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Karambit knife in army service. Tiger claw - karambit knife

Karambit (variant - “karambit”) in its classic form is a knife with a fixed concave blade sharpened according to inside and with a large ring-hole for a finger on the handle. Modern variations of this knife can also be folding. The optimal grip for karambit is reverse; with this grip, the knife is fixed most tightly and reliably. The purpose of karambit is to cause cuts using ripping movements. Initially, this formidable weapon was used by ancient warriors for close combat. Many people today consider karambits to be an ideal knife for self-defense,

Fortunately, there are a great many techniques for working with this piece of hardware. But let's talk about everything in order.

The islands of the Malay Archipelago are considered the birthplace of karambit. Some researchers geographically localize the origin of this knife on the island of Sumatra.
The Minangkbau people, who inhabited the western part of the island, used curved knives in their wars with other islanders. The most ancient image of karambit dates back to the 14th century. On the statue of this period, the king of the Minangkbau people, depicting the god Bhairava (Bhairava (Sanskrit: भैरव) - “terrible” - one of the avatars of the god Shiva, the most ferocious and bloodthirsty), holds a karambit knife of a classical curved shape.

The Minangkbau people have a legend about how they got their name. The self-name Minangkbau consists of two parts - minangu (“to win”) and kabao (“buffalo”). According to legend, during the war between the islanders of Sumatra and the islanders of Java, the Minangkbau suggested that the Javanese settle all disputes not with war and mass bloodshed, but with a buffalo fight. The Javanese agreed with the Minangkbau's proposal and put up a huge furious buffalo on their side, while the Minangkbau brought out a small, weak buffalo calf to the duel, but to whose horns razor-sharp curved blades were attached.
The huge Javanese buffalo did not attack the little Minangkbau and continued to stand in place, looking around in search of a more worthy opponent. The buffalo calf was not specifically fed for several days, and he, mistaking the Javanese buffalo for a buffalo, ran to it and began to look for the udder. Sharp knives tied to the baby's horns ripped open the giant's belly. So the Minangkbau defeated the Javanese. In this legend there are curved knives on the horns of a buffalo calf - a prototype of karambits.

There are several versions of the origin of karambits. It should be noted that none of them can be considered 100% true.

The first version says that karambit is a derivative of the Malaysian agricultural tool. Simply put, this version is that the idea of karambit is based on an agricultural sickle for harvesting rice. In favor of this version, a parallel can be drawn between the karambit and the Japanese war sickle Kama.

According to another hypothesis, karambit originally used in cockfighting, popular in the Malaysian archipelago. To give this spectacle more dynamics and drive, small curved knives, shaped like a rooster’s spur, were tied to the roosters’ paws. Hence there are two translation options for the word karambit - Karambit Lawi Ayam (cock spur or chicken spur) and Karambit Bulu Ayam (rooster tail feather)

The third version claims that karambit was originally invented as military weapon, and the prototype for it was the bagh nakh - an Indian brass knuckle knife with steel claws.

Which of these versions to believe and which not is up to you to choose.

You can view the range of karambit knives on our website. If you want to buy a karambit or get acquainted with the variety of models click on THIS LINK!

Today we can distinguish the following varieties of Malay classic karambits. So to speak, the forefathers of this knife, from which all the subsequent variety of karambits came.

Karambit Minang. This is a karambit of the classic Minangkabau shape. The traditional weapon of this people has a wooden ring for holding the weapon with a finger and a strongly curved blade. Based on the analysis of this particular form of karambit, the researchers concluded that the ancestor of the knife was the agricultural sickle.

Karambit Minang Harimau This type of managkabau ceramite speaks in favor of the version about the origin of the blade’s shape in imitation of a tiger’s claw. Very often the tiger is depicted with the handle and sheath of karambits of this shape.

Karambit Taji Unlike karambits from Sumatra, karambits of this form are more common on the island of Java. Distinctive feature What makes this model different from the previous ones is the presence of a metal finger ring instead of a wooden one.

Karambit Kuku Mahan or “Great Tiger's Claw” Not the typical shape of Malaysian karambit with a less pronounced blade curve.

Karambit Lawi Ayam- the same “cockspur”.

Karambit Besar- combat Javanese kermbit with an elongated and more massive blade.

Karambit Burung. Burung means bird in Malay. Such karambits are usually made with blades shaped like a bird’s beak.

Karambit Rajawali Rajawali– translated as the head of a bird, but unlike Burang, this type of karambit has a blade on both sides.

