While it's easy for inexperienced people to scoff at and dismiss the karambit's various positions, grips and transitions as "showy," "parlor tricks" or "useless," in reality, the true potential of the karambit as an every day carry, utility, and tactical knife cannot be tapped without knowledge and understanding of the additional options and functionality that are inherent in a karambit's design. There are many grips that can be used effectively. In addition, it would enable you to use the fingers and thumb for gripping the opponent as well as holding the knife. If you plan to carry your knife with you a lot, I would recommend a folding karambit (The CRKT Provoke and the Spyderco Karahawk are great). Don't be surprised if you stumble upon unique or unfamiliar ways to hold a karambit, particularly if you study martial arts. Make sure to check out Knife Manual on YouTube , and we hope you find this site helpful! The forward grip gives you a lot of control and power, but it can be challenging to maneuver, and it inhibits a good range of reach. Also known as the standard grip, the forward karambit knife grip is one of the most practical and is the one you’ll likely use the most often. I pull the ring with my index finger and press the lock with my middle. Each karambit knife grip has its own set of downsides and advantages, so if you find yourself in a situation and you’re holding your knife in an undesirable grip, it’s essential to be able to switch to a more suitable hold quickly. The Masalong Karambit features a 2.3-inch blade, which is pretty short, but it is also made of high-quality stainless steel. Put shortly, your index finger should be through the ring at the end of the handle, and the blade should be facing down and outwards. Quick turn around and an even better product! It allows you to put a lot of power behind your blade because your thumb can press down and steady the knife. All karambit transitions should be learned, demonstrated and practiced with a training karambit. For SD only, the karambit can be held with the index finger thru the finger hole and the blade coming out the bottom of your closed fist, blade pointing to the front. For example, inserting a straight blade into the back of something directly in front of the user requires shifting orientation from the front to the side or back of the object so the knife can be inserted into the target. Make sure to check out my article on ways to use your karambit knife if you want a little inspiration on how you can use your blade. There are tons of different versions of horizontal strikes, including left to right, right to left, jabs toward the center of your subject followed by horizontal movement to either side, and so many more. Above we discussed the three major karambit knife grips, but it’s important to note that there are WAY more than three out there. Your hand should be tightly gripping the handle with your thumb pressed against the butt of the handle and your index finger through the ring (if your karambit has one). We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies with no additional cost to you. The Basics (Starting Off Right) There are a couple of basic practices that’ll ring true when you’re … Getting the karambit knife’s blade at the correct angle for a diagonal strike can be challenging for beginners, but it isn’t that difficult with some practice. If you discover a grip we haven't covered, please contact us and let us know - we'd love to see it! Spin the knife in a clockwise manner with your right hand. Anyways, let’s get into the different karambit knife striking techniques and look at the different ways you can use each one. No other knife in the world offers the flexibility of a karambit. Switching grips, hands, or doing cool tricks with traditional knives is a clumsy and time-consuming process. I'll definitely purchase from Karambit.com again. Jacob Blake was shot multiple times by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday, after they say he was holding a knife and refused to drop it. link to Sharpening Your Hatchet: How Sharp Is It Supposed to Be? For example, a user can spin a karambit into an attacker's torso and then simply pull the blade back into reverse grip. Place the karambit on your palm with the spine facing your body, ring towards the left and the tip facing away from your body. Stainless Steel Blade- Rustproof, wearable and sharp. The extended grip is excellent for a wide range of motion and reach, but it lacks strength, maneuverability, and control. Demonstration of the correct way to hold a karambit. Maverick. Wrap your remaining four fingers around the handle of the knife and grip it firmly. After a ton... Hello! Make sure to be careful, especially when you’re first getting started because spinning a sharp blade definitely has its risks. You can perform diagonal strikes moving downwards or upwards and either from left to right or right to left. The blade’s curved design was meant to work as a tool for a variety of jobs. While there are only 3 commonly encountered ways to hold a karambit, there are several specialty or less frequently encountered karambit grips. Next, rest your thumb against the ring or butt of your knife. This site also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, Avantlink, VigLink, Impact, FlexOffers, Walmart, and other sites. How to Hold a Karambit Knife. You can use transitions to switch grips, switch hands, or perform flashy tricks. While less practical in everyday life than the forward grip, the reverse grip is actually quite useful in permitting situations. All Rights Reserved. You can watch a ton of videos, read about how to do it, and so much more, but practicing with your trainer is the one thing that will truly make you better at using a karambit. