law as such- if the blade length is less than four inches, and it is fixed, you are good to go. Switchblade are illegal unless you are law enforcement or fire....otherwise, the laws pretty much cover you for everything open carry short of an actual sword and even then I don't think that would be a real issue tbh 😂
These 2 videos pretty much apply to any weapon system, melee or ranged. Don't go out and buy a .500 S&W just because it's "cool" and "badass". Great vids
LOL, lots of stupid people on youtube, look at his body, where is the camera shooting, stupid people will think they don't align, in fact, his thumbs align. The camera just have a diffent perspective at where its positioned
@@bryantherocker You could use a long karambit against a shorter straight blade and claim karambits are always longer. It is an astoundingly idiotic claim that curved blades are always shorter. Karambits come in many sizes just as straight blades do. I am dumbfounded by how many people have bought this BS (I assume it is because they vaguely remember being told in school that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points compared to a curved line, but I don't know of anyone who walks or rides on knife blades...) And he clearly doesn't know enough about that trainer he is using to understand that it is based on a design meant for multiple deploy options, including a moveable clip (or you can use two clips if you want so you can change on the fly). You can absolutely use it in a forward grip and use the wave feature to open the blade on the pocket the same as in reverse, you just pull it backwards rather than forward.
While I train with the karambit as much and whenever I can, my main use would be for a last resort weapon along with primary weapon (pistol) retention at which point after using the karambit, I'd create distance and go to my firearm.
The karambit to me feels far more natural than a straight blade, but the reverse grip makes it so it fits naturally into many martial arts. I also EDC a fixed blade double edged karambit
"That's just stupid!" Favorite line in this vid. Lol. Not sure why anyone would argue straight lines vs curved especially for distance..it should be common sense🤦🏽♂️
It should be "common sense" to see that he has a straight blade that happens to be longer than the reach of the specific karambit trainer he is using. Let's see that with a Swiss Army knife blade against a Schrade "Shasta" karambit and see how that works. It would be just as ridiculous as his claim here. Karambits are not all one size just as not all straight blades are the same size. And I'm not even a big karambit fan. I usually prefer a long straight blade, though I see potential in shorter karambits for more close up grappling situations where you don't have the room to pull and maneuver a larger knife.
I think that where the Karambit really shines is its speed of deployment and usefulness at punching and grappling ranges. By practicing indexing on the ring and using the wave opener, it can be nearly as fast as drawing fixed blade from a sheath. Also, violence tends to take place at close ranges. Violence may not always take place at very close range, but if you look at recordings of violence caught on camera, people tend not to keep their distance.
dmp762 Karambit is definitely designed for close quarters. As far as deployment, with the WAVE feature its fast but not appx the same as any other with spring assisted opening.
Don't mess with Texas You know I can't find any videos of blade vs blade that take place in the America, or Europe for that matter. This matters because people in different countries tend fight differently. Attackers in America tend to rush in regardless if they have a knife, impact weapon, or are unarmed. That's based off videos of attacks. Sparring is an important and all too neglected part of knife training, but, just like unarmed sparring, there are significant differences between it and defending your self in real life. Like scrambling to get your weapon out before your attacker reaches you.
Don't look for actual blade vs blade videos in the US....not a common place here unless you are looking at prison riot footage where you can find shankings. You can study that like I did for 20 months under a Corrections Dep't contract in the early 2000's. As far as sparring, you have to introduce the elements into it progressively. So we change the environment, lighting conditions, then scenarios. I use my Force On Force/Simunititions Firearms against the blade, 2 on 1 vs the blade, unarmed vs blade, blade on the ground, blade in a grapple, blade vs ambush attack, etc etc. Guaranteed that not many people have put that kind of pain and time into this thing. Also, keep in mind that the Blade vs Blade sparring/training is also very helpful in everything else. Weapons training whether it is impact or edged or improvised is a great way to develop functional attributes such as timing, distancing, line familiarization, defensive footwork, offensive footwork, etc etc....attributes that apply to even basic unarmed self defense. So although it is unrealistic to have a "knife fight" in reality....the valuable lessons that come from training that way are excellent.
Very informative video. But when you compared the reach of both knives you didn't put the karambit in the same hand as the straight blade. The heavy bag is a cylinder, so when you tested the reach of the straight blade in your right hand you were technically closer to the bag. Compared to holding the karambit in the left hand, the bag was farther away because the left side of your body was not in line with the closest part of the bag; like your right side is. You can clearly see in the video that because of the circular dimensions of the bag, the karambit was aimed at a further part of the bag. I'm not sure, but it seems to me like the left side of your body is further away. I do believe the karambit has shorter reach, but not by that amount as was showed. I would appreciate a reply on what you think of this.
KiiDxLegacy There's a seam on the side of the bag that I reached for...so we had the same target with both hands. Also, camera is set at an angle from me so it may look like one is extended further...but they are not. If you do the same "test" to flat wall...you'll get the same result. Try it. And the reach isn't the only argument..how about trying the three testing platforms I explained at the end...that is where the real results will come thru for you.
Some good points, interesting video, thank you. The serious benefit to the karambit that I think you missed in this video is the flip to increase range. The extra range, and simularity to a right hook when using it, mean I expect to put a hole in someones skull if they annoy me.
Also there is definitely an advantage as a slashing weapon. The claw like curve causes it to really grip into whatever it cuts. I think it's perfect for defending against someone attacking with a straight blade if you target the hands and wrists of the person attacking.
I am curious to experiment with the flailing motion, it seems like it wouldn't generate enough force to be very affective but I haven't practiced with it yet.
1. As this video says, the Reverse grip is the usual way to use it. Its a "Disrupt, Destroy, Disengage" weapon. 2. The farming tool fable is a myth. Probably a ploy to mimic Okinawan weapon stories. a) No serious farmer will spend time and effort with such blade. b) A Weapon is sacred. Its a vector of life or destruction. Its not a toy to be flash flipped in combat. It is meant to disarticulate, gouge, and slash. Only occasionally stab or puncture.
Man those are some good points. I was watching a video recently on martial arts distances compared to actual non arena based combat. The difference between a ring and actually fighting for your life is a dramatic and alot of people don't seem to get that cheap shots, weapon usage, and overall techniques differ so greatly from class to combat that it very quickly changes you being alive or dead. that the "cool" weapon, flashy techniques, and expensive gear are garbage without hours behind them. Looks like I really have to step up my weapon and weapon defense game.
Just pertaining to reach, yes in forgrip the straight blade is better for reach, however when the karambit is in extended grip it reaches farther than the straight blade and that switch in grips can happen in less than a second.
Nicholas Douglas define "extended" grip. If you're referring to a forward grip it still doesn't compare in reach. And to say the "grips change in a second" would also be untrue. Sure it can be done fairly quickly...but not under the stress of someone trying to harm/kill you where even fractions of a second and fractions of an inch can mean the difference between life and death.
My edc is a 45 and a curved blade karambit for retention but my go to weapon is a straight blade Karambit if I am surprised. 45 years training, isshinryu karate and escrima from combat experienced marines. Primary instructor AJ Advincula.
I fully agree in many places the one place it does shine is the minute you get locked up you're assuming fixed blade will get the kill shot once you get locked up with somebody that's when the curved blade shines
I have both korambits and strait blades. I train with and carry both. You are right you have to learn and train them if you are going carry them they each have unique applications in there use.
In my opinion the karambit is more effective as a deterrent. When people see this blade type they fear it. For good reason because it is devastating. Also Karambits are generally deployed faster being unfolded as soon as it leaves the pocket if it's a folder. However I do agree it requires some level of training. Similar to a butterfly knife
I wouldn't say that Lance. Although...they can be super intimidating to look at but definitely not any more devastating than any other blade. As far as deployment, Karambits with the wave feature open very quickly but a straight blade with spring assist or a pocket catch open just as fast. That is something I've been using a shot timer to test and see if one is faster than the other and the time difference has been marginal and can go either way. On avg, they are the same. Thanks for commenting my friend!
I agree more with Lance here than with S2's reply. S2's point that a karambit is not any more devastating than any other blade is correct, insofar as it goes. However, my take is that Lance's point about a karambit being more effective as a deterrent is also correct, and is the main thrust of his argument. My experiences with people's reactions to knives is that a blade that is "wicked" in appearance is more intimidating, and there is a primal reaction to curved blades, particularly those shaped like a claw or a fang, such as the karambit. A straight blade, while having IMHO superior characteristics in an actual fight, does not have the same intimidation factor. If you can intimidate your way out of having to employ the blade, by displaying it only, you come out ahead. The same way that more than a million Americans a year use firearms for defensive purposes without firing a shot. My analysis of my situation is that my principal threat currently is from opportunistic predators in and around commuter trains. Their main weapon is a knife, such as a box cutter. Pulling out a large karambit with a shiny blade would most likely deter an attack. (He's an old white guy, but that KNIFE!) I just bought an inexpensive, double-edged fixed-blade Schrade SCH112 for everyday commute carry. (Yes, I need to move to a free state where I can carry my preferred .45 instead of kitchen tools and drive to work...)
Karambit isn't even meant to be flashed as a fear factor (as most knives aren't) vs the opponent. It is a stealth weapon used in extreme situations solely as an element of surprise and max damage into an escape type of scenario. No sane person will flash a karambit to intimidate a thug and especially not vs one with a larger knife, gun or even a baseball bat. That would be dumb.
Karambit are made for and with a purpose, and are place historically in a context. If you have Silat training and proficiency with Karambit, an opponent with a knife will never touch you. You will know where to strike and end a fight instantly, if you know where to strike you can paralyze someone momentarily, or even permanently. I have experience with martial arts and to me the Karambit is the most brutal and deadly design of blade, that’s my opinion but I have experience to back it up
the beauty of the Karambit is it ability to be "less than Lethal" ...but you are 100% correct.. it takes a Lot more training and favors quick of hands and the "hand trapping" style.
it is a Defensive Weapon with the Ability to Kill. Made to be fast with varied modes of attack. The Karambit is more versatile. Yes it gives up reach and Attacking motions, ...but in favor of Defensive/Grappling/Close Quarters... do you expect to fence with your EDC Edge Weapon?
Jsan Ljohn All weapons are offensive and defensive...depends on the use. And to understand the use you need to understand the fundamentals such as: Distancing Range Angles Footwork Bridging and Reverse Bridging Targeting Entering Amongst Others. These are fundamental in combat. So if you don't know those things intimately...you get comments like "you expect to fence with a knife?"
these things should be elemental in CQC.. edged warfare. ...in a combat zone I MAY want my Kbar.. in a civ situation.. ill take my folding karambit tyvm.
its funny that you would try to belittle with your statement, fair enough... a straight blade was made for and thereby counters. (Punching and Kicking) very straight line attacks yes? (like fencing) ... the Karambit..turns the close quarter combat scene into very deadly control battle....