Karambit Kembar. Like the Karambit, the Rajawali Kembar has two blades, but they are directed in the same direction. The peculiarity of this type of karambit is that they do not have a locking ring.

Karambit Garuda. Named after the mythical riding bird (vanaha) of the god Vishnu Garuda. Somewhat similar to Kembar. The difference is that one of the blades looks like a bird's paw.

Karambit Rencong Classic karambit with sumata. Feature – the blade forms a guard.

Karambit Panjang. Karambit has a classic shape from Sumatra, with a moderately curved wedge.

In historical retrospect, karambit could have been used in hand-to-hand combat in war. Karambit represented the last line of defense of the Malay warrior, when the spear was thrown and the sword was broken, only close combat remained. It was in such a situation that karambit came to the rescue.

Karambit was also often used for self-defense, let’s say, by ordinary citizens. In particular, the women of Java and Sumatra liked to carry karambits with them.

And finally, karambit was an ideal killer weapon. In this case, the knife blade could be lubricated with plant poison for greater efficiency of use.

Later, as karambit spread throughout Malaysia and Indonesia, and then throughout the world, the shape of the weapon began to change. Sweet karambits, karambits with a serrator and a double-edged blade appeared. The handles of some models could end not with a ring, but with a thickening or another blade. Along with the shape of the knife, combat techniques using it also multiplied. But it is worth noting that the classic form of karambit was not lost among this diversity and continues to dominate today.

Of course, karambit is one of the most interesting knives for close combat. For several reasons.

Karambit is an ideal weapon for causing ripping cuts.
Thanks to the handle with a ring, the karambit is fixed in the hand with a death grip. It is almost impossible to knock it out, even from a wet palm.
Due to the anatomy of the human hand, a karambit held with a reverse grip is invisible in the palm and can remain so until the very moment of attack.
A karambit, held with a reverse grip, fits perfectly into the trajectory of both direct and side blows.

The end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century can be called the heyday of interest in this knife in the world. After enthusiastic reviews in the mouthpiece of the world knife industry - Blade magazine, both individual knife makers and large knife manufacturers began to take a closer look at karambits.

It should be noted that karambit is not a bladed weapon due to its curved blade. According to the Federal Law “On Weapons”, karambit is allowed for free carrying and sale not in the entire territory Russian Federation. You can buy a karambit knife at MOB without fear of problems with law enforcement agencies. Karambits purchased from us can become your reliable friend and assistant. If you have any questions related to karambit knives, ask us through the feedback form.

Thanks to your unique properties The karambit is used by some police officers as a complement to their firearms. In the United States, after increasing cases of attacks on police officers in order to seize their personal weapons, many officers prefer to carry a folding karambit.

Folding karambits are also in service with employees Federal service air marshals (Federal Air Marshal Service - FAMS), who accompany aircraft under the guise of ordinary passengers to prevent them from being hijacked by terrorists. Although they carry them, the specifics of the aircraft do not always allow their use in flight.

In 1990, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) asked Spyderco to develop a special knife for undercover agents. The need for this was due to the fact that, due to the specifics of the tasks they were performing, they could not have firearms with them. The main requirements for the knife were compactness, efficiency, and ease of use.

The knife was developed by Steve Gatin under the direction of company founder Cyle Glaser, based on karambit. However, it was created for the knife new type blade with an S-shaped blade. This blade shape was chosen based on numerous experiments to ensure the most efficient cutting. The new knife was called “Civilian” (Citizen). Subsequently, a smaller version of the knife for women’s self-defense, the “Matriach Lighwegth,” was developed, including a model with an Emerson “hook” for automatically opening the knife. Subsequently, experts hand-to-hand combat American James Keating and South African Bruce Wenzoll developed self-defense systems using these Spyderco knives.

Currently, the company produces 5 models of karambit-like knives with blade lengths from 7.6 cm (model “LIL’ Matriarch Lightweght”) to 10.4 cm (“Civilian”).

One of the latest developments in the field of karambit-like knives is the original folding knife “S.N.A.G” by the American Louis Crudo. It is believed that he has great prospects for use in law enforcement agencies. The prototype of this knife was first shown in 2010 at a knife exhibition in Atlanta in 2010, and in 2011, according to the famous American magazine Blade, it was recognized as " the best knife of the year".