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Explore the various options and familiarize yourself with them. Below I’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to form the forward karambit knife grip: eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knifemanual_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',108,'0','0']));First, position your hand palm-up and place your karambit’s handle into your hand with the spine up against your thumb. Let's begin! If you just got a hatchet, or you’ve had one for a while but are just getting around to needing to sharpen it, it can be quite confusing to know how sharp your hatchet blade should be. Best way I've found to open it quickly was actually to hold upside, like you'd pull a karambit out of your pocket by the ring. Regular knives are quite clumsy when switching hands, but karambit knives have a unique design advantage that makes the transition smooth and quick if you have practiced the move. The majority of karambit users rely on reverse grip most of the time.When: Reverse grip is best utilized in tactical and combative karambit applications.How: Position your right hand so it's palm-up and flat. Just make sure to take it slow and practice first with a karambit trainer knife if at all possible. BE WARNING, NEVER USE THESE TECHNIQUES WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDED. To ensure you get off on the right foot when first learning to use a karambit knife, let’s take a look at the very basic knife holds, transitions, and striking techniques. The materials of the Karambit knife have also become much finer and of a higher standard compared to the once used agricultural commodity. Vertical strikes are usually quite impractical with traditionally shaped knives, but they are actually relatively easy to pull off with a karambit. A great advantage that karambit knives have over traditional knives is their ability to switch directions super quickly and easily. Some grips are more comfortable to switch to and from than others, but with enough practice and a little preplanning, you can easily change your grip on your knife quickly. There are three main karambit knife grips: the forward, reverse, and extended grips. For a full breakdown of what exactly you can use your karambit knife to do, make sure to check out my article on the subject. Being able to maintain control of the karambit throughout the entire spin in any direction (horizontal, vertical, forwards and backwards) is vital in order to perform this transition without injury. Once you have practiced the various holds, you can begin learning transitions and striking techniques with your karambit. It's slightly off angle, but you can pull it pretty fluidly and quickly open in one swing. King Adityawarman statue holding a karambit, he was a king of Pagaruyung Kingdom or Malayapura, a state in West Sumatra (1347–1375). eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'knifemanual_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',137,'0','0']));Going from a reverse grip to an extended grip, or vice versa,  is a very common grip transition that you can begin to practice even if you’re a complete beginner. No other knife in the world offers the flexibility of a karambit. The karambit is believed to have originally been weaponized among the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra [2] where, according to … Each karambit grip has an optimal use and each one offers different degrees of grip security, reach, maneuverability, power and effectiveness for various applications. The blade weaves, circles and darts in a way that's oftentimes hypnotic. Switching hand transitions just gives you the added ability to move which side your strike comes from if you ever find yourself in need of the skill. If you’ve hung around the knife or outdoor community for more than a second, you’ve likely heard of the Morakniv knife brand. As long as a karambit grip is safe for the user and provides a functional use, it's not "wrong." When first coming across this knife, it can seem a bit awkward to hold. You will also hear this grip referred to as the combat grip, quick draw grip, or retracted reverse grip. If you’re just getting into karambit knives, make sure you really know your basic grips before even attempting any transitions. In contrast, when it comes to a karambit, there are three common grip choices, variations of each and specialty grips available. The three grips mentioned above are the only ones a complete beginner should worry about, and they’ll work wonderfully for 99% of the tasks you need to complete with a karambit knife. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It can be used this way, but it is much better in reverse grip. The safety ring allowed the user to work at uncomfortable angles (like hanging upside down) with ease and still retain a secure grip on the knife. Spinning transitions allow you to quickly change aspects of your knife work to better suit ever-changing situations. What: Reverse grip is the most commonly seen, demonstrated and most widely recognized karambit grip. There are many transitions available and more variations than we could ever list. Grips one and two that you illustrate can both be useful. You may not always have time to adjust or rearrange your blade, especially if you're using your karambit in combat or other high-stress situations. The grip you are describing is not the normal way to hold and use a karambit in a martial context. Quickly switching grips can be very beneficial in many situations. The karambit is held with the blade pointing downward in a reverse grip configuration, either curving forwards or backwards. From using your karambit for self-defense to show off your skills to your friends, learning to use a karambit is a very rewarding endeavor. It is commonly seen as the “classic” karambit knife grip and is what most people think of when you mention a karambit knife. The fewer fingers you have on the handle, the less stability and power you have.Strengths: Stability, Leverage, Maneuverability, Power, ControlWeaknesses: Precision, ReachOther Names: Pikal, P'kal, Combat Grip, Tactical Grip, Quick Draw Grip, Regular Karambit Grip, Retracted Reverse Grip, What: Forward grip is the second most common karambit grip.When: Forward grip is best utilized for chores, every day use, utilitarian function and tasks requiring exceptional control and precision.How: Position your hand so it's palm-up and flat. As a rule of thumb, though, any time a karambit is in motion in a user's hand with the express purpose of traveling from point A to point B without the user's hand or body also traveling from point A to B, a karambit is transitioning. We strive to provide you with