Not trying to belittle....losing translation in text...especially replies given at stoplights while driving. Don't take it as belittle....just getting to the point
Again... I believe the reverse grip is solid, because most attacks you are going to be dealing with are 'cowardly'..... coming from behind.... you DON'T have to reverse the grip to stab the guy in the thigh when it comes out of your pocket like that. Just a thought....
I used to do HEMA for a few years and messed around with Rondel dagger sparring, got decent at german longsword but dagger fighting I never grasped. That being said I've boxed for about 12 years. Havnt in the last couple but I still do bag work at my home gym every weekend. Between work, working out and training in marksmanship and team firearms drills and trying to work in time with my family and friends I don't have time to pick up another martial art style lol hence why I carry a push knife. I can literally use my already competitive level boxing skills but with the addition of a 3 1/2" blade extending from my hand. Of course I carry it off hand as my primary is my side arm and if a situation deteriorates to the point of me having to pull a weapon in self defense I'm pulling my sidearm first however sparring practice and training drills have proven to me having a up close and personal off hand weapon is an invaluable asset to carry.
Good info. I'm not sure why so many people seem to have only one EDC setup. I like the DART karambit style knife as my weak hand front backup blade with either a large folder or fixed blade as my primary but that could be due to my constant learning of new techniques. The DART knife designed by Doug M. helps to eliminate the problem of stabbing in either grip.
Thanks for commenting Todd! I used to do the same set up as you, but between a firearm and magazine, I only keep one blade on me unless I am away from my gun. A few other people commented about the new DART knife, I haven't gotten one yet but I think it is a very well thought out design.
I couldnt agree more 👍🏻 i have often worked close protection so when i travel i have a push dagger and a karambit on my belt. my karambit is fixed and doubble edged and alot smaller blade then most, its only 2/3 an inch as i feel its more an assassination wepon then a dueling knife. If i have to use a knife i want my oponents to feel it but not see it. The last thing i want is to duel, i want to start and be finnished in as few seconds as possible. i carry my krambit scout style under my jacket for my right hand, and my push dagger for my left hand on my left hip, as like you said they both have differant uses and tacticts. But personally i would allways say "unless you work in security then you have no need to carry a wepon so dont!" The best you can do is just stay safe and out of trouble
Thanks for providing some great advice. The one point I would make is that the karambit does make a lot of sense for those with empty hands training. My training is in Tomiki-ru Aikido, and my krambit is an infinite force multiplier, because I'm going to get in close in the first place. It's not a distance weapon, and you rightly point that out. Great video.
Again, depends on the hand to hand training, and previous edged weapons training. The Karambit as we know it was used as a concealed weapon to augment the hand to hand combatives of Silat, a very fluid and dynamic art with close quarters and grappling. For them it made sense...you give a karambit to a Tae Kwon Do person and they won't do well with it.
Thanks for the videos and I agree 100%. I don't have time or the desire or the need to train with a karambit. I need a "get off me" knife I can deploy rapidly with either hand as a last resort in close quarters. I train gross motor movements only, both drawing and stabbing. The KABAR TDI holstered at 11 o'clock [weak side/back up] and The Colonel knife at 2 o'clock fit the bill for me. Both have blades short enough to be legal in my state.
the karambit works well with Jeet kune do due to the intercepting aspect of the style. Training is paramount due to this principle because you have to get in close fast, faster than your opponent can actively execute his attack and cut it short. this is a very short range weapon make no mistake. To use this properly you must get right next to your target. If you're willing to do that then this is the blade for you. It's a high risk, high reward weapon to be sure.
The knife will only work as good as the person using it. It's not a magic knife.. the point of the video is that everything requires training, and the karambit requires EXTRA training.
..as my choice of carry blade all day karambit works perfectly for me..i work at night-grave yard shift so i cant afford to lose what ive got and it was proven and tested twice that this blade saved me..
great video.. I've been carrying a karambit with a short blade (about 1.5 inches) since i got mugged almost 2 years no. i prefer it since i can easily conceal it and in case i need to attack first, enemy won't be as prepared compared to seeing you attacking with a knife and they would think that you're only throwing a punch. but this video made me think about carrying a straight blade knife. thanks for the great tips.
about the whole reverse grip thing. you can deploy it in either forward grip or reverse. it just depends what way you have it in your pocket. after you switch the pocket clip you can deploy with your pinky through the ring
If you switch the pocket clip...and draw it backwards...yes you can deploy it in the forward grip. Now go try to do that with someone in boxing gloves trying to rip your face off and place the video of it below. Also note, right now on Facebook I am involved in a post where people who literally thought the retention ring was going to help them....BUT lost their finger or skinned the meat off their finger from tip to knuckle are posting up their pics. Kinda gruesome, but something to think about. Most common cause....they didn't have the correct manipulations of the karambit (they thought they did) and struck a bone/hard subject that resulted in the blade getting angled off and inertia pushing/dragging their finger thru the retention ring....and skinning them literally down to the bone. Think about that one.
James, double edged has it's own set of problems: 1) Can't do a folder in a double edge. And fixed blade is illegal in many places. Heck, double edged is illegal in many places as well. 2) Double Edged also means that all given points of time, a sharp edge is always facing you as well as the other person. So in essence, you may be putting yourself in harms way 3) The blade articulations and manipulations do not really change between single and double edge. Actually has to be more precision because you need to keep the back of the knife off of your body. 4) Double edge doesn't gain any reach or distance. Still the same size and shape...with an additional edge. Does that help?
Really there are guys who say straight knife can work the same as karambit? There is a difference, everything is different for those knives, structure and use are completely different. It's pointless to argue what's better and I'm not used to stupidity and blindness some people are showing. Good job explaining that man, you did pretty simple and good job
If you're passionate about your weapon system and train with it, you will excel with it. There's no right or wrong way of (self) defense, it's finding a system that works for you. I see both sides of the argument of karambit v. straight blade. Both are deadly in the hands of the accomplished practitioner. Karambit and straight blade techniques are different. I view karambit technique as a blade extension of your fist while boxing and probably could work well with an accomplished PR-24 baton practitioner. My apologies if this offends any Kali practitioners. It's just what it appears to be to me. Do I see it as a viable fighting technique, absolutely. Having a blade extension of your fist is something quite deadly. There are pros and cons to everything. Find the system that has the pros for you and be safe.
As someone who is proficient in many styles of martial arts. Modifications of knifes, swords, exc and an expert handler and twiriling, flipping and knowledge of mass X Volume X speed and weight distribution I know he is right the straight FIXed blade will beat a fold up traditional one sided karambit yes but you will not beat a fixed double edged sawtooth karambit with any knife machete, or hatchet, ONLY If you have knowledge of the martial arts and body mechanics. My phrase is simple Twirl and kill tricks plus fast movements and good move execution you will always win because you don't engage with one single karambit they always recommend one male and female pair one is held reverse grip while one is held regular think of this method as fighting like a windmill a fan or a planes proportion system would you really throw yourself into a whirlwind of talon shaped blade edges I think not...... Also is recommend a pair of brass knuckles a sharkskin coat for slash resistance just saying... Lighter the weapon the quicker man or women wins bigger isn't always better in the street. Maybe in your pants but not here
This was very eye opening. I have been trying to learn the Mike Janich systems here on youtube using a spyderco yojimbo. Its been a long time and I dont feel I am making good progress. Just purchased a karambit trainer to try and add that skill set but again looks like it.might be an uphill battle.
Mike Janich is a very skilled practitioner and bases much of his basic training drills on pangamut and palisut. Problem with that is that for someone brand new to the blade, the foundations are missing. That being added to the lack of concepts from the Filipino arts (Kali); and the fact that theres little to no attribute training such as timing, distancing, footwork etc. That's not a slam on him or his Modern Blades Combatives program.. it's just honest feedback on the training itself. Can't just "comma cut" the way it is presented.
In your end remarks concerning sparring in karambit/vs, I'll just say that its clear you understand that the human hand is the best blade or club. Always accessible. It would be cool if you did a vid on "Pikal" techniques.
I don't know if it was discussed already. I didn't go through all the comments. But, the karambet you are using is a folder. And you say that it only deploys in reverse fighting. I carry my fixed blade EDC in cross back, It can be deployed in either reverse or front style.
No argument about using either knife but I can say a fixed blade Karambit carried on the weak side is a hell of a good thing to have when you are occupied with someone trying to wrestle your pistol out of your holster on the right side. Notice I said “fixed” not folding. In life threatening emergencies it’s a proven fact by law enforcement training that fine motor skills go out the window but gross motor skills work every time.
Absolutely. If you watch the Part 1 Reboot video, you'll see the support side fixed blade I use. Problem is that many states don't allow for a fixed blade.
Just purchased a double edged karambit, and two training blades. Any tips for Affordable practice gear I want to have my own an not some gyms handme- downs
Now dont get me wrong you very clearly know more about this than most people but if the karambit was double edged wouldnt the aldivase / figure eight (im not sure how exactly to spell that) motion be just as simple as a straight blade?
well all are stated as facts but what i feel is that using a karambit in a knife fight has to include different technique. it might be short but once the enemy is in vicinity, a large amount of motions are possible to make the attacker disable his weapon
how come there are no recorded street fights with a karambit on it? you can find machete, knife stick empty hand and gun on a single google search but nothing on a karambit, maybe it is that lethal? or maybe no one has use it on an actual fight
I've spoken to literally one person who used a karambit to save his life, and barely stayed out of jail... and by the circumstances.. any blade would've been a good tool for him in there.
@@S2StrategicDefense thank you for reading. Yes, like you said its the ''cool'' thing to do and this ''cool '' tecniques are messed up and you will absolutely have a hard time explaining why you have some mortal kombat looking knife with you. judge: how do you explain having this knife? me: I was going from my ricefields to my to climb a tree and get me a coconut...thanks for reading and for your reply.
Surviving against what exactly? They aren't great for hunting, they aren't great for carving, they aren't great in the bush, they aren't great for cutting rope, etc. So what are your standards for "survival knife"
One thing to keep in mind is that, depending on where you live, the legal length of a blade is measured in a straight line. So if you live in an area where you can carry a 3.5 inch knife, you can probably carry a kerambit with 3.5 inches of reach.
For a curve to have 3.5" or reach it has to be longer than the straight line obviously...which also means larger weapon in general....and how well will that be for and everyday carry? Something to keep in mind too.
Personally i would go with a karambit over a straight edge knife for self defense due to its effectiveness in cutting as well as deterring a threat. Also there is a third way to hold the Karambit, But i believe that it is best to go with the blade that is familiar to its wielder
That's a decision that each person has to make. For me, I never look at my weaponry as a deterrent...if a situation is bad enough that I need my blade, or my firearm....it isn't coming out unless I need to use it. But again, those are definitely decisions that each person has to make on their own.