Knife "S" N.A.G”, shaped like the letter “S”, is like a reverse karambit. When holding it with the usual reverse grip for karambits, the convex side of the blade is directed forward. This compact folding knife (full length 17.3 cm, blade 6.3 cm, weight 125 grams) is interesting with a number of new original solutions that increase the efficiency and ease of use of the knife. In addition, there is a special system for opening it and a folding impact element.

The opening of the knife is ensured by a special protrusion integrated into the shank of the blade. This design allows you to quickly bring the blade into working position in several ways. For example, you can open the blade with a sharp blow of your hand on the pin. The second method is to use your own hand or the hand of your opponent to open the knife. With a certain skill, the pin allows you to automatically open the blade when removing the knife from your pocket.

A folding impact element with a lock is mounted next to the knife ring. It is used in striking techniques on painful points. An opening pin can also be used for the same purpose.

The knife ring and pin are finely corrugated in the form of small sharp teeth, which allows them to be used for painful, furrowed strokes across the opponent’s skin.

SNAG has a metal clip - a clip for the convenience of carrying the knife in your pockets. Depending on the owner's preference, it can be set to one of four positions on the handle.

The advantage of the “SNAG” blade compared to a traditional blade is that it can also be used for purely utilitarian purposes.

One more interesting feature is the existence of a self-defense strike tool - the “SNAG Folder Controller”, which differs from the main model only in that instead of a sharpened blade, it has a blunt blade. The technique of using this device is the same, but instead of cutting blows it is used for hooks during painful holds and holds, as well as strikes on painful points.

The knife has successfully passed testing in field conditions in police and military units of several European countries. In Russia, this knife is available in a simplified version (without a folding impact pin), produced by the Chinese company NavyKnives.

An image of a karambit can be seen on the emblem of the unit “VAT-69” (or “Team 69”), which is part of the Malaysian police special forces “Pasukan Gerakan Khas” (PGK).

However, despite its combat past, karambit was not in demand in the armed forces. This is due to two reasons. The first is that mastering the use of karambit requires much more time compared to traditional combat knives. The second is due to the fact that it does not allow you to perform the entire set of utilitarian operations that a soldier faces.

However, in service with the units Marine Corps In the Philippines there is a karambit-like cleaver called “Tumbuk Lada”, which has a blade with a slight degree of curvature and a guard.

In addition, the American company Ka Bar, which specializes in the production of combat and tactical knives, produces a series of TDI knives intended for use by law enforcement officers and military personnel.

The TDI line of knives includes knives of various sizes - from the baby "LDK" (Last Ditch Knife - knife the last frontier) with a blade length of only 4 cm to knives with a 9 cm blade. They are available with both a simple and serrated blade.

IN Lately Knives have been developed specifically for use in army and police special forces, making it possible to combine the excellent cutting properties of karambits with the piercing properties of classically shaped combat knives.

An example of a knife of this type is the Specwog Warrior Tactical Combat Knife, a division of the Italian company Fox cutlery, which specializes in the development of tactical knives - FKMD.

The knife was developed by Croatian Dean Rostohar, who has 35 years of experience in martial arts (currently a senior instructor at the Bujinkan Ninjutsu branch in Croatia), participation in police and army special operations during the Yugoslav crisis of 1991-1995, work as an instructor military training and hand-to-hand combat in special police and army units.

Rostohar is the founder and senior instructor of the Croatian Center for Special Training for Police and army units special forces - “SPECWOG” (SPECial Warrior Operation Group - special military training group). The knife, created specifically for Dean Rostohar’s hand-to-hand combat system, was named after this center - “T. T.C. S." (Tactical Technic Combat System - tactical and technical combat system).

This synthetic system includes elements of many martial arts. As part of training under this system, military personnel and police officers acquire the skills of conducting hand-to-hand combat with bare hands and using improvised means, knife fighting, handling firearms, and also undergo a course of tactical and special training and survival in extreme conditions.

This is a knife with a powerful blade (butt thickness 6 mm) 25.5 cm long, made of cobalt-vanadium stainless steel N690 Co and hardened to 58–60 units. Rockwell. The blade has a diamond-like coating using DLC technology, which increases the mechanical hardness of the blade and protects it from corrosion.

The shape of the SPECWOG blade allows you to use almost the entire arsenal of technical actions with karambit, supplemented by the ability to deliver powerful piercing blows.

Technique of working with karambit

First of all, it should be noted that karambit is a personal weapon - therefore, the dimensions of the handle and the diameter of the ring must correspond to the anatomical features of the owner’s hand.