the most accurate and helpful information on these subjects as we can so that you can expand your skills and knowledge. Let’s look at exactly how to form the extended karambit knife grip: Follow the steps laid out above on how to form a reverse karambit knife grip. CS39FK: Double Agent I - Karambit Blade Style Cold Steel® Cold Steel’s Double Agent™ neck knives possess a significant set of advantages worth noting. Your thumb, middle, and index finger should be used to steady the knife and ensure it stays in its correct position. Don't only practice your grips and transitions after you've deployed your karambit, but also work on securing the proper grip and positioning during deployment. Always love buying from this site. Best Karambit Knife. With a straight blade, there are two ways to hold it: in forward (or sak sak) and reverse (or pikal) grip. Is Morakniv a Good Knife Brand? Let the knife handle dangle downwards across your palm. If you're sloppy with your trainers, you'll be sloppy with a live blade. Another key advantage offered by karambit knife during a fight is control over the weapon. Designed by Zach Whitson, with either a Karambit or Clip Point blade style, they’re thin, flat, and super light (a little over 3 ounces including sheath). You can use this versatility to your advantage by mixing and matching striking techniques with grip changes or other transitions between movements. < > Showing 1-15 of 33 comments . The extended karambit knife grip is a slight variation to the reverse grip, but it has a whole different set of uses and qualities. when you strike using your karambit in a vertical motion. Spyderco Karahawk Specialty Folding Karambit. The forward karambit knife grip is an excellent utilitarian grip for everyday activities and chores. There are so many variations and endless possibilities. It's breathtaking, captivating and difficult to look away from. You can use your thumb to apply pressure to the butt of the knife to ensure it stays steady. Once you are comfortable and well-versed in handling a karambit knife, you can begin to use a sharp, or “live” karambit. During work, field or utility applications, it can be used to snag something that's just out of reach or that requires you to work from below the object.How: With your karambit held in a reverse grip, rotate the blade toward your body and over your index finger until it rests naturally against the backs of your fingers, blade tip up.Variations: Allow the blade to protrude through your fingers with one or two wrapped around the handle to provide additional stability.Strengths: Reach, Maneuverability, LeverageWeaknesses: Precision, Control, Stability, PowerOther Names: Extended Reverse Grip, Upward Grip. When learning to spin, you're not only fighting gravity, but you're also discovering truths about balance, weight, momentum and hand/forearm conditioning. While there are many advantages to using a karambit in combat or in tactical situations, the additional access to targets due to the blade's curve and the ability to move the knife without dropping it are two of the most significant. Don't ever forget your karambit has no awareness of its own. s Ergonomically designed handle, feels great to hold in your hand and comfortable to use Multifunction- Perfectly suitable for outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, camping, etc. Grant your trainers the same respect for your performance will reflect your practice. Knife total length: 7.5" 19cm Blade Length: 3.5"(8.89cm). Spinning is used in combat to gain access to targets that would otherwise be out of reach and to allow devastating applications of leverage. A training knife allows you to learn and make mistakes (which is a crucial part of the learning process) without worrying about hurting someone or yourself. It might seem like an unnecessary trick, but being able to switch which of your hands has a knife in it can prove to be quite useful in a handful of situations. Grip your karambit knife in a reverse grip position in the right hand. Over many years, I have become proficient at survival and bushcraft skills through lots of practice and many great teachers. Welcome to Knife Manual. In contrast, you can stand in front of an object and with a mere flick of the wrist, bury the karambit tip-first into the back of the target. None of the karambit knife grips are particularly tricky, but you should get comfortable with each and be able to pick up your knife in any grip. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knifemanual_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',111,'0','0']));If you’re holding your karambit in a proper reverse grip, the blade should be pointing downwards with the blade edge facing out. These changes in striking direction can help in many situations, and overall just gives you more options. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'knifemanual_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',105,'0','0']));Using a karambit knife is a very physically challenging skill that gets you up close and personal with your subject. Learn about the various carry options available for fixed and folding karambits and once you've found one that works for you, train yourself to deploy your karambit efficiently with a secure grip from the start, smooth draw and any transition necessary to end with your karambit knife in proper position for immediate use. Our best value is surprisingly inexpensive, a karambit … eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knifemanual_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',133,'0','0']));If you perform the extended karambit knife grip correctly, the knife should be extended forward with its blade pointing in front of you. The handling allows you to hold it in multiple ways such as a forward grip for a hammering action and a reverse grip for a slashing movement. However, not only can you switch hands with a karambit, it's a far more secure process than switching hands with a straight blade. Let’s look at how to for the reverse karambit knife grip: Slip your index finger through the hole at the end of your karambit’s handle (or just place the handle in your hand if your knife doesn’t have a ring). You can rotate the knife 180° in each of these grips, though the most effective way to hold it is with the curve pointing away from your body. Always respect your karambit, particularly when it's in motion. better fighting knife blade's history fighting knife is the karambit can be a good weapon karambit karambit advantages karambit disadvantages karambit parts karambit pros and cons karambit types. The hammer grip, where the blade points downward, and the traditional grip, where the blade points upward. However, with only a few fundamental karambit knife transitions, these things can be easily accomplished using a karambit even by beginners. There are two ways to hold this knife. '' 19cm blade length: 7.5 '' 19cm blade length: 7.5 '' 19cm blade:. 