What the Heck is a Karambit?
The karambit comes from Southeast Asia, where legend holds that it was inspired by the claws of big cats. It was used as a farming tool in the region by the peasant class but, eventually, was used as a weapon. (As all pointy objects usually are.) In Indonesia, it was considered a peasant’s weapon but soldiers would use it as their last resort when their other weapons were lost. A point of interest is that it became popular with women as a self-defense weapon. They would tie it into their hair.
So, if you are looking for an exotic looking “everyday carry” do consider getting a folding karambit or a fixed-blade karambit. I can be useful for a variety of jobs like gutting and cleaning fish, cutting rope or even light pruning in your yard. As far as aesthetics, the modern karambit has come a long way from its humble roots. You can find them in a slew of colors and a little artistic license, in design, has been taken with some of them. I have even seen them with two assisted opening blades. But the centuries old basic design of the curved blade coming from an ergonomic (the ancient folks were ergonomically correct before the word “ergonomic” even existed) handle with a finger guard has not changed in all of the modern versions. Just take your pick. “Something for everyone,” as they say.
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