Karambit can be used as a main or auxiliary weapon. As the main weapon, it can be used in a double or single version. In the latter case, the fighter actively works with his free hand, performing various strikes, blocks and grabs.

Since karambit is used at close range, great importance has the movement of the fighter during the battle. There are two main combat grips of karambit - forward and reverse, as well as their varieties.

Classic reverse grip- the basic grip for working with karambit - the handle of the knife is covered with all fingers of the hand, the index finger is threaded through the ring, the blade is located at the base of the fist. The thumb can rest on the ring.

Straight grip differs from reverse themes that the blade comes out of the hand from the side thumb, and in this case the little finger is threaded into the ring.

In ancient times, this was the main grip of a large combat karambit. Malay martial arts fighters still use this grip when they work with two knives - one knife (usually in the dominant hand) is held with a reverse grip, and the other with a straight grip.

A straight grip is the main grip of small karambits and karambit-like knives intended for personal self-defense by persons who do not have sufficient training in using a knife.

Much less common are varieties of direct grip, in which the handle is held with only two, three or four fingers (the index, middle or ring finger is threaded into the ring, respectively).

Another grip that can often be seen in commercials, is the so-called “extended” grip. This grip is obtained from the reverse, if you loosen the grip of the handle and rotate the knife index finger so that the blade is oriented forward from the body. The blows delivered with this grip look very impressive, but are not effective, and if you have sufficiently thick clothing, they are useless. This is one of the weakest and most dangerous karambit grips. This knife grip is mainly used for hooking groin area or the opponent's neck.

In its homeland, karambit is not only a combat knife, but also a household knife, which is used in Everyday life for butchering animal and fish carcasses, collecting and peeling vegetables and fruits, processing wood and leather, etc. To perform these operations, in addition to combat knife grips, additional specific grips are added.

The main arsenal of karambit techniques includes cutting blows (with the concave and convex part of the blade), direct blows with the tip, hooks, holds, blows with a ring (or a protrusion on the ring), as well as painful and traumatic effects on the fingers using a ring.

Cutting blows are applied from bottom to top and top to bottom along four arc trajectories: horizontal, vertical and two diagonal.

If the karambit has a double-edged dagger blade along any of these trajectories, it is possible to deliver both ripping blows (with the concave part of the blade) and cutting blows (with the convex part). Along these trajectories, with the main orientation of the knife in the hand, the ripping blow is made when moving from bottom to top, and the cutting blow is made from top to bottom. When the hand turns, the nature of the blows changes to the opposite.

By combining strike trajectories, the fighter continuously attacks the enemy from different directions and from different angles. Typically, the first phase of a fight involves a series of quick blows to the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the opponent's limbs. The result of these attacks is to immobilize the enemy. Then the fight can be stopped, or a transition to hold is made. IN real battle Vital organs are attacked for destruction.

The widespread opinion that it is impossible to inflict deep cutting wounds with karambit applies mainly to karambit-like self-defense knives, which are usually held with a direct grip.

At correct execution struck with a classic karambit, which is held with a reverse grip, the depth of the wound can be equal to the length of the blade. In knife literature there is even a special term for such a blow - drawing cut or draw cut.

Another misconception is related to the supposed impossibility of piercing blows with karambit. Of course, stabbing blows with a karambit are less effective compared to blows with a straight blade and are of an auxiliary nature. They are aimed at hitting pain and vulnerable points at the upper, middle and low levels. As a rule, the thrust immediately turns into a ripping blow.

One of the most brutal blows in the arsenal of Malay fighters was a stabbing blow to the subclavian cavity, after which the knife was pushed under the collarbone, which was then broken by a sharp turn of the hand.

As in the case of the Philippine karambit, flipping has recently become increasingly popular - rotating the karambit on a ring. From an applied point of view, such rotation has no practical significance. It is more of an entertainment or a kind of sport. But flipping is an excellent remedy increasing coordination of movements and feeling of the blade.

The methods of carrying karambit do not differ from the ways of carrying ordinary knives. In this case, the knife should be as close to the hand as possible, its position should be convenient for quickly bringing it into working position. The position once chosen and most convenient for the owner of the knife should not change - in a critical situation there is no time to remember where the knife is.

Modern karambits with a fixed blade have different sheath designs made of leather, synthetic fabrics or plastic.

The most convenient are the sheaths made of plastic, equipped with a special “Tec Lock” fastening system, which provides the most different variants wearing depending on the preference of the owner.

