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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 1, 2013 5:37:00 GMT
I see the traditional karambits with a very steep curve and some of the modern ones tend to be straighter like the colt karambit.
What are the pros and cons of having a steeper curve vs a straighter one?
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 1, 2013 6:14:15 GMT
My understanding of the korambit is that it functions quite literally as a claw. It is not a cutting or stabbing knife, its purpose is grabbing and tearing. With that in mind, it would seem that having a moderately-to-heavily rounded curve would be optimal, for deeper penetration on impact and more tearing action. That said, the typical commercial korambit is incredibly small, and I've seen quite many with blades so crazy as to be 90-degrees to the grip. My personal favorite is one I actually own, and it isn't technically a korambit, but a variant of the korambit's larger cousin, the kuku macan. Mine's here:  In a straight line, the blade is about 9" long. I personally like the subtler curve but feel this is still curved enough to get that bite into squishy flesh that korambits crave. A close second was one of Kris Cutlery's old offerings, but they are no longer listed, it seems.  This one's kind of like what I have, from the same seller I got mine from: www.ebay.com/itm/Ethnic-Custom-T ... 20d651a910 This one seems a bit much to me: www.ebay.com/itm/Aquila-Ethnic-C ... 20d3e32932 Something like this is more typical of what I've seen about: www.ebay.com/itm/Ethnic-Custom-H ... 20d3e3172a (Not promoting this seller, just using it as a reference point while checking that my "unique, one-of-a-kind knife hasn't been relisted. :oops: ) All that to say...depends what you want, doesn't it?  |
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 1, 2013 6:29:21 GMT
I want one that bites and rends, but i also want some stab, a mid to large one that I can use in joint manipulation and get in real deep to touch those vitals.
It'll be mad if I can do all that without going in at weird or funny angles.
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 1, 2013 6:54:05 GMT
When I went shopping for my "one" korambit, I had all those things in mind, too. Ultimately I stumbled over the one I have now and was sold straightaway. Best I could find that wasn't tacky; I've seen kukri-shaped korambits and semi-recurved daggers with korambit grips, most in some gunmetal or black paint with various textured grips and spiky bits hither and thither... I'm satisfied with mine. |
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 1, 2013 8:49:14 GMT
If this was a bit longer I might of bought it.  Anyone found something that meets my wants? |
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 1, 2013 9:03:03 GMT
Oh yeah, I forgot about TFW. They were one of the first places I went to, but like you, I found their offering too small. KC had a larger one, but it was just a bit to curvy for my liking. I was also rather fond of some of Valiant Co.'s offerings, but couldn't justify the expense at the time: www.valiantco.com/sumatra2.htmlI like the one just called "horn kerambit" but $100 is a bit steep. :oops: Granted, TFW's little fella there is $177.  As to something about that rate of curve, though...never seen one bigger than that, and trust me, I've looked. Surely others have better ideas. |
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Post by bigpete on Sept 1, 2013 9:14:14 GMT
Depending on how traditional you want it you would try cold steels "steel tiger" or united cutlery m48 Honshu karmbit,I have the UC one and its quite a bit better than I expected and bigger too and the CS is meant to be bigger and better again. In saying this I have no formal training with a karambit,other than just using knives every day for everything I can and having a little bit of an affinity with blades,I'd say either of those 2 would be pretty much what your after in dimensions anyways.
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 1, 2013 9:20:30 GMT
Might want to right click and view original image to see whole thing, on my screen it's cut off on the important bits.  Closest so far... looking for better.  OVER 400 BUCKS DA ****! |
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 1, 2013 9:59:38 GMT
I actually kind of like that brown one. If more it more if it weren't brown.
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 1, 2013 10:04:34 GMT
You could just duracoat it to what ever color you like, thats the colt desert karambit and its reasonable at $50 Australian... still looking for other options incase there are better!
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hhmoore
Member
Sneaking around once in a while
Posts: 656
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Post by hhmoore on Sept 1, 2013 12:49:37 GMT
Optimal size and shape are, to some degree, dependent on the intentions and style of the person wielding it...but a karambit isn't meant serve double duty as a hook by which to hang somebody after disembowling them in one brutal stroke. I have three - the biggest one seems suited for the horror movie-esque description above...whereas, in reality, it would be reasonably suited for it's original agricultural applications (though it could also serve in trapping and controlling). Honestly, it serves no purpose in my world...but it was the result of nudging up a bid on an eBay auction, lol. I got it for a great price; and it's certainly a conversation piece. Pictured: Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works "Nasty Prick", Ontario, and Fox (the MMHW piece has about an 8" blade - The customer for whom it was made decided it was too big) edited to add - gotta love it when pictures show you something that isn't apparent to the naked eye. Looks like a bit of corrosion starting, but I can't see it on the blade. Heck, I just oiled it not too long ago, and it's still black and coated from that. Attachments:
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Post by Rifleman Lizard on Sept 1, 2013 13:31:31 GMT
Playing Splinter Cell: Blacklist are you? :shock:
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 1, 2013 13:40:24 GMT
Amazing blades
Why do you like the smaller blades?