I don't think it is for short or tall people exclusively, I think that the karambit is designed for a specific use and has specific tactics/techniques and training associated with it. It is a VERY powerful tool in the right hands, and VERY poor choice in the wrong hands.
that's a really cool knife. because he comes from West Sumatra, Indonesia. and was born from traditional culture from there and spread throughout the world under immigrants from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Have you ever seen Indonesian traditional karambit...?
nice video. I have carried knives all my life and practiced MA for a few of those years. I have an interest n the karambit currently. you did a nice job bringing out a lot of differences. the distance difference meh. thrusting any blade and impacting something solid would not be my primary movement. the video does a good job though bringing out many differences I really hadn't even considered yet. thanks
I agree with the message. The Karambit inherently need to be used differently than a straight blade and people need to understand what they are choosing. That said, I think "claw" style knives in a standard grip are much easier for a novice to do massive damage with simple slash and clawing movements. That was part of the idea behind the Spyderco Civilian. side note...I do think you are fudging the demonstration a a tiny bit to make your point. ;) I also just have to point out a folding Karambit will usually deploy in a standard grip when done manually. In the case of a wave deploy like your knife, grip is based on if you choose a forward wave or are backward wave (assuming the knife has a movable clip)
Thanks for chiming in. Not sure what you mean by "fudging" but ok. Yes the karambit can be opened in standard grip if you move the clip around and pull to the back of the pocket. Still not a great option. As a matter of fact, today I am in Atlanta, GA working with a VERY competent group on edged weapons. I let them see this vid and the first vid, as well as putting in some serious sparring time in with them. It was a unanimous decision....straight blade won every time. Standard grip Karambit proved short every single round, round after round, after round. Not sure what you're background is, but if you have a video of you moving with a blade please put it up. Best of luck and again, thank you for commenting.
Only meant that in order to illustrate the short comings of the Karambit with straight knife motions you hold it as you would a straight knife...which is certainly accurate...but at the same time a person shouldn't be trying to use a straight knife form. (I dunno if that made sense) ...but don't get me wrong...ultimately point was made. Really interesting findings on the group you're working with!
Yep. You clarified your point, we can agree to disagree though. I got zero issue with that my friend. As for the findings, it is common. In 31 years of training, 20 behind the blade, 17 years teaching, 250+ seminars in 16 states 4 countries, owning 4 academies for 10 years, working with over 65 LE agencies.... I've seen the same thing over and over.
Good points, well thought out. You definitely know your stuff. A blade for a back up is great, but anyone serious about real world self defense needs a gun. Every other person you see on the street has one, and no matter how skilled you are in any martial art, you can't stop a bullet.
I definitely love guns...but not always the best solution. Many restrictions by law (especially here in IL), they fail, jam, run out of ammo, and most importantly....often have collateral damage. So I can't say one is better than the other...just that they have different uses.
Uhmm. No you can't stop a bullet, but you can stop an idiot firing before you impaled/slashed them. Years ago a friend and I were attacked by 10 -11 guys, street thugs. they were armed with various knives, 3 machetes and 1 idiot had a gun. We had, my friend - tanto , myself - 2inch lockback and spyderco claw. if you put a knife through the wrist while twisting the gun they can't hold onto the gun or fire it = win, lockback beats gun. the spyderco was lost when 1 of the guys ran away with it imbedded in his shoulder. I imediately formed a dislike for claw shaped knives and "tacticool" knives with holes in the blade. To end I gained a newish machete, 2 nice lockbacks, a pack of smokes and some cash as well as 3 stitches to my forearm (artery punctured). my buddy got a machete 3 knives he liked, half of the cash and 6 stitches upper arm (slash). The whole confrontation and fight lasted less than a minute, the gun was stripped and tossed in 4 different trash bins (the police were notified where to recover the parts). So to say you can't stop a bullet is just being silly, you stop the person from firing.
DaiseyKutter you got lucky. Someone who has actually trained with a firearm will have it drawn and pointed at you just as fast as you can draw your knife. They won't let you get close enough to use a knife. You keep distance with a gun. Like I said, knives aren't useless. I carry folders, balisongs, fixed blades. I love knives, hence why I'm even watching this video. But there is a reason swords and daggers fell out of fashion when guns became more common.
S2 Strategic Defense I can respect that. I live in Carolina so as long as you go about it right it's not difficult to get a concealed permit. Most of the reasons you listed as negatives are the reasons I conceal revolvers mostly. No jams, no failures. One round doesn't go off, pull the trigger again try another bullet lol. Collateral can be controlled with training and proper ammunition. As someone who obviously has spent a lot of time training, I'm sure you could see how someone could get to a point of being well in control of their firearm. It's just a matter of research, and putting in the time to train.
Clay...I gotta disagree to an extent. Science has proven MANY times that often someone with a knife who bum rushes someone with a holstered firearm results in the firearm never even coming out. That is known as the Tueller drill, and the distance once was set at 21 feet and has been revised to 30 feet now.
The back end of the blade of the karambit would also be sharp. With the karambit, reverse grip allows you to also grab your opponent with both hands. Straight blade does not allow that. It should be common sense to learn to train with the tool you intend to use before you buy the tool. That's just my opinion 🤷♂️
Feel free to correct me. Ive never been into a knife fight and never want to be. I know many knife attackers rush in with strength and adrenaline with no technique, stabbing repeatedly. Can the karambit be used in the same way except instead of stabbing, its all rapid punching motions where the blade is there for additional lethal impact and making counter grappling a lot dangerous to counter? For me its not what of type of knife you use but how ferociously you use it in the spur of the moment
You've brought up a few points that all kind of relate. 1) Rushing in isn't just a knife tactic, we see that with almost every kind of fight. However, we shouldn't look at aggression as a replacement for skill. It will only get you so far. Also, you have to think about what to do when someone rushes in at you...are you going to rush them back? Probably not a great idea. 2) Karambit can be used in the same punching method that you describe. They can also be used to open beer bottles or to pry something open or as a screw driver....doesn't mean that is the way they are intended to be used. They can also be used for hooking, scooping and locking with some training and skill development. 3) Ferociously implies that you are swinging wildly and without any tact....again, don't confuse aggression with skill. Ultimately as I said in the video, the Karambit is an awesome knife design but we have to quit being "fan-boys" of it and understand what they are good for and what they are not. Recently, GN from Funker Tactical even made a post on his FB page about how he has been trying to use the Karambitin live sparring sessions and ultimately finding out that it isn't half as useful as people think it is.
Hey could you help me out? I've been wanting to carry a karambit but my state law makes it EXTREMELY confusing what's legal and non-legal to carry even going as far to list a bunch of rules and knives and then saying "Everything else has not been specifically allowed/banned" meaning they don't even have laws for some knifes (Including the karambit). Mostly i'm worried about what to say if a cop ever sees it and asks about it, apparently "self-defense" isn't a good enough reason and you'd get arrested on the spot and the knife will get confiscated and you might even get charges.
What would be your opinion on a knife such as the DART that displays a tanto blade ? Seems like it fixes a lot of the drawbacks your are highlighting in this video as it is fantastic for stabbing strikes and keeps a lot of karambit principles in the way you operate it.
The DART is straight blade design, just has a retention ring on it. I discuss that in another video. That being said, the point of the video isn't the karambit, it's the training. Buy whatever ya like... train with it.
@@S2StrategicDefense In which video please ? Im hesitating to purchase that knife and learning how to operate it but the only persons the does reviews on this knife are using it as EDC/Box opener ... would be interested to have your full opinion on this knife through the video you mentioned, thanks !
We do sparring all the time ( and I mean hard sparring our arms would turn purple from blocking full power cuts and stabs), and karambit definately not a dueling weapon. It is however, a good weapon to compliment your boxing against an un armed person. Also, 50-60% of those fancy knife moves we practice in drills doesn't come out in sparring. You can even watch some of the masters spar, I mean real sparring not some pre determine drills or flow drills (which is rare, most of these masters don't spar infront of students), it's mostly quick slashes, arm fencing, and some quick stabs and get out.
So one question, I have relatively little experience in martial arts having only a year of training in Judo. I have been looking for somewhere to train in an edge weapon self defense and own a straight blade knife which I carry for work and a Karambit which I was a gift. Is there any martial art that specifically incorporates the Karambit into its training without being exclusively for the use of the the weapon? If so where can I train/learn? I would rather not learn straight blade defense because I can't carry something to work that is technically a weapon and if I register as trained then I wouldn't be able to carry my knife but I live in a very rough neighborhood and need something better than a basic carrying throw to defend myself.
Omega, you can look into Kali, Silat, JKD, among a few. And if you have limitations on carrying a straight blade, you definitely will not be able to carry a karambit. BUT, you can find and replicate the characteristics of a straight blade in day-to-day items....but that is not true with the Karambit. If anything, you should learn the straight blade, as it is easily found. As far as "registering as trained," that is a myth. I don't know anywhere in the globe that tells you to do that.
I work for a self employed man who is against violence for religious reasons, so he doesn't like the idea of me carrying something that is used for harm, he's fine with a tool but I would rather not risk my job over a knife and he is a good friend of mine. As for carrying it, I wouldn't carry it to work, the problem comes from receiving training then carrying a straight blade to work, that's why I don't want a martial art that is exclusively focused on the use of a weapon such as the Karambit. I know I feasibly could receive training and still carry the knife to work, I'm just the kind of person who really doesn't like doing anything that I would see as betraying my friends trust since he hired me when no other people would even look at my resume. I'm not the best at English so "registering as trained" is the best way I have to express it. Thank you for the information and your time.
a lot of these arguments base on the spine of the blade making impact and not the blade edge, but in real karambits the front of the spine edge is also sharpened. so it will puncture just fine. The range thing I agree on only because most straight blades will be longer.
Don't you usually just hold the karambit with 3 fingers using the ring when it is in a regular grip and isn't that why you flip it to a standard grip? When you're holding the back ring with the 3 fingers / thumb, whatever, that gives you another 3" of reach to slash.
An open question to anyone from someone who has very sweaty hands. I have tried alot of handle materials but i find them difficult to get a grood grip of whenever my hands start sweating. In my case, am i better of with a karambit since it has a retention ring?
I edc an karambit my self because I have tried an straight edge blade and it dose not fit my fighting "technique" wich is boxing based where the karambit is easier to utilise in dodges and side steps
If you feel comfortable with a Karambit, then by all means...carry it. Like I said in the video, doesn't matter much to me....BUT.....use the 3 Testing Platforms I provided at the end of the video first and make a decision after that.
I love the karambit. its a cool knife. To my knowledge, the knife wasn't designed to be a self defense weapon but more of a stealth and max damage weapon. Most people, myself included have never experienced a knife fight, and those are the people who rant the most about what is effective and whats not. Not to sound like an asshole, but for the most part the primary weapon of choice for those people are their keyboards.
Yep. And that is why Part 1 got so many people flustered....because my experience doesn't fit their narrative.
Aadil Mohammed And it wasn't a self defense weapon. This is a weapon used in what you could call "dirty boxing". Hand strikes and grappling can also be used effectively with the karambit.