Small karambit-like knives are often worn openly or covertly around the neck.

Folding karambits, like most modern folding knives, have a special metal clip (clip) for securing the knife to a trouser belt or in clothing pockets. Sometimes special plastic holders - holders - are used to carry them.

In conclusion, it should be noted that karambit is not a toy, but a very dangerous weapon with a long history. Its owner should always remember this. Effective use of all unique opportunities karambit requires long-term training under the guidance of an experienced instructor (working with karambit is practiced, for example, in the Russian Interregional Federation of Combat Arnis - MFBA).

At the same time, small karambits and karambit-like knives are an excellent means of personal self-defense and are absolutely legal. For a person who has experience in martial arts, mastering them is not very difficult, but for a beginner, a few lessons with an instructor are enough.

Karambit (karambit, korambit) is a knife with a blade of a characteristic curved (crescent) shape, which is sharpened, as a rule, from the inside. On the back of its handle there is usually a ring into which the index (or less often the middle) finger is threaded. The birthplace of this knife is the Malay Archipelago. The name “karambit” translates as “tiger claw”.

There are dozens of “authentic” varieties of karambit, which differ in the size and shape of the blade, the degree of its curvature, and the absence or presence of a ring on the handle. Some karambits generally have two blades. IN last years Numerous modern replicas of this bladed weapon have been created.

The karambit knife is an excellent means of self-defense, and the unique combat characteristics this weapon brought it to the attention of the employees special services and law enforcement agencies. Any connoisseur of edged weapons is immediately attracted to this knife by its unusual appearance, which can be safely called charismatic and eccentric.

Modern karambits can be folding or non-folding. To carry the latter, sheaths are used.

Story

The Malay archipelago consists of 25 thousand large and small islands. Few regions of the world can boast of such a variety of interesting things. bladed weapons. Chris, balisong, karambit...

The first mentions of karambit date back to the 12th century. Its origin is shrouded in legends and it is unlikely that we will be able to find out exactly where, when and by whom this weapon was invented. There are several legends on this subject, which, of course, have little relation to reality, but are beautiful and poetic.

According to the first of them, once upon a time, on the site of modern Indonesia, there existed the state of Sunda, whose population especially revered the tiger. They believed that the soul of the ruler after death inhabits the body of this animal. In honor of this ferocious predator, a combat knife was made, called the “tiger claw”.

According to another legend, the appearance of karambit is associated with the spread of Hinduism in the Malay Archipelago. In the sacred epics of this religion - Mahabharata and Ramayana - there are two great warrior heroes: Bima and Hanuman. Bima was an invincible demon whose main weapons were a mace and his own claws, and the legendary monkey king Hanuman had a magical claw located right in the middle of his palm. It is believed that the claws of these mythological creatures served as the reason (and basis) for the creation of karambits.

Some historians believe that the prototype of karambit was the Arab dagger Jambia, brought to the archipelago in ancient times. There is also a hypothesis related to cockfighting, a favorite pastime of the Malays. The fact is that for greater spectacle, sickle-shaped blades are often tied to rooster limbs. They say, seeing how serious the damage from such weapons can be, the Malays decided to make a similar combat knife.

Most likely, the karambit originated from an ordinary peasant sickle; this is confirmed by the characteristic curved shape of the knife and the ring on its handle, which most likely prevented it from falling and being lost when working in the rice fields.

In ancient times, in the Malay Archipelago there were also heavy combat karambits, which can easily be classified as swords or sabers. Such a weapon was held in battle with a normal grip, and for greater “lethality” its blade was often smeared with poison. Along with it, small karambits were also used, which were called “rooster spur”. To hold them, a reverse grip was used, and, most likely, it was from them that modern karambits originated. We can also add that after the appearance of firearms in the region, large karambit swords very quickly fell out of use, but “rooster spurs” continued to be used.

In the West, these edged weapons became widespread in the late 70s and early 80s of the last century. True, after this the real “karambit boom” began. This knife, of course, can be used for household purposes, taken with you on a hike or hunting, but it is best suited as a self-defense weapon.

We can say that the further evolution of karambit in the West followed three main paths:

Knife development traditional form for people practicing traditional Malay martial arts;
Creation of new types of edged weapons using individual elements of karambit in their design;
Development of new knives, the design of which combines structural elements of karambit and components of other well-known knives.