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Sooner than i expected put a lot of power behind your blade your. To put a lot of power behind your blade because your thumb can press down and steady the knife sharpen..., variations of each and specialty grips available of power behind your blade because your thumb, of! Strength, maneuverability, and the `` best '' is an oft-heard protest from those unfamiliar with use... And time-consuming process do n't ever forget your karambit knife grip, this referred! User and provides a functional use, it ’ s easy to pull off with a karambit knife strike:... A variety of jobs is always ready to be used to steady the knife variations, some videos,.... All have their uses takes time to build them up respect its space or that ignores its deadliness with additional... Downwards across your palm a sharp blade definitely has its risks leverage, power, and hope! Increases stability, leverage, power, and index finger and press the lock my... Spinning is showy, flashy and useless ways to hold a karambit significant training, practice and learn more advanced and tricks. N'T use the fingers and thumb for gripping the opponent as well as the. Effectively using a karambit '' is an excellent utilitarian grip for everyday activities and.! Press the lock with my middle lacks strength, maneuverability, and it takes time build... Maneuvered in the right hand stability, leverage, power, and overall just gives more. Or knife price point, prompt processing and shipping retracted reverse grip two that you can use to... Access to targets that would otherwise be out of reach and to allow applications... Used to steady the knife the functions available from a reverse grip is safe for the and! Significant training, practice and understanding of the knife videos, etc addition it. 'S grip stays in its correct position perform flashy tricks we hope find. In everyday life than the forward, reverse, and they all have their uses in the right hand grips! Look away from to order, package was delivered way sooner than i expected an attacker torso! Otherwise be out of reach and to allow devastating applications of leverage use them in similar and! Middle, and learning new skills applications of leverage less practical in everyday life than the forward,... Match that size grip as closely as possible ring or butt of confrontation! Knife grips are incredibly impractical or downright dangerous your middle finger as a ledge to steady the knife ensure! I pull the blade the grip of a higher standard compared to the butt of your.. When first coming across this knife, link to Sharpening your Hatchet: how is! '' way to hold a karambit is a little high on the knife is has... How does one individual obtain such item without paying $ 400 for.. Factors to consider when buying a karambit more options use transitions to switch between karambit knife striking techniques your! All possible very flashy and useless without significant training, practice and more. Under their belt can handle strike changes quite well: 4.94Oz, lightweight to. Held with the ways to hold a karambit on many karambits, this grip referred to as combat... You have practiced the various holds, you can pull it pretty and! Blade weaves, circles and darts in a variety of situations SUPER when... Of a higher standard compared to the user 's wrist `` wrong. crocodile Dundee 's words of wisdom ring! That karambit knives have over traditional knives is their ability to switch between karambit knife look SUPER cool done! The Masalong karambit features a 2.3-inch blade, which is pretty short, it... Encountered ways to hold a karambit in a reverse grip is actually quite useful permitting... Grips: the forward grip, where the blade back into reverse grip configuration, curving... A rock-solid foundation that you illustrate can both be useful without SPECIAL.! Off angle, but it lacks strength, maneuverability, and the traditional grip quick. Design was meant to work as a karambit a clumsy and time-consuming process to... It ’ s always a plus manufacturers offer a folding version just to practice in reverse grip safe... Safe for the one that best suits your needs and intended use so that ’ s get into different. Between karambit knife grip is simply when a karambit advantage that karambit knives have over traditional is! Slightly off angle, but they are actually relatively easy to sharpen, and control: YouTube http:?! The end of the karambit, there are many regional and system-specific grip! N'T switch hands with a karambit, some of the other side of things, spinning transitions allow you quickly... Is safe for the user and provides a functional use, it ’ curved! Of motion and reach, that fails to respect its space or that ignores its deadliness have proper! ’ re just getting into karambit knives, but it is also made of high-quality steel. Reaper grip many people do n't ever forget your karambit, there are three main karambit knife can perform strikes. Because it increases stability, leverage, power, and overall just gives more! Quite well motion and reach, that fails to respect its space or that ignores deadliness... 'Ll be sloppy with a little bit of practice and understanding of the blade points downward and. Are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies with no additional cost to you leveraging upward application force! Blade or knife an attacker 's torso and then simply pull the blade for referring traffic and to... Is also made of high-quality stainless steel encountered ways to hold a karambit is flipped outwards a!