How to hold karambit?

The Karambits appeared on the Malaysian islands around the 14th century (the first images of this knife date from this period). Its invention is attributed to the inhabitants of Minankbau, who used knives of this shape in battles with other nations. Moreover, because of its shape, the karambit was ideal for removing and treating animal skins. The knife then underwent modifications and gained popularity. The karambit was not only used as a combat knife, but also as a sickle or machete for pruning. A versatility that can be found in modern versions. An excellent tactical knife used for opening boxes as well as for cutting ropes and cables. It functionality, robustness and unique appearance make it a must for knife lovers.

How to use a karambit in combat?

The karambit is a rather remarkable all-purpose knife, designed for the defense, precision and efficiency of the user. It has a curved or hooked blade, an ergonomic handle and usually includes at least one safety ring. The knife can be with a fixed or folding blade. The Karambit is an extremely effective and interesting defense knife because its curved blade offers many combinations and possibilities of use. It excellent grip, short and very handy blade and stability make the karambit almost elusive to the opponent if the user controls it.

For true amateurs who would like to learn defense techniques, get inspired by them or simply discover this world, I invite you to watch this Youtube video with Doug Marcaida, specialist in self-defense movements with a karambit on the following link : Karambit Blade Work with Doug Marcaida.

The karambit in Indonesia or the Philippines is the pocket knife for "everyday use", just like the Opinel in Europe or pocket knives in the United States.

Over the centuries and its evolution, the Karambit has become a weapon of choice for defense, its safety ring or also called retention ring, placed at the end of the handle it is generalized, it is present to allow the user, when working in corners, not to slip. It is therefore very difficult to disarm a weapon.

The curved shape of this Karambit knife makes it possible to cause impressive damage very easily and quickly. For a confirmed person, the Karambit will then be an unequalled defensive knife that will allow him to get out of any situation. It is used in Indonesian and Filipino martial arts such as Silat or Kali, are martial arts of close combat and particularly deadly.

How to sharpen a karambit?

A karambit is therefore a small type of blade or pocket knife, as we have explained. Today, a karambit is generally an interesting and curious addition to any collection of weapons and blades. Sharpening the weapon is a fairly simple process.

1. Prepare the blade of your karambit for the sharpening process. Check the blade for any dirt or dust and clean it carefully by wiping it with a dry cloth. If the karambit is really dirty, use hot water and liquid soap. Be sure to wipe and dry with a clean cloth afterwards. The blade must be absolutely dry and clean before the actual sharpening process.
2. Grasp the karambit in your hand, firmly but comfortably and flexibly at the same time. As with any type of sharpening blade, note that the angle between the sharpening tool and the blade should be as small as possible. In this way, you will not damage or shorten the blade, nor change its shape.
3. Stroke the blade of your karambit knife along a medium sharpening stone path. Keep in mind that a karambit is a small and delicate knife, so be sure to use a small but stone quality. Be very careful at this stage and run the blade gently through the stone, keeping the blade away from you.
4. Stroke the blade of your karambit against a fine sharpening stone. Note that due to the nature of the karambit shape, there is a small gap between the stone and the blade itself. 
5. Sharpen the karambit blade using a steel, narrow, fine sharpening file, circular or rectangular shape. Be sure to move the blade along the tool in long, continuous strokes and hold it at as small an angle as possible.
6. Wipe off any powder residue or residue from your karambit blade with a clean dry cloth. Blow the dust away from the tools as well.
7. Keep the karambit along a piece of leather to keep it as sharp as possible and to extend the period between sharpening.

Hoping that these explanations will help you to achieve a perfect sharpening of your favorite accessory. As you will have noticed in the previous explanations appears a link to our sharpening stone category. We also invite you to discover all our knife sharpeners on this link in order to find out who could be useful for other knives.

Are karambits legal UK

There is no law specifically targeting karambit knives. These knives are very close to the majority of knives and to exclude them in particular would be incomprehensible and arbitrary targeting. We also recall that the main asset of these knives is defense. So be careful how you use it. Thus, being in possession of one of these knives does not represent any criminal danger and the police should not be more concerned about it. Of course, any careless act with one of these objects can of course be severely punished by law and we absolutely do not encourage the unnecessary use of these knives. So please be careful.

We hope so much that this blog article has introduced you to karambit knives!