Aadil Mohammed ,Im not an expert but I do have a general interest in the karambit, I was under the impression that the karambit was originally a farming tool , which silat practitioners recognized could be a formidable weapon. Clearly not perfect but under the right training and system could be very effective
Obviously I could be totally wrong but thats just what my original impression of the blade was
The karambit started out as a farming tool, as many martial weapons have (nunchaku or taboo-toyok, sai, Kama, etc.) and then became a tool to fight oppressors. In the case of the karambit, to help the people of Indonesia fight back against the Dutch invaders. I carry a karambit sometimes, but generally carry a straight fixed blade, and a back up straight folder for the exact reasons mentioned in the videos. Under stress and adrenaline dump the fine motor skills required to use the karambit aren't there without 1000s of hours of training. I train with the karambit, but not nearly as much as I do with a straight blade.
Forgive me if I missed this but as far as what I've seen when people talk about using a Karambit there is a very very simple way of explaining how to deploy a Karambit which I have not seen anyone talk about. 1st of all I agree with you 100% that you can not use a Karambit like a straight blade and that is a mistake I've seen more often then not. 2nd and only real point I'm trying to make is that a Karambit should only be used as an extension of your hand when striking like a boxer. If you get the "its a knife" process out of your head when using it, you're not going to use it like a knife, and the motion is more like throwing a punch while adding small angles to the strike.
I agree. Karambit is not a thrusting weapon. If you already have boxing skills a karambit may be much more effective than learning a new art.
Great videos; for many of these folks here is my take. One; almost no one will ever get into a situation where they will need a blade. Two, most will crumble under the pressure, you see this in battle, in the dojo, in the gym. Some guys have great technique but when it comes time to perform and/or their ass is on the line they cant handle the pressure. Three, if you do find yourself in a situation where you need it and you can perform under high stress and the other person doesnt have a gun, then I dont think it matters rather you have a karabit or a straight edge blade... which I think is the point he is trying to make, you just need to train with what you have and will use.
James C. B I N G O!!! Training is the key.
I carry a knife all the time and I have martial training. Under stress, the stabbing or thrusting movement would be the easiest way of doing serious damage to internal organs in my opinion. I guess the exception would be if you train in a martial art that emphasizes the karambit.
100% agree. for an edc carry for self defense you must consider your ability to use that weapon. it looks pretty to use fancy techniques but knife fights are down and dirty ugly fighting. for the minimally trained you want to use simple, natural movements. if you want to use more advanced weapons you must train and practice with them.
So I’m not a soldier nor am I a Asian islands martial stylist...I am a martial artist who over the twenty years I’ve trained and as the kind of knucklehead that once took every opportunity to test and hone what I had learned by finding every single chance I could to get into street fights (I’m a little older now and have realized I’m neither bullet proof nor immortal)I have discarded more techniques than I could probably remember learning to embody this same philosophy...take what works and feels right and natural for you and use in ways to make it max effective...I have in fact been in fights where knives were involved and it fucking sucks....both ways ...but I keep reading about reach and extension and slashes and thrusts ...and this is somewhat enigmatic to me that this type of openly revealing your weapon isn’t seen by lore as folly...posturing with a weapon such as a knife serves no other purpose but to make it look like a mere prop you have no intentions of using or to get your skull split from behind when someone (possibly meaning well )sees a “knife wielding maniac “attacking this other poor guy ...and not realizing until it’s too late that you weren’t the bad guy...what I mean is nothing good usually comes from brandishing a weapon this way....your concealed weapon stays concealed until the moment of critical threat and when it’s in your hand you are using it to directly oppose the threat by removing a fair portion of the blood of said threat...the ONLY reason I made it out of the one fight I’ve had where I faced a knife with nothing more than a few scratches (none of them co big from the knife)was because the guy pulled the knife held it in plain sight and arced and whirled it through the air in front of him and I used the environment to keep objects between us until I found the right timing and opening (.and bottom section of pool cue)to make my reach greater than his and neutralize the knife by breaking the hand that was holding it more ....however had he at anytime rushed me without tables and chairs or room(lots of room to retreat I would have been in trouble and as we all know most fights still end up on the ground or close in-style grappling on your feet which will almost always still lead to the ground ...having a knife in your hand doesn’t change that ...we also know that while training is always a good thing it’s one of the primary ways we grow in anything...but the vast majority of knife type attacks are not open reveal scenarios and find the defender (or victim)usually stabbed or cut multiple times before they realize the bad guy even has a knife in his hand because its totally concealed until the very moment of the first strike...all that pretty ass twirling ,swirling kata type movement you are these guys doing will be not show up in an actual knife attack or defensive scenario if it’s not over before you have the chance to spin your Karambit around your fingers you’re probably dead or dying ...this guys dies great videos and seems to be a competent of not highly skilled practitioner but guys if you let anybody yeah you knife defense techniques that don’t involve running like hell until you can retreat no further the. You are letting someone train to get seriously injured or killed because the majority of empty handed weapon defenses fail ...not because the theory behind them isn’t sound but because they represent situations that will not be present in the reality of a knife attack conversely routines of kata movement with weapons is great for learning angles and just plain becoming comfortable with your weapon...and if it’s a a knife and the use of it isn’t taught be deployed and executed from concealment to and as a deceptive unknown quantity that will be most effective if used not as a standoff or siege weapon,but as a hidden way out when your in critical trouble and are forced to use potentially lethal force to survive...if you use it in any other way your likely gonna to find its usage was in fact criminal in the eyes of the law ...this reality is why I prefer he Karambit....because it can easily be deployed from seriously disadvantaged positions and is Taylor made for this close type usage whereas a straight blades knife depending of the size could be a liability you have to have the space to remove it straight out of the sheath and this can be the seconds that determine your life or death...just my opinions but it’s based on real life experience the only time I’ve used a knife against another human being was done in this way and only when retreat was no longer an option and I found myself (I weigh around 160 pounds being pummeled into oblivion (which felt like dying at the time ..so yes I was in fear for my life)by a 220 pound dude ... had to retrieve a folding tactical style straight blade from my pocket where it was clipped ,open it and stab upwards about from under took way too long ....curved Karambit would’ve slid right out went to its bloody work had I have had one in way less time
Nice video sir, I personally carry a karambit as my EDC, here in the philippines. Thanks for the insights i learned a lot from this video.
Car los Villanueva Thanks my friend. Be safe!
Car los Villanueva is it legal here in our country to carry a karambit.?
its not legal, but i rather carry my karambit and slash the hell of those who dare to harm me. its your choice ive experience almost getting stab so i would never take chances.
Yeah... the area I used to live in was pretty much lawless (squatter area). Cops are corrupt anyway so it's not like they're there to help you out even if you were to follow the law. Nobody but the kids really worried about following the law in that area I lived in... hell the only time I saw cops was when they had assault rifles and came in to get someone.
nice video can you do one which fighting style is better kali or silat plz
My friend said the way I like to hold one is called Pikal, I'm making them and other blades in traditional forging methods of high grade high carbon steel now. He said take a few classes so I can understand more and figure out why the tools are designed this way to at least make them correctly for their application
"That's just not how shit works!" You sir are correct. 😂
I bought a karambit just to watch this vid after doing it 😎
Am i cool now?
Yes my son yes you are
Iv been carrying my karambit for years, and training/teaching with it for years. it has even saved my life in Afghanistan. to me the first platform was great when the punch came down the line because my stand up is muay Thai and its just right there hitting his arms and hands with very little movement, the second platform took years of training and a lot of hard work but it comes down to the clinch (in this case, undertook, low wrist using head control) and the karambit excels. with the third platform the hardest thing was to control the gap until I was ready to close it, to be fair it was also hard with the straight blade, but once I was in and clinched again the karambit excels. however, I agree with literally everything you said lol. my training is in muay Thai, judo, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu, it took a lot of trial and error to make the karambit work for me because it's very hard to find proper instruction. to be honest, it would have been better for me to use the straight blade when I first started training, then added the karambit. People need to understand, the trap and roll flow drills are not going to happen. the only thing that is going to happen is violence. I think more people need to take your advice and not be emotional about the tools they use.
There are 2 kinds of knife fights, the kind done in anger followed by immediate remorse/regret resulting in the stabber knowing they just fucked up their life, and the kind with malice where the guy literally wants to kill you. For the latter, which if your going to get into one will likely be the one you encounter I recommend to anyone watching prison shanking videos because that's about the extent of it when it goes down in most assault and murder cases where knives are deployed. Its an explosive repetition of short quick stabs all over the torso and where ever else they can get to. I focused on boxing and Greco-Roman for ground work but my best friend has done bjj and Thai boxing for several years and both styles have more in common with each other than they do with other styles like Kung fu, karate, Tae Kwon do ect. Most of the traditional eastern martial arts have two major draw backs, no full contact sparring, and they are mired in centuries old tradition and aren't meant for modern self defense. Because I don't have time to practice another* fighting art I've done similar like you and incorporated a blade into my existing strike work only in my case its a punch dagger instead of a karambit.
The Karambit and the straight blade are as different as cars are to motorbikes, you don’t drive/ride them the same way. Adjust your method to the tool in hand. You don’t fight using a curved blade style with a straight knife and vice versa.
Exactly, each weapon has advantages & disadvantages. Strategy and tactics should vary accordingly. Karambit is a CQ weapon the idea that it is not the best sparring weapon at range should be obvious, but how many times does knife sparring actually occur? Most of the time it is used CQ where the karambit shines. Also, the karambit folder is one of the most limited of the karambits available. This video is sort of biased against the karambit.
@@TheTruthseeker1231 especially using a short one to compare to a straight blade and standing the same distance lol. I mean grab a same size kambit then that comparison goes away.
It’s all about one’s proficiency and familiarity with a type of blade. A Samurai and an European knight with a Long sword both will be effective if trained and skilled in their respective arts
Brady Hartsfield 😂
Not really, a spear would rule the battlefield even in the hands of a untrained farmer, that’s how Rome was built.
True, but i think in the video he is talking about beginners who have no training. The straight edge knife would be a better choice.
@@fuckoff81747 - Hey Jeff...why don’t you tell us what you really think? 😋.....but honestly some true words there my friend 👍 ....I have to concur.
Use a straight blade Karambit with a tip that points back. Mine is double sided.
I think the best karambit is the the lil tiger 🐅 claw with the 90* angle. People don’t know it’s coming which is the biggest upside to saving your life.
“Thats not the way shit works” haha .. all said 😄
I should say also that after carrying knives for over 40 years, I always thought of them as my friends and helpful tools. Having to explore knives now for self defense because as I get older I may become a target is very disappointing for me. But it is better to practice and be ready and hope I never have to use those skills than not be ready and possibly be killed.
On a personal note I love the karambit it forces you to become more familiar with your body movement/angles and gives you an advantage (making space)
my main problems with the karambit are:
- reverse grip is bad for slashing
- can't stab
- shorter reach
- catches onto certain clothing
- no EDC use
- hard to justify carrying it in case you have to use it
Depends what karambit you have, there are many karambit's that double edge to be able to slash just fine whatever grip you chose,
You can stab perfectly fine.
