Sal, can you please...

[pmbspyder]

Our last Karambit design was a collaboration. The making of the design was prompted by one of our Seki makers. He thought it would be popular. The first run did well so we did a second run, but the second run died an early death. I think it was a good design, but I think the market, as least the Spyderco market might be smaller.

sal

hmmm interesting. from a realistic standpoint, how difficult would it be to use the same design with g10 handles and do a small limited release? is it easier or harder than say the re-release of the catcherman (frn mold).

[sal]

Just for the purpose of discussion; there are many Karambit designers, who in your opinion has created the best designs?

sal

[defenestrate]

Sal, I have an imported karambit, almost all metal karambit whose action is a little rough but the lockup when locked is sound and the ergos are great for an average sized hand. Want me to send it in for your analysis? :)

[Fifteen54]

Just to throw in my two cents on that, I really like the Karambits by Emerson Knives. Wave open, grippy scales, 154CM and quite stout. The downsides are the exorbitant price and poor finish (which is traditional for Emersons). Sure You get a lot of knife for several sawbucks, but for that price I would expect S30V and purposeful jimping...

As a side note I love and have quite few Emersons, I think they are excellent knives, but they seem to really be lacking in the finish department...

[defenestrate]

The karambit I have you could improve on and sell as a byrd or maybe a taipei made spydie like Mr. Schempp uses. Value for money would be solid, and I had planned mods to it to make it multipurpose (ex. a seat belt hook for EMT purposes) - could make a fine spin on it.

[defenestrate]

I also think the lock could be swapped to a frame lock easily, or if more ambitious, a compression, BBL or Stop lock would be very cool.

[sal]

The design is, in my opinion paramount. What makes one Karambit a better performer than another? Is Tarani the expert? Are there other experts in the art? Size, weight, balance, materials and versatility are all critical to the success of a design. What is the best way to use a clip? I need to learn more.

Need input :o

sal

[RevDevil]

For me, ergonomics is an important factor in any design. No one wants to carry, much less use a knife that is uncomfortable. A good size would be 3"-3 1/4" blade (FFG or 3/4 hollow grind), 4" handle, 2 way clip position (Manix2), steel liners,, G10, compression lock... :)

[Bradley]

Compression lock on a Karambit? Yes please, I'll do intial carrying for the fine folks at Spyderco

[Fifteen54]

Oh yes, Compression lock on a K would be nice, plus it would have such a smooth action....

[jackburton9807]

Had one for years thta was, for the most part, NIB. Not a fan so I gave it away (hope ya dig it, Marty). I could never really dig the acute angle of the blade. If another round had a less acute angle and something aside from a SS handle, I might go for one.

Wait, I swore off of the safe queens. Crap.

Neff

[DCDesigns]

I also believe the angle of the blade to handle is a very important part of the design. Some of the "tactical" karambits have the blades angled inward so far they would be of little us for utility or edc tasks (the problem also with the previous karambit IMO). I think we can all acknowledge that a lot of these karambits are targeted toward the mall ninja crowd. I think Spyderco's next karambit offering should be more utility than tacticool (If it should come to exist). The blade/handle angle needs to be opened up quite a bit in order to make the blade more useful.

Sal-When sketching designs for Karambits, I usually look toward the more traditional filipino karambits. They were designed primarily as a tool. It would be too cool to see one with wood grips, or micarta.

Here is a pic of more the style I prefer with Karambits:

[Fifteen54]

Indeed, but please do not overlook the fact that the K has one purpose, MBC. Yes making it lean towards being somewhat utilitarian is a great idea, but it's roots should always be firmly planted in MBC. like the P'kal, such a great knife and is useful as an EDC, I love mine...

[Niles]

Agreed (fifteen54). I think a compromise could be found between a slightly shallower angle, but a blade that can still be used as a karambit.

On a side note, my last post was about ergos. The handle on the kbit in DCDesigns' picture looks perfect--in as much as you can get a tight but comfortable grip on it.

[Blerv]

The angle and finger hole make the kerambit a powerful trapping/manipulating tool. More pragmatically it offers a great weapon retention tool or officers/soldiers if waved.

The Emerson gives the wave and less hook (154cm/chisel) for about twice the cost of the current 5.11 Tactical/Tarani in FRN with s30v. The 5.11 is about $100 and waveless.

The Spyderco version had a great blade even if a tad short. Thinner handle, waved, comp lock would be very interesting. Maybe curve the handle towards the pivot for a striking tool? Or the hump for the spydiehole could be ramped in two directions acting as a wave/thumb ramp/impact tool/glass break. Even when opened it's typical to strike appendages with the spine.

Drawn up it could look hidious tho, like an aweful Gunting monstrosity :p . I would love to hear Mr Janich's feedback as he already favors the Tasman as a weapon retention aid.

[speedcut]

IMHO a potential Spyderco karambit should have a compression lock to differentiate from the other competitors on the market and because Spy has the best hawkbill style blades on the market it should be an awesome combination....
also add some grippy G10 and a very sturdy ring for the finger and you already have winner in my book.... :)

[Dr Heelhook]

I never got one simply because of the handle. It was too flat and wide to feel comfortable in my hand. Granted, I have small hands, but still, the ergos didn't work for me at all. I love karambits, and I love Spyderco, and I'd love to have a spyderco karambit, but it'd still be a hard decision if it was just the original with better materials.

That being said. If the price was kept low enough, I'd probably spring for an original-ish sprint so I don't miss out this time. But if there were better ergos for smaller hands, with a g-10 scale set, I'd buy limit in a heart beat.

Did you actually try holding one in your hand before making that decision, or did you just make assumptions?

[Davidig]

Just to chime in on another point to consider. The ring on the Karambit can be considered a bludgeoning weapon. In states like California this can make possessing a perfectly legal folder a felony.

[Niles]

Did you actually try holding one in your hand before making that decision, or did you just make assumptions?

Woa, Dr Hostility. Of course I handled it before deciding not to get one.