The Best Karambit Knives of 2021

What Is A Karambit Knife?

The karambit comes from Southeast Asia, where legend holds that it was inspired by the claws of big cats. It was used as a farming tool in the region by the peasant class but, eventually, was used as a weapon. As a weapon, this curved knife is meant to be held with the blade pointing down from the bottom of your fist, not held upward in your hand. Since, you finger is inserted into the safety ring or finger guard at the top of the handle, you have a really secure grip on it. This knife is used with a slashing or hooking movement. So, if you are looking for an exotic looking “everyday carry” do consider getting a folding karambit or a fixed-blade karambit. It can be useful for a variety of jobs like gutting and cleaning fish, cutting rope or even light pruning in your yard.

My Favorite Karambit Knives

You can find them in a slew of colors and a little artistic license, in design, has been taken with some of them. I have even seen them with two assisted opening blades. But the centuries old basic design of the curved blade coming from an ergonomic (the ancient folks were ergonomically correct before the word “ergonomic” even existed) handle with a finger guard has not changed in all of the modern versions. Just take your pick. “Something for everyone,” as they say. Here are some of my favorites.

Honshu Karambit With Shoulder Harness

At the top of my list is the Honshu Karambit, which comes with an adjustable shoulder harness sheath. When you need an easily concealed, serious self-defense weapon, this knife is exactly what you’re looking for. The karambit has a 4” razor-sharp, 7Cr13 stainless steel curved blade with a penetrating point and the handle is grippy, over-molded TPU with the classic finger-ring pommel. The tough ABS, adjustable shoulder harness sheath can be worn discreetly, making it easy to carry and conceal. The 8 3/4” overall Honshu Karambit is a straight-forward, traditional karambit knife that’s also highly effective at daily cutting tasks.

Tac-Force Folding Claw Karambit

Traditionally, a karambit is a fixed blade knife but like I said before, you can find them in all designs these days, including assisted opening folding versions. The Tac-Force Folding Claw Karambit is a good, solid pocket knife that you can count on whether on a mission or around the house. The tactical-style folding karambit has a non-reflecitve, 3 1/2” 3Cr13 stainless steel karambit blade that can be quickly deployed using the thumbstud or flipper to activate the assisted opening mechanism. The non-reflective, anodized aluminum handle is comfortable and grippy and has the traditional open-ring pommel. An added feature is the flathead screwdriver integrated into the pommel. For ease of carry, it has a sturdy, metal pocket clip. Bottomline. When you combine a traditional karambit blade with an assisted opening folding design, you get an exceptional everyday carry pocket knife.

CRKT Folts Keramin Karambit

CRKT really pushes the limits of the traditional karambit design with its Keramin Karambit, which is part of its Folts Minimalist series. It really is a unique looking little fixed blade, and, like the Honshu Karambit, it’s easily hidden on your person. In fact, it was designed specifically for self-defense with an infused resin handle that features three finger choils and aggressive jimping for thumb-placement. You can rest assured that, if you have to defend yourself, you won’t lose grip of this knife. The 2 1/4”, full-tang premium stainless steel blade has a hollow ground edge and is razor-sharp and penetrating. To hide it discreetly, a fitted polypropylene sheath with a neck lanyard is included.

CRKT Provoke Folding Karambit

Not only does CRKT push the limits of design, but it also pushes the limits of knifemaking technology and that is why this list would not be complete without the Provoke Folding Karambit. It does draw on ancient design but it’s hiding a completely futuristic secret. The first knife ever to feature Kinematic technology, it stays neatly tucked away in transit and comes to life when you need it. The Kinematic opening mechanism is pulling the karambit into the future whether it’s ready or not. Thumb pressure on the upper crossbar sets the chain reaction in motion, causing the blade to lunge to action while you’ve got a firm grasp on the handle. The black oxide-finished, curved blade is forged of a premium D2 steel for high durability and excellent edge retention and the handle is crafted of aircraft-grade aluminum. The pocket clip is also a world’s first—sitting almost completely flush with the handle and likewise activated with light thumb pressure. The Provoke Folding karambit is truly revolutionary!