It actually can extend alot further if you flip it forward.
I deploy mine just great and never catches if anything it deploys alot faster and more discrete then a straight blade.
Dude, buy a delica 4 with emerson wave, install a signet ring. You have a karambit/edc knife.
They're made for slashing and you can stab.
There are foldable karambits to allow for easier concealed carry
Yes Yes, I agree! I personally have trained using a Karambit and I can tell you that it is only effective with training. The Karambit was designed like an Eagle's talent or a Tiger's claw. Its primary objective is to hook or slice skin (Not very deep ones). It is extremely deadly especially in close-quarter combat (With an experienced wielder). I've seen a fight in my Indonesian town before, where a man literally got his forearm sliced open (You can see the damn bone!) But a Karambit. He was unable to run away because his Achilles was also sliced into 2 parts. In conclusion, the Karambit is not a weapon for someone who just wants to defend themselves without any training. It is, however, a good choice for trained military personnel, martial artists, and bouncers. It can really do damage as the blade's hook is meant to hook eyeballs, ligaments, and nerves on the neck (Sometimes genitals but let's not think of that). Its curved edge is used for slicing or redirecting other blades. Some professionals even use the hook to catch long blades like katanas. But the hook is generally more well used. The karambit is better with 2, as it is a style of martial arts that always blocks then attack. Hook a person's arm, redirect it away, slice his neck. It's something like that. I've never killed anyone but I've sliced dummies and pig bones, along with hand-to-hand combat in real scenarios and not those fancy stuff (More MMA-like). So if you wish to devote the time and effort, go get a Karambit! If not, get something easier to use. Great video btw! I think some people are just too biased towards the karambit.
I bet you felt like a real pro while typing this comment out. lol.
I have my Guro in Arnis De Mano, as well as many years training in silat. The point I would like to make is simple: a folder and a karambit are two different weapons. It is a fallacy (as you noted yourself) to equate them. They are only "equal" in the sense that they both cut. I do think it's pointless (no pun intended) to talk about which weapon has the greater reach as a criteria for choosing one over the other. Some karambits are huge, and likewise some knives are very short. Any serious student of the blade should concern themselves with the various ways to carry and utilize their weapon. I do not own a karambit and usually carry a folder that deploys in "earth" grip. I've done enough training that when I'm in "heaven" grip my brain is in slash/thrust mode. If I'm in "earth" position, I am thinking CQC - punching, manipulation, and tearing, more akin to the tools of silat. Bottom line: anyone who carries a blade for self-defense needs to spend time exploring the possibilities of their weapon. Not everybody needs a bicycle, but having one is pointless if you can't ride it.
I used a crkt bearclaw for 15 years almost every day. The design is almost identical except the finger hole is at the top of the handle by the blade. The design made a very secure, manuverable knife. One thing that struck me is what a devistating stabbing weapon it could be even with such a small blade. If you were to stab into the neck, collar bone or any soft tissue then violently pull back it would do tremendous damage.
that my friend is knowledge of the tool. greetings from indonesia 🤙
You can see by your wrists that when you measure the thrust forward, your wrists are not in the same position. So your poking out the straight blade and holding back on the karambit. That's my only concern. Everything else is good.
I'd recommend everyone to hold an equal overall length curved blade and straight blade with the blade tip to a wall and see if basic geometry holds true. Straight line vs curved line will always have a greater reach.
So about karambits I use one I have a longer blade it’s about as big as your standard knife maybe bigger and I use mine going up then down :edit: karambits are very good if you take training
I think karambit is a good weapon for anti grappling and striking attacks.
Nobody tell this guy that I bought a karambit before I saw this
Look at it this way why are animals such as a wolf, bear, lion, tiger.. there claws aren't straight there curved like the karambit it's for grabbing easier and tearing through flesh... Anything can be used as a weapon it's just the matter of what you want the weapon to do to the victim..
hmm.. just a thought here but looking at the movements required to effectively use a kerambit, it reminds me of traditional muay thai with the elbow blows and sharp slicing movements. maybe I'm just seeing things.
That is a great observation, and pretty correct. The empty handed movements of Kali and SIlat are heavily based off the movement of the blade. So we use elbow strikes the same way we use our blade, and vice versa. So the correlation that you see of the blade movements in relation to empty handed striking is correct.
@@S2StrategicDefense interesting, I've started training at my local mui thai gym (I'm lucky to have one, apparently not many people do) and have a karambit lying around in my knife collection. Might look into fighting techniques with the karambit.
i have trained most of my life in edged weapons ,father was the teacher and i can appreciate everything this man has put forth..Now for me when i picked up a Karambit i was much older and was out on my own when i picked it up it felt great in my hand and i was able to use the blade almost like breathing so im a huge fan of both..i carry the karambit most of the time..i also of course have my ccw one thing dad got me
to believe in never bring a knife to a gun fight...lol...shalom
the second part I agree more with, provided you have the small, single edged Karambit. yep for a newbie in such a case without much of body mechanics involved, a straight blade would be better choice. But then all blade fight really require many hours of training and attitude. one can train but if the attitude isn't there...you are just holding a stick in your knife that can be used against you. the best feature of karambit I like, is its retention capabilities due to the ring, and yes you are right reverse grip is the traditional and primary grip for karambit.
wrist bending is really minimum when you have a traditional double edged Karambit. What I find in a straight edge is that blade itself acts like a lever to dislodge it from your hand, and also in a straight blade the handle material and design matters a
lot. That is one big handicap! I use straight blade as my EDC or survival knife. when it's self defense I trust all forms of karambit ONLY! however many who are proficient in karambit like Doug marcaida, they handle most knives with equal elan...but I ain't Doug I am good with the karambit only.
As a female, I carry my straight blade folding knife AND karambit every day. I carry my revolver every day provided I am legally able. The reason I carry all of those options is because 1) it is pretty much par for the course to carry a straight blade for everyone where I live 2) I feel infinitely more comfortable using my karambit if I were to need it and 3) sometimes you are just gonna need a firearm. Concealing blades is a lot easier than conceal carrying my firearm, but if it ever comes down to it, having multiple options to get to if need be is always going to be preferable for me. My father is a LEO and trained myself and my siblings and his advice was always to have more options than you think you will need. Just my own two cents. Carry and hope you never have to use it, but if you do, be ready to do what must be done. Be safe out there, everyone.
May i ask what state you live in and what the laws regarding knifes (specifically the karambit) are? I've been wanting to carry a karambit but my state law makes it EXTREMELY confusing what's legal and non-legal to carry even going as far to say "Everything else has not been specifically allowed/banned" meaning they don't even have laws for some knifes (Including the karambit). Mostly i'm worried about what to say if a cop ever sees it and asks about it, apparently "self-defense" isn't a good enough reason and you'd get arrested on the spot and the knife will get confiscated and you might even get charges.
friendly heavy Louisiana. We are one of the friendliest carry states. I can pull the laws for you, but essentially you are looking at the law as such- if the blade length is less than four inches, and it is fixed, you are good to go. Switchblade are illegal unless you are law enforcement or fire....otherwise, the laws pretty much cover you for everything open carry short of an actual sword and even then I don't think that would be a real issue tbh 😂
These 2 videos pretty much apply to any weapon system, melee or ranged.
Don't go out and buy a .500 S&W just because it's "cool" and "badass".
Great vids
Sylas Grayson Thank you!
+Vampire Lord Vladimir
In the Army, we called it the 'CDI Factor' - 'Chicks Dig It'
Ha ! Sylas ! You Nailed it !
A near miss with a .500 S & W, is not as good as 2 x .22 to the heart or skull !
3:15 your left thumb is clearly at your right hand wrist lol... That reach hypnosis is completely false lol... On with the show.
Ikr
LOL, lots of stupid people on youtube, look at his body, where is the camera shooting, stupid people will think they don't align, in fact, his thumbs align. The camera just have a diffent perspective at where its positioned
@@bryantherocker You could use a long karambit against a shorter straight blade and claim karambits are always longer. It is an astoundingly idiotic claim that curved blades are always shorter. Karambits come in many sizes just as straight blades do. I am dumbfounded by how many people have bought this BS (I assume it is because they vaguely remember being told in school that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points compared to a curved line, but I don't know of anyone who walks or rides on knife blades...)
And he clearly doesn't know enough about that trainer he is using to understand that it is based on a design meant for multiple deploy options, including a moveable clip (or you can use two clips if you want so you can change on the fly). You can absolutely use it in a forward grip and use the wave feature to open the blade on the pocket the same as in reverse, you just pull it backwards rather than forward.
While I train with the karambit as much and whenever I can, my main use would be for a last resort weapon along with primary weapon (pistol) retention at which point after using the karambit, I'd create distance and go to my firearm.
The karambit to me feels far more natural than a straight blade, but the reverse grip makes it so it fits naturally into many martial arts. I also EDC a fixed blade double edged karambit
"That's just stupid!" Favorite line in this vid. Lol. Not sure why anyone would argue straight lines vs curved especially for distance..it should be common sense🤦🏽♂️
It should be "common sense" to see that he has a straight blade that happens to be longer than the reach of the specific karambit trainer he is using. Let's see that with a Swiss Army knife blade against a Schrade "Shasta" karambit and see how that works. It would be just as ridiculous as his claim here. Karambits are not all one size just as not all straight blades are the same size. And I'm not even a big karambit fan. I usually prefer a long straight blade, though I see potential in shorter karambits for more close up grappling situations where you don't have the room to pull and maneuver a larger knife.
I think that where the Karambit really shines is its speed of deployment and usefulness at punching and grappling ranges.
By practicing indexing on the ring and using the wave opener, it can be nearly as fast as drawing fixed blade from a sheath.
Also, violence tends to take place at close ranges.
Violence may not always take place at very close range, but if you look at recordings of violence caught on camera, people tend not to keep their distance.
dmp762 Karambit is definitely designed for close quarters. As far as deployment, with the WAVE feature its fast but not appx the same as any other with spring assisted opening.
Thanks for jumping in. You are correct! But don't say that publicly, the masses who DON'T train with their blade will flurry to show their expertise.
Don't mess with Texas You know I can't find any videos of blade vs blade that take place in the America, or Europe for that matter.
This matters because people in different countries tend fight differently.
Attackers in America tend to rush in regardless if they have a knife, impact weapon, or are unarmed. That's based off videos of attacks.
Sparring is an important and all too neglected part of knife training, but, just like unarmed sparring, there are significant differences between it and defending your self in real life. Like scrambling to get your weapon out before your attacker reaches you.
Don't look for actual blade vs blade videos in the US....not a common place here unless you are looking at prison riot footage where you can find shankings. You can study that like I did for 20 months under a Corrections Dep't contract in the early 2000's.
