Should i get a karambit or civilian?

ebola · #1

I cant decide which to get so i was hoping someone could choose for me.

sven · #2

well, that depends on what your intended use will be.... personally, i would get a civvie. the "Oh holy crap!!!" factor is greater with that knife. just producing such a blade might alert an assailant to the fact that you mean business. or escalate the situation, as Daywalker would say, that's where training comes in, that's why it's important to train with your blades and with diferent situations. learning how to understand the assailant and the situation is crucial to your survival. hope this helped.

sven

steel is unforgiving... sharp steel even more so

sven · #3

oh, and welcome to the forum. stick around and learn alot.

sven

steel is unforgiving... sharp steel even more so

Civilian · #4

Welcome ebola,
Speaking from experience, I EDC'd a Civilian for over 10 years and now carry a kerambit a couple of times a week.
I would still say a Civie for several reasons. It is designed for someone with no training in self defense. It is more useable as a "utility" knife. It is less obvious in the pocket. When presented for SD it is probably a little more "scary".
I do plan to go back to the Civie when I buy a G-10 model as I don't wish to carry any of my CF models or any of my Alunimum ones either.
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MAT<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>TER

Civilian · #5

here they are:

Rex G · #6

Welcome to the forum! The Civie allows for a choice of tip-up or tip-down carry, and is suited to use in forward or reverse grip. The karambit is more suited to reverse grip, with the index finger in the hole, and with training can be used for some specialized techniques. As for choosing between the two, well, I am wearing both as I type this, although I must admit the karambit is of a different brand. Spyderco does make a very good karambit, and I will acquire one or two eventually.

DAYWALKER · #7

Aloha and welcome!

I'd go Civilian. PERIOD. Unless that is, you are skilled at using a Karambit.

I personally do NOT like the ride height of the karambits, and well, if ya don't know how to use one, your pinky is gonna get it!

Go Civilian, OR the more economical route, the Matriarch.

Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!

dialex · #8

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum. Another vote for the Civie.

<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>

RAT 54 · #9

As a question from someone that has very had or seen a civi in person, how useful is the blade as an EDC other than for SD?

CIVILIAN said <i>"It is more useable as a "utility" knife."</i>

I always had thought that they we only any good for SD. Please can someone inform the misinformed rodent?

Ian

sven · #10

if you use the civie for utility purposes you void teh warranty.

sven

steel is unforgiving... sharp steel even more so

Civilian · #11

That's why I used the quotes on "utility". You can use it to open enlelopes, unlike the Kerambit. You could use it also for cutting a lot on non-flat items(rope, wire etc). I even used mine to cut up an apple once. And while I wouldn't suggest it for cutting-open boxes I did for a long time without hurting the tip. What killed the tip on mine was Concrete, do not try to cut concrete with it(it was an accident).
As far as the warrenty goes what are they going to fix? a faulty lock, a bad pivot. It is not like cutting things that aren't human is going to cause anything but the tip to break! If I break the tip off in someones ribs or skull does it get replaced for free?
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jbake · #12

Of the two, Civilian.

If I get to make a suggestion - Matriarch <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Civilian · #13

The spyderhawk doesn't have the "reverse-s" blade just a larger, I mean LARGER version of the harpy. Heres a pic of the Civilian(top) Matriarch(mid) and Harpy (bottom):
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haji · #14

I can't believe how irresponsible you "alleged" Spyderco owners are. What is wrong with you guys? The answer is as plain as the nose on yer face: YA GIT 'EM BOTH!!! But be careful...both can remove yer nose without a lot of trouble.

ebola · #15

thanks i think i'll get the civilian, and probably get the karambit some other time.

Simona · #16

I have not Civilian, so i cant judge and compare..., but i have Karambit and believe or not, its really brutal SD tool <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Really suberb, its something like a "surgical machine" ;}
And in addition, wow, its perfect impact tool also ...

<img src="http://www.gunting-girl.com/000/karambit/DSC08295.JPG" border="0" alt="">

Simona V. :: joyful girl from the Prague, Czech Republic, www.gunting-girl.com

Simona · #17

<img src="http://www.gunting-girl.com/000/k05.jpg" border="0" alt="">

Simona V. :: joyful girl from the Prague, Czech Republic, www.gunting-girl.com

Civilian · #18

Hey Simona you have got to get a Civilian, I'd love to see some of your creations featuring the big 3. Karambit, Civilian, and of course the Gunting.
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Edited by - CIVILIAN on 8/5/2004 9:16:12 PM