My rationale says that getting into the vitals and having extra reach while having such brutal rending action in case you stuff up is king.
Yeah I played a bit of Blacklist and it has inspired me to get back into martial arts, as well as tying up my spiritual lessons of intention and meditation.
I'm not ashamed, most people these days like swords from movies, I doubt they had historian fathers who got them into it by handling museum pieces.
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hhmoore
Member
Sneaking around once in a while
Posts: 656
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Post by hhmoore on Sept 1, 2013 13:54:02 GMT
The "smaller" blades just seem more in keeping with my perception of how a karambit is used. There's sort of a sweet spot for the size (IMO), and bigger or smaller versions don't appeal to me as much.
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Post by Rifleman Lizard on Sept 2, 2013 0:54:19 GMT
I'm not saying you should be, matey. Hell, I'm enjoying the game too. It's excellent... but do you not find it strange that playing this game has (of your own accord) instigated or reinvigorated your interest in a karambit, especially when you're asking for a blade length suitable for reaching body vitals?
That doesn't sound at all odd to you?
Because I've gotta be honest with you: It sounds bloody crazy to me.
Whatever floats your boat, fella. How Splinter Cell could possibly inspire you to tie up lessons of spiritual intention I've no idea.
Nice knives though. They're very useful for gardening, as well as reaching those pesky hard to reach vitals.
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 2, 2013 1:09:54 GMT
Martial arts to me is about focusing your intention in the heat of the moment, you are there to live regardless of what life throws at you.
"Showing your opponent mercy is being cruel to yourself"
I'm also very interested in the mental state of mushin, my old kenpo sensei told me about the masters going into a "killer" state where they don't think anymore and they essentially become super humans with perfect form, in that moment your death is their priority above everything else.
Life is about contrast IMO, how do you know light if you've never seen the dark? how do you know life if you've never tasted death?
Also there's the drive to be effective in all that I do. Including finding the most effective way to silence a sentry...
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Post by Rifleman Lizard on Sept 2, 2013 1:26:32 GMT
But I have tasted death Micheal, many times in fact.
Death's touch is cold like a witch's tit and her lips taste like candy bacon.
I have lived in darkness my whole life, leaving me short-sighted but warped by a twisted evil. I'll be honest with you...
I'm about to hold largely civilian populated areas to ransom. My men are currently planting high yield weapons of mass meanness in schools, churches and McDonald's restaurants throughout the entire first world.
I'm laughing about it as we speak, as I've yet to be beaten by the world's most elite anti-terror units.
I'm stroking my cat on my swivel chair, sipping a brandy in celebration of my imminent victory.
...but it's not over yet.
I must be stopped.
It's good that you think that way because you'll need those skills, that drive and "killer" state of mind to eliminate my thousands of henchmen and sentries.
Suit up and get ready.
Grab your karambit, Micheal.
You've got work to do.
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Post by michael_nguyen on Sept 2, 2013 2:47:11 GMT
lol that mental state I want to research into and discover how I can use that to be more effective in other areas of life like writing books from a creative flow state and being a king of strategy by being in that state of control.
I have to admit that martial arts one of the most developed arts in my opinion has made something truly remarkable that can be retooled to help athletes perform better, people live more free and make the world a better place.
Like most martial arts I know I'll rarely have to use this on anyone and even if I do that is like 0.000000000000000001% of my life, however those masters have discovered valuable principles, many of which are hundreds of years old, which I intend to extract by going into their minds into their art.
Everyone of my sensei's have taught me something I will never forget, something that applies outside of martial arts, that is why I plan to keep learning, to keep growing.
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Talon
Member
Senior Forumite
Posts: 2,554
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Post by Talon on Sept 2, 2013 18:52:38 GMT
Some very philosophical stuff going on here,being an uncouth northerner with questionable social skills I always advocate the tried and tested swift kick to the nuts to get me out of trouble,coupled with the highly effective get the hell out of there quick afterwards before he gets up manoeuvre. To the topic at hand,I always felt very comfortable with a Spyderco Harpy (though thankfully the most dangerous situation it has ever tackled is an overly shaken bottle of brown ale).I don't carry a blade anymore,i rely on my dashing good looks and suave sophisticated accent to keep me from harms way Seriously though I don't personally advocate a knife for self defense,if you've got a knife you'll most likely use or lose it.If you use it you're in seriously deep legal waters.If you lose it you're running a very high risk of knowing first hand how it feels to get bodily unzipped. Now by all means get a Kerambit,they're fun,but for possible self defense carry an ASP and learn how to use it ,your legal council and bank balance will thank you for it.Just my advice for what it's worth. |
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 2, 2013 19:21:45 GMT
Asps and (especially collapsible) batons are illegal in a good many jurisdictions, ironically where knives are fine in most cases.
That said, I agree; knives are not the answer for "self-defense" at all. Not getting into trouble is. When that doesn't work, running like hell and making a scene is better than trying to engage. Make them chase you, make people look at you, but better yet, stay out of the dark and seedy places.
All in all, for collectors sake, get the knife you like. Practice whatever martial art you like. Don't expect either to save your life.
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