As far as sparring, you have to introduce the elements into it progressively. So we change the environment, lighting conditions, then scenarios. I use my Force On Force/Simunititions Firearms against the blade, 2 on 1 vs the blade, unarmed vs blade, blade on the ground, blade in a grapple, blade vs ambush attack, etc etc. Guaranteed that not many people have put that kind of pain and time into this thing.
Also, keep in mind that the Blade vs Blade sparring/training is also very helpful in everything else. Weapons training whether it is impact or edged or improvised is a great way to develop functional attributes such as timing, distancing, line familiarization, defensive footwork, offensive footwork, etc etc....attributes that apply to even basic unarmed self defense. So although it is unrealistic to have a "knife fight" in reality....the valuable lessons that come from training that way are excellent.
Very informative video. But when you compared the reach of both knives you didn't put the karambit in the same hand as the straight blade. The heavy bag is a cylinder, so when you tested the reach of the straight blade in your right hand you were technically closer to the bag. Compared to holding the karambit in the left hand, the bag was farther away because the left side of your body was not in line with the closest part of the bag; like your right side is. You can clearly see in the video that because of the circular dimensions of the bag, the karambit was aimed at a further part of the bag. I'm not sure, but it seems to me like the left side of your body is further away. I do believe the karambit has shorter reach, but not by that amount as was showed. I would appreciate a reply on what you think of this.
KiiDxLegacy There's a seam on the side of the bag that I reached for...so we had the same target with both hands. Also, camera is set at an angle from me so it may look like one is extended further...but they are not.
If you do the same "test" to flat wall...you'll get the same result. Try it.
And the reach isn't the only argument..how about trying the three testing platforms I explained at the end...that is where the real results will come thru for you.
Some good points, interesting video, thank you.
The serious benefit to the karambit that I think you missed in this video is the flip to increase range. The extra range, and simularity to a right hook when using it, mean I expect to put a hole in someones skull if they annoy me.
Also there is definitely an advantage as a slashing weapon. The claw like curve causes it to really grip into whatever it cuts. I think it's perfect for defending against someone attacking with a straight blade if you target the hands and wrists of the person attacking.
I am curious to experiment with the flailing motion, it seems like it wouldn't generate enough force to be very affective but I haven't practiced with it yet.
1. As this video says, the Reverse grip is the usual way to use it.
Its a "Disrupt, Destroy, Disengage" weapon.
2. The farming tool fable is a myth. Probably a ploy to mimic Okinawan weapon stories.
a) No serious farmer will spend time and effort with such blade.
b) A Weapon is sacred. Its a vector of life or destruction. Its not a toy to be flash flipped in combat.
It is meant to disarticulate, gouge, and slash. Only occasionally stab or puncture.
Thats tru, but rember that de streigth blade is longer, thas wy u dont have the same reach
excatly lol, using a short karambit for example with a straight knife ,there are bigger and longer karambits. shrug
Man those are some good points. I was watching a video recently on martial arts distances compared to actual non arena based combat. The difference between a ring and actually fighting for your life is a dramatic and alot of people don't seem to get that cheap shots, weapon usage, and overall techniques differ so greatly from class to combat that it very quickly changes you being alive or dead. that the "cool" weapon, flashy techniques, and expensive gear are garbage without hours behind them.
Looks like I really have to step up my weapon and weapon defense game.
Brian buettner Training for the lifestyle is key
Just pertaining to reach, yes in forgrip the straight blade is better for reach, however when the karambit is in extended grip it reaches farther than the straight blade and that switch in grips can happen in less than a second.
Nicholas Douglas define "extended" grip. If you're referring to a forward grip it still doesn't compare in reach. And to say the "grips change in a second" would also be untrue. Sure it can be done fairly quickly...but not under the stress of someone trying to harm/kill you where even fractions of a second and fractions of an inch can mean the difference between life and death.
My edc is a 45 and a curved blade karambit for retention but my go to weapon is a straight blade Karambit if I am surprised. 45 years training, isshinryu karate and escrima from combat experienced marines. Primary instructor AJ Advincula.
I fully agree in many places the one place it does shine is the minute you get locked up you're assuming fixed blade will get the kill shot once you get locked up with somebody that's when the curved blade shines
I carry a straight blade because I'm 5'6. I need that extra reach. A Karambit only makes me smaller and forces me to close the distance.
I may not be right but I think that may benefit you get in their face and start stabbing In to them with the karambit and get under their rib cage.
I would be honored to train under your guidance. I enjoy a straight blade and a fixed blade. I am looking forward to learning the Karmabit
I have both korambits and strait blades. I train with and carry both. You are right you have to learn and train them if you are going carry them they each have unique applications in there use.
In my opinion the karambit is more effective as a deterrent. When people see this blade type they fear it. For good reason because it is devastating. Also Karambits are generally deployed faster being unfolded as soon as it leaves the pocket if it's a folder.
However I do agree it requires some level of training. Similar to a butterfly knife
I wouldn't say that Lance. Although...they can be super intimidating to look at but definitely not any more devastating than any other blade.
As far as deployment, Karambits with the wave feature open very quickly but a straight blade with spring assist or a pocket catch open just as fast. That is something I've been using a shot timer to test and see if one is faster than the other and the time difference has been marginal and can go either way. On avg, they are the same.
Thanks for commenting my friend!
I agree more with Lance here than with S2's reply. S2's point that a karambit is not any more devastating than any other blade is correct, insofar as it goes. However, my take is that Lance's point about a karambit being more effective as a deterrent is also correct, and is the main thrust of his argument. My experiences with people's reactions to knives is that a blade that is "wicked" in appearance is more intimidating, and there is a primal reaction to curved blades, particularly those shaped like a claw or a fang, such as the karambit. A straight blade, while having IMHO superior characteristics in an actual fight, does not have the same intimidation factor. If you can intimidate your way out of having to employ the blade, by displaying it only, you come out ahead. The same way that more than a million Americans a year use firearms for defensive purposes without firing a shot.
My analysis of my situation is that my principal threat currently is from opportunistic predators in and around commuter trains. Their main weapon is a knife, such as a box cutter. Pulling out a large karambit with a shiny blade would most likely deter an attack. (He's an old white guy, but that KNIFE!) I just bought an inexpensive, double-edged fixed-blade Schrade SCH112 for everyday commute carry. (Yes, I need to move to a free state where I can carry my preferred .45 instead of kitchen tools and drive to work...)
Karambit isn't even meant to be flashed as a fear factor (as most knives aren't) vs the opponent. It is a stealth weapon used in extreme situations solely as an element of surprise and max damage into an escape type of scenario. No sane person will flash a karambit to intimidate a thug and especially not vs one with a larger knife, gun or even a baseball bat. That would be dumb.
Karambit are made for and with a purpose, and are place historically in a context.
If you have Silat training and proficiency with Karambit, an opponent with a knife will never touch you. You will know where to strike and end a fight instantly, if you know where to strike you can paralyze someone momentarily, or even permanently.
I have experience with martial arts and to me the Karambit is the most brutal and deadly design of blade, that’s my opinion but I have experience to back it up
“Similar to a *butterfly knife*” (balisong users: triggered)
I carry a Schrade Shasta McNasty has my edc I like the benefits of the double edge also the length is pretty decent California living boy
the beauty of the Karambit is it ability to be "less than Lethal" ...but you are 100% correct.. it takes a Lot more training and favors quick of hands and the "hand trapping" style.
it is a Defensive Weapon with the Ability to Kill. Made to be fast with varied modes of attack. The Karambit is more versatile. Yes it gives up reach and Attacking motions, ...but in favor of Defensive/Grappling/Close Quarters... do you expect to fence with your EDC Edge Weapon?
Jsan Ljohn All weapons are offensive and defensive...depends on the use. And to understand the use you need to understand the fundamentals such as:
Distancing
Range
Angles
Footwork
Bridging and Reverse Bridging
Targeting
Entering
Amongst Others.
These are fundamental in combat. So if you don't know those things intimately...you get comments like "you expect to fence with a knife?"
these things should be elemental in CQC.. edged warfare. ...in a combat zone I MAY want my Kbar.. in a civ situation.. ill take my folding karambit tyvm.
its funny that you would try to belittle with your statement, fair enough... a straight blade was made for and thereby counters. (Punching and Kicking) very straight line attacks yes? (like fencing) ... the Karambit..turns the close quarter combat scene into very deadly control battle....
Not trying to belittle....losing translation in text...especially replies given at stoplights while driving. Don't take it as belittle....just getting to the point
Again... I believe the reverse grip is solid, because most attacks you are going to be dealing with are 'cowardly'..... coming from behind.... you DON'T have to reverse the grip to stab the guy in the thigh when it comes out of your pocket like that. Just a thought....
I used to do HEMA for a few years and messed around with Rondel dagger sparring, got decent at german longsword but dagger fighting I never grasped. That being said I've boxed for about 12 years. Havnt in the last couple but I still do bag work at my home gym every weekend. Between work, working out and training in marksmanship and team firearms drills and trying to work in time with my family and friends I don't have time to pick up another martial art style lol hence why I carry a push knife. I can literally use my already competitive level boxing skills but with the addition of a 3 1/2" blade extending from my hand. Of course I carry it off hand as my primary is my side arm and if a situation deteriorates to the point of me having to pull a weapon in self defense I'm pulling my sidearm first however sparring practice and training drills have proven to me having a up close and personal off hand weapon is an invaluable asset to carry.
Good info. I'm not sure why so many people seem to have only one EDC setup. I like the DART karambit style knife as my weak hand front backup blade with either a large folder or fixed blade as my primary but that could be due to my constant learning of new techniques. The DART knife designed by Doug M. helps to eliminate the problem of stabbing in either grip.
Thanks for commenting Todd! I used to do the same set up as you, but between a firearm and magazine, I only keep one blade on me unless I am away from my gun. A few other people commented about the new DART knife, I haven't gotten one yet but I think it is a very well thought out design.
The forward thrusting with the Karambit would be similar to that of the Jambiya, which I've heard is curved to make stabbing easier on your wrist
@@Navoii. Jambiya is a Yemenese knife and has a reverse curve and the curve is only in the tip area. Not the same at all.
I couldnt agree more 👍🏻 i have often worked close protection so when i travel i have a push dagger and a karambit on my belt. my karambit is fixed and doubble edged and alot smaller blade then most, its only 2/3 an inch as i feel its more an assassination wepon then a dueling knife. If i have to use a knife i want my oponents to feel it but not see it. The last thing i want is to duel, i want to start and be finnished in as few seconds as possible. i carry my krambit scout style under my jacket for my right hand, and my push dagger for my left hand on my left hip, as like you said they both have differant uses and tacticts. But personally i would allways say "unless you work in security then you have no need to carry a wepon so dont!" The best you can do is just stay safe and out of trouble
Thanks for providing some great advice. The one point I would make is that the karambit does make a lot of sense for those with empty hands training. My training is in Tomiki-ru Aikido, and my krambit is an infinite force multiplier, because I'm going to get in close in the first place. It's not a distance weapon, and you rightly point that out. Great video.
Again, depends on the hand to hand training, and previous edged weapons training. The Karambit as we know it was used as a concealed weapon to augment the hand to hand combatives of Silat, a very fluid and dynamic art with close quarters and grappling. For them it made sense...you give a karambit to a Tae Kwon Do person and they won't do well with it.
@@S2StrategicDefense Speaking as a taekwondo practitioner I can completely agree
Thanks for the videos and I agree 100%. I don't have time or the desire or the need to train with a karambit. I need a "get off me" knife I can deploy rapidly with either hand as a last resort in close quarters. I train gross motor movements only, both drawing and stabbing. The KABAR TDI holstered at 11 o'clock [weak side/back up] and The Colonel knife at 2 o'clock fit the bill for me. Both have blades short enough to be legal in my state.
the karambit works well with Jeet kune do due to the intercepting aspect of the style.
Training is paramount due to this principle because you have to get in close fast, faster than your opponent can actively execute his attack and cut it short.
this is a very short range weapon make no mistake.
To use this properly you must get right next to your target.
If you're willing to do that then this is the blade for you.
It's a high risk, high reward weapon to be sure.
The knife will only work as good as the person using it. It's not a magic knife.. the point of the video is that everything requires training, and the karambit requires EXTRA training.
@@S2StrategicDefense exactly.
..as my choice of carry blade all day karambit works perfectly for me..i work at night-grave yard shift so i cant afford to lose what ive got and it was proven and tested twice that this blade saved me..
great video.. I've been carrying a karambit with a short blade (about 1.5 inches) since i got mugged almost 2 years no. i prefer it since i can easily conceal it and in case i need to attack first, enemy won't be as prepared compared to seeing you attacking with a knife and they would think that you're only throwing a punch. but this video made me think about carrying a straight blade knife. thanks for the great tips.
mc noodle You're veey welcome. BTW...no reason it can't be a 2nd blade.
it might be questionable now with the authorities here in the Philippines if i have 2 blades with me but thanks for the idea. :)
like when you thrust with the karambit and the spine hits the target first the blade lock can fail and you lose your fingers as it closes on them
The part people don't talk about is the dismembering or de-gloving caused by the retention ring of a karambit.
about the whole reverse grip thing. you can deploy it in either forward grip or reverse. it just depends what way you have it in your pocket. after you switch the pocket clip you can deploy with your pinky through the ring
If you switch the pocket clip...and draw it backwards...yes you can deploy it in the forward grip. Now go try to do that with someone in boxing gloves trying to rip your face off and place the video of it below.
Also note, right now on Facebook I am involved in a post where people who literally thought the retention ring was going to help them....BUT lost their finger or skinned the meat off their finger from tip to knuckle are posting up their pics. Kinda gruesome, but something to think about.
Most common cause....they didn't have the correct manipulations of the karambit (they thought they did) and struck a bone/hard subject that resulted in the blade getting angled off and inertia pushing/dragging their finger thru the retention ring....and skinning them literally down to the bone. Think about that one.
im not arguing safety nor technique here. just mentioning alternative ways of drawing the weapon.
I am very well familiar with the forward and reverse deployment methods. And wanted to give you some additional stuff to think about.
I agree with what you said. I have karambit and a trainer and I am still working on the motions. It's one if the coolest blades I have ever seen.
It's a great blade! Be safe while you're working with it!
Most karambits are only single edged, but what about a double edged karambit? Thoughts?
James, double edged has it's own set of problems:
1) Can't do a folder in a double edge. And fixed blade is illegal in many places. Heck, double edged is illegal in many places as well.
2) Double Edged also means that all given points of time, a sharp edge is always facing you as well as the other person. So in essence, you may be putting yourself in harms way
3) The blade articulations and manipulations do not really change between single and double edge. Actually has to be more precision because you need to keep the back of the knife off of your body.
4) Double edge doesn't gain any reach or distance. Still the same size and shape...with an additional edge.
Does that help?
thank you for the concise response! I like karambits for their look and feel but I carry a straight blade for the reasons you state!
Thanks again!
No problem!
Really there are guys who say straight knife can work the same as karambit? There is a difference, everything is different for those knives, structure and use are completely different. It's pointless to argue what's better and I'm not used to stupidity and blindness some people are showing. Good job explaining that man, you did pretty simple and good job
If you're passionate about your weapon system and train with it, you will excel with it. There's no right or wrong way of (self) defense, it's finding a system that works for you. I see both sides of the argument of karambit v. straight blade. Both are deadly in the hands of the accomplished practitioner. Karambit and straight blade techniques are different. I view karambit technique as a blade extension of your fist while boxing and probably could work well with an accomplished PR-24 baton practitioner. My apologies if this offends any Kali practitioners. It's just what it appears to be to me. Do I see it as a viable fighting technique, absolutely. Having a blade extension of your fist is something quite deadly. There are pros and cons to everything. Find the system that has the pros for you and be safe.
you assume that all karambits are single edge
No.. no I don't. I explained very clearly at I'm using a single edge because many states do not allow a fixed blade or a double edge.
As someone who is proficient in many styles of martial arts. Modifications of knifes, swords, exc and an expert handler and twiriling, flipping and knowledge of mass X Volume X speed and weight distribution I know he is right the straight FIXed blade will beat a fold up traditional one sided karambit yes but you will not beat a fixed double edged sawtooth karambit with any knife machete, or hatchet, ONLY If you have knowledge of the martial arts and body mechanics. My phrase is simple Twirl and kill tricks plus fast movements and good move execution you will always win because you don't engage with one single karambit they always recommend one male and female pair one is held reverse grip while one is held regular think of this method as fighting like a windmill a fan or a planes proportion system would you really throw yourself into a whirlwind of talon shaped blade edges I think not...... Also is recommend a pair of brass knuckles a sharkskin coat for slash resistance just saying... Lighter the weapon the quicker man or women wins bigger isn't always better in the street. Maybe in your pants but not here
💪karambit 💪🔥 depend what you looking for. the model of karambit and wau 💪 is your arm like a rock or something depend. For my the karambit 💪🔥💪.
This was very eye opening. I have been trying to learn the Mike Janich systems here on youtube using a spyderco yojimbo. Its been a long time and I dont feel I am making good progress. Just purchased a karambit trainer to try and add that skill set but again looks like it.might be an uphill battle.
Mike Janich is a very skilled practitioner and bases much of his basic training drills on pangamut and palisut. Problem with that is that for someone brand new to the blade, the foundations are missing. That being added to the lack of concepts from the Filipino arts (Kali); and the fact that theres little to no attribute training such as timing, distancing, footwork etc.
That's not a slam on him or his Modern Blades Combatives program.. it's just honest feedback on the training itself. Can't just "comma cut" the way it is presented.
In your end remarks concerning sparring in karambit/vs, I'll just say that its clear you understand that the human hand is the best blade or club. Always accessible. It would be cool if you did a vid on "Pikal" techniques.
I don't know if it was discussed already. I didn't go through all the comments. But, the karambet you are using is a folder. And you say that it only deploys in reverse fighting. I carry my fixed blade EDC in cross back, It can be deployed in either reverse or front style.
Michae' Pence I'm using a folder because fixed blades are illegal in my area.
No argument about using either knife but I can say a fixed blade Karambit carried on the weak side is a hell of a good thing to have when you are occupied with someone trying to wrestle your pistol out of your holster on the right side. Notice I said “fixed” not folding. In life threatening emergencies it’s a proven fact by law enforcement training that fine motor skills go out the window but gross motor skills work every time.
Absolutely. If you watch the Part 1 Reboot video, you'll see the support side fixed blade I use. Problem is that many states don't allow for a fixed blade.
Just purchased a double edged karambit, and two training blades. Any tips for Affordable practice gear I want to have my own an not some gyms handme- downs
And I just subscribed so hopefully a buddy and me can get you that video of the hour sparring, edited for time of course 🤙
Now dont get me wrong you very clearly know more about this than most people but if the karambit was double edged wouldnt the aldivase / figure eight (im not sure how exactly to spell that) motion be just as simple as a straight blade?
well all are stated as facts but what i feel is that using a karambit in a knife fight has to include different technique. it might be short but once the enemy is in vicinity, a large amount of motions are possible to make the attacker disable his weapon
how come there are no recorded street fights with a karambit on it? you can find machete, knife stick empty hand and gun on a single google search but nothing on a karambit, maybe it is that lethal? or maybe no one has use it on an actual fight
I've spoken to literally one person who used a karambit to save his life, and barely stayed out of jail... and by the circumstances.. any blade would've been a good tool for him in there.
@@S2StrategicDefense thank you for reading. Yes, like you said its the ''cool'' thing to do and this ''cool '' tecniques are messed up and you will absolutely have a hard time explaining why you have some mortal kombat looking knife with you. judge: how do you explain having this knife? me: I was going from my ricefields to my to climb a tree and get me a coconut...thanks for reading and for your reply.
@@mcornielle be safe my friend. Careful on those trees. :)
Good video. I just learned more about karambit. But I like this blade because is a stealth blade. The oponet never realized what was that slash him
Glad you enjoyed the video. Check out the REBOOT for Part 1 video, I go into quite a bit of detail about the history of karambits.
Hey I’m just looking to use it as a survival tool
Surviving against what exactly? They aren't great for hunting, they aren't great for carving, they aren't great in the bush, they aren't great for cutting rope, etc. So what are your standards for "survival knife"
Nevermind I found a better one
One thing to keep in mind is that, depending on where you live, the legal length of a blade is measured in a straight line.
So if you live in an area where you can carry a 3.5 inch knife, you can probably carry a kerambit with 3.5 inches of reach.
For a curve to have 3.5" or reach it has to be longer than the straight line obviously...which also means larger weapon in general....and how well will that be for and everyday carry? Something to keep in mind too.
Personally i would go with a karambit over a straight edge knife for self defense due to its effectiveness in cutting as well as deterring a threat. Also there is a third way to hold the Karambit,
But i believe that it is best to go with the blade that is familiar to its wielder
That's a decision that each person has to make. For me, I never look at my weaponry as a deterrent...if a situation is bad enough that I need my blade, or my firearm....it isn't coming out unless I need to use it. But again, those are definitely decisions that each person has to make on their own.
Doug Marcaida use to say that ''knives are ment to be felt,not seen''.
radu ardeleanu Yep. That's an old saying in blade culture
You can thrust up depending on the type of Karambit to..
Is the karambit better suited for short people?
I don't think it is for short or tall people exclusively, I think that the karambit is designed for a specific use and has specific tactics/techniques and training associated with it. It is a VERY powerful tool in the right hands, and VERY poor choice in the wrong hands.
that's a really cool knife. because he comes from West Sumatra, Indonesia. and was born from traditional culture from there and spread throughout the world under immigrants from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Have you ever seen Indonesian traditional karambit...?
this is more of a engagement thing like how close do you think you will be if attacked
nice video. I have carried knives all my life and practiced MA for a few of those years. I have an interest n the karambit currently. you did a nice job bringing out a lot of differences. the distance difference meh. thrusting any blade and impacting something solid would not be my primary movement. the video does a good job though bringing out many differences I really hadn't even considered yet. thanks
watertiger33 Thank you!
I agree with the message. The Karambit inherently need to be used differently than a straight blade and people need to understand what they are choosing.
That said, I think "claw" style knives in a standard grip are much easier for a novice to do massive damage with simple slash and clawing movements. That was part of the idea behind the Spyderco Civilian.
side note...I do think you are fudging the demonstration a a tiny bit to make your point. ;)
I also just have to point out a folding Karambit will usually deploy in a standard grip when done manually. In the case of a wave deploy like your knife, grip is based on if you choose a forward wave or are backward wave (assuming the knife has a movable clip)
Thanks for chiming in. Not sure what you mean by "fudging" but ok.
Yes the karambit can be opened in standard grip if you move the clip around and pull to the back of the pocket. Still not a great option. As a matter of fact, today I am in Atlanta, GA working with a VERY competent group on edged weapons. I let them see this vid and the first vid, as well as putting in some serious sparring time in with them. It was a unanimous decision....straight blade won every time. Standard grip Karambit proved short every single round, round after round, after round.
Not sure what you're background is, but if you have a video of you moving with a blade please put it up.
Best of luck and again, thank you for commenting.
Only meant that in order to illustrate the short comings of the Karambit with straight knife motions you hold it as you would a straight knife...which is certainly accurate...but at the same time a person shouldn't be trying to use a straight knife form. (I dunno if that made sense)
...but don't get me wrong...ultimately point was made.
Really interesting findings on the group you're working with!
Yep. You clarified your point, we can agree to disagree though. I got zero issue with that my friend.
As for the findings, it is common. In 31 years of training, 20 behind the blade, 17 years teaching, 250+ seminars in 16 states 4 countries, owning 4 academies for 10 years, working with over 65 LE agencies.... I've seen the same thing over and over.
Good points, well thought out. You definitely know your stuff. A blade for a back up is great, but anyone serious about real world self defense needs a gun. Every other person you see on the street has one, and no matter how skilled you are in any martial art, you can't stop a bullet.
I definitely love guns...but not always the best solution. Many restrictions by law (especially here in IL), they fail, jam, run out of ammo, and most importantly....often have collateral damage. So I can't say one is better than the other...just that they have different uses.
Uhmm. No you can't stop a bullet, but you can stop an idiot firing before you impaled/slashed them.
Years ago a friend and I were attacked by 10 -11 guys, street thugs. they were armed with various knives, 3 machetes and 1 idiot had a gun.
We had, my friend - tanto , myself - 2inch lockback and spyderco claw.
if you put a knife through the wrist while twisting the gun they can't hold onto the gun or fire it = win, lockback beats gun.
the spyderco was lost when 1 of the guys ran away with it imbedded in his shoulder. I imediately formed a dislike for claw shaped knives and "tacticool" knives with holes in the blade.
To end I gained a newish machete, 2 nice lockbacks, a pack of smokes and some cash as well as 3 stitches to my forearm (artery punctured). my buddy got a machete 3 knives he liked, half of the cash and 6 stitches upper arm (slash).
The whole confrontation and fight lasted less than a minute, the gun was stripped and tossed in 4 different trash bins (the police were notified where to recover the parts). So to say you can't stop a bullet is just being silly, you stop the person from firing.
DaiseyKutter you got lucky. Someone who has actually trained with a firearm will have it drawn and pointed at you just as fast as you can draw your knife. They won't let you get close enough to use a knife. You keep distance with a gun. Like I said, knives aren't useless. I carry folders, balisongs, fixed blades. I love knives, hence why I'm even watching this video. But there is a reason swords and daggers fell out of fashion when guns became more common.
S2 Strategic Defense I can respect that. I live in Carolina so as long as you go about it right it's not difficult to get a concealed permit. Most of the reasons you listed as negatives are the reasons I conceal revolvers mostly. No jams, no failures. One round doesn't go off, pull the trigger again try another bullet lol. Collateral can be controlled with training and proper ammunition. As someone who obviously has spent a lot of time training, I'm sure you could see how someone could get to a point of being well in control of their firearm. It's just a matter of research, and putting in the time to train.
Clay...I gotta disagree to an extent. Science has proven MANY times that often someone with a knife who bum rushes someone with a holstered firearm results in the firearm never even coming out. That is known as the Tueller drill, and the distance once was set at 21 feet and has been revised to 30 feet now.
The back end of the blade of the karambit would also be sharp. With the karambit, reverse grip allows you to also grab your opponent with both hands. Straight blade does not allow that. It should be common sense to learn to train with the tool you intend to use before you buy the tool. That's just my opinion 🤷♂️
Feel free to correct me. Ive never been into a knife fight and never want to be. I know many knife attackers rush in with strength and adrenaline with no technique, stabbing repeatedly. Can the karambit be used in the same way except instead of stabbing, its all rapid punching motions where the blade is there for additional lethal impact and making counter grappling a lot dangerous to counter? For me its not what of type of knife you use but how ferociously you use it in the spur of the moment
You've brought up a few points that all kind of relate. 1) Rushing in isn't just a knife tactic, we see that with almost every kind of fight. However, we shouldn't look at aggression as a replacement for skill. It will only get you so far. Also, you have to think about what to do when someone rushes in at you...are you going to rush them back? Probably not a great idea. 2) Karambit can be used in the same punching method that you describe. They can also be used to open beer bottles or to pry something open or as a screw driver....doesn't mean that is the way they are intended to be used. They can also be used for hooking, scooping and locking with some training and skill development. 3) Ferociously implies that you are swinging wildly and without any tact....again, don't confuse aggression with skill. Ultimately as I said in the video, the Karambit is an awesome knife design but we have to quit being "fan-boys" of it and understand what they are good for and what they are not. Recently, GN from Funker Tactical even made a post on his FB page about how he has been trying to use the Karambitin live sparring sessions and ultimately finding out that it isn't half as useful as people think it is.
Hey could you help me out? I've been wanting to carry a karambit but my state law makes it EXTREMELY confusing what's legal and non-legal to carry even going as far to list a bunch of rules and knives and then saying "Everything else has not been specifically allowed/banned" meaning they don't even have laws for some knifes (Including the karambit). Mostly i'm worried about what to say if a cop ever sees it and asks about it, apparently "self-defense" isn't a good enough reason and you'd get arrested on the spot and the knife will get confiscated and you might even get charges.
i have a question..?? originally karambit is a single edge or double edge knife..???
tiger fang The double edge doesn't influence the reach or articulations of the blade.
Original Indonesian version had both single and double versions.
How would I get a training karambit, would should I try carving one out of wood or buy a professional training karambit
Gam3r11 The Kraken. There are many training Karambits online. Go to Amazon and find one you like.
S2 Strategic Defense mkay
What would be your opinion on a knife such as the DART that displays a tanto blade ? Seems like it fixes a lot of the drawbacks your are highlighting in this video as it is fantastic for stabbing strikes and keeps a lot of karambit principles in the way you operate it.
The DART is straight blade design, just has a retention ring on it. I discuss that in another video. That being said, the point of the video isn't the karambit, it's the training. Buy whatever ya like... train with it.
@@S2StrategicDefense In which video please ? Im hesitating to purchase that knife and learning how to operate it but the only persons the does reviews on this knife are using it as EDC/Box opener ... would be interested to have your full opinion on this knife through the video you mentioned, thanks !
We do sparring all the time ( and I mean hard sparring our arms would turn purple from blocking full power cuts and stabs), and karambit definately not a dueling weapon. It is however, a good weapon to compliment your boxing against an un armed person. Also, 50-60% of those fancy knife moves we practice in drills doesn't come out in sparring. You can even watch some of the masters spar, I mean real sparring not some pre determine drills or flow drills (which is rare, most of these masters don't spar infront of students), it's mostly quick slashes, arm fencing, and some quick stabs and get out.
So one question, I have relatively little experience in martial arts having only a year of training in Judo. I have been looking for somewhere to train in an edge weapon self defense and own a straight blade knife which I carry for work and a Karambit which I was a gift.
Is there any martial art that specifically incorporates the Karambit into its training without being exclusively for the use of the the weapon? If so where can I train/learn?
I would rather not learn straight blade defense because I can't carry something to work that is technically a weapon and if I register as trained then I wouldn't be able to carry my knife but I live in a very rough neighborhood and need something better than a basic carrying throw to defend myself.
Omega, you can look into Kali, Silat, JKD, among a few.
And if you have limitations on carrying a straight blade, you definitely will not be able to carry a karambit. BUT, you can find and replicate the characteristics of a straight blade in day-to-day items....but that is not true with the Karambit. If anything, you should learn the straight blade, as it is easily found.
As far as "registering as trained," that is a myth. I don't know anywhere in the globe that tells you to do that.
I work for a self employed man who is against violence for religious reasons, so he doesn't like the idea of me carrying something that is used for harm, he's fine with a tool but I would rather not risk my job over a knife and he is a good friend of mine.
As for carrying it, I wouldn't carry it to work, the problem comes from receiving training then carrying a straight blade to work, that's why I don't want a martial art that is exclusively focused on the use of a weapon such as the Karambit.
I know I feasibly could receive training and still carry the knife to work, I'm just the kind of person who really doesn't like doing anything that I would see as betraying my friends trust since he hired me when no other people would even look at my resume.
I'm not the best at English so "registering as trained" is the best way I have to express it.
Thank you for the information and your time.
a lot of these arguments base on the spine of the blade making impact and not the blade edge, but in real karambits the front of the spine edge is also sharpened. so it will puncture just fine. The range thing I agree on only because most straight blades will be longer.
Imagine dual karambits but they are just for follow up after throwing overhands, hooks and uppercuts
Don't you usually just hold the karambit with 3 fingers using the ring when it is in a regular grip and isn't that why you flip it to a standard grip? When you're holding the back ring with the 3 fingers / thumb, whatever, that gives you another 3" of reach to slash.
An open question to anyone from someone who has very sweaty hands. I have tried alot of handle materials but i find them difficult to get a grood grip of whenever my hands start sweating. In my case, am i better of with a karambit since it has a retention ring?
Retention ring is not a replacement for proper grip. All you end up with it slippery knife moving around in your hands with a ring on it.
Thas it have age limit? I want to use it for self defence karambit
I edc an karambit my self because I have tried an straight edge blade and it dose not fit my fighting "technique" wich is boxing based where the karambit is easier to utilise in dodges and side steps
If you feel comfortable with a Karambit, then by all means...carry it. Like I said in the video, doesn't matter much to me....BUT.....use the 3 Testing Platforms I provided at the end of the video first and make a decision after that.
Thank you very much for your videos and sharing your experience 👍🙏💪
Were can I get a custom painted karambit?