Soon, law enforcement officers became interested in karambits. American police use this knife as an additional weapon. Folding karambits are armed with air marshals (USA), who escort aircraft and protect them from terrorist attacks. A knife was created based on karambit for the American Drug Enforcement Administration. Later, a smaller modification for women was created on its basis.

Knife manufacturers are actively experimenting with the traditional Malaysian knife, making more and more new types of weapons based on it.

The image of this knife is on the emblem special unit Malaysian police. True, it should be noted that military karambits are not too fond of them. Firstly, mastering this weapon requires quite serious and lengthy training, and secondly, it is not very well suited for performing various household and utilitarian functions that a modern tactical knife must cope with.

Description and technique of use

If we talk about classic karambit, then this is a knife up to 20 cm long, with a blade from 3 to 8 cm. The thickness of the butt can be significant and reach 5-5.5 mm. Main feature karambit is the sickle shape of its blade, which in a classic knife has a one-sided sharpening along the internal bend.

The handle of the karambit is overhead; it can be made of wood, bone, or plastic. On its back there is a ring under middle finger- another one characteristic feature this knife. There is no guard.

In fact, all of the above applies to the most common form of karambit, but there are many of them. Moreover, we are talking not only about modern “remakes”, but also about modifications of weapons common in Malaysia itself. In their “historical homeland,” karambits differ in size, degree of blade bending, and single- and double-sided sharpening. Some karambits do not have a finger ring at all, and there are specimens with two blades.

Knives of classic shape and size are most often used by adherents of Malaysian martial arts. For a personal self-defense weapon, such a knife is too large, and its specific shape makes it uncomfortable to carry. Therefore, karambits and karambit-like knives for self-defense usually have a shorter blade length, and they are often made folding. Today, similar weapons can be found in the catalogs of almost all well-known knife companies.

The main advantage of karambit is their reliable grip - it is almost impossible to knock such a knife out of your hands.

Modern folding karambits are small in size and easy to carry; this knife is perfect for concealed carry. In addition, they usually have a double-sided sharpening, which allows you to use both a forward and reverse grip.

Some of the traditional and modern karambits do not have a ring. This somewhat reduces the reliability of holding the weapon, and also does not allow “brass knuckles” strikes with the ring, but in this case you can quickly change the grip from reverse to straight.

However, the main advantage of karambit is its shape with a reverse bend of the cutting edge. It allows you to inflict deep cut wounds with virtually no effort.

If we talk about the disadvantages of karambit, then, in addition to the form that is not very convenient to carry, we should also note the impossibility of delivering direct piercing blows, a certain difficulty in sharpening, as well as some – compared to “classic” knives – inconvenience of inserting and removing karambit from the sheath.

Due to its unique properties, karambit is used by some police officers as an addition to firearms. In the United States, after increasing cases of attacks on police officers in order to seize their personal weapons, many officers prefer to carry a folding karambit.

Folding karambits are also in service with the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), who escort aircraft under the guise of ordinary passengers to prevent their hijacking by terrorists. Although they carry firearms, the specifics of the aircraft do not always allow them to be used in flight.

The knife was developed by Steve Gatin under the direction of company founder Cyle Glaser, based on karambit. However, a new type of blade with an S-shaped blade was created for the knife. This blade shape was chosen based on numerous experiments to ensure the most efficient cutting. The new knife was called “Civilian” (Citizen). Subsequently, a smaller version of the knife for women’s self-defense, the “Matriach Lighwegth,” was developed, including a model with an Emerson “hook” for automatically opening the knife. Subsequently, hand-to-hand combat experts American James Keating and South African Bruce Wenzoll developed self-defense systems using these Spyderco knives.

Currently, the company produces 5 models of karambit-like knives with blade lengths from 7.6 cm (model “LIL’ Matriarch Lightweght”) to 10.4 cm (“Civilian”).

One of the latest developments in the field of karambit-like knives is the original folding knife “S.N.A.G” by the American Louis Crudo. It is believed to have great prospects for use in law enforcement. The prototype of this knife was first shown in 2010 at a knife exhibition in Atlanta in 2010, and in 2011, according to the famous American magazine Blade, it was recognized as “the best knife of the year.”

Knife "S" N.A.G”, shaped like the letter “S”, is like a reverse karambit. When holding it with the usual reverse grip for karambits, the convex side of the blade is directed forward. This compact folding knife (full length 17.3 cm, blade 6.3 cm, weight 125 grams) is interesting with a number of new original solutions that increase the efficiency and ease of use of the knife. In addition to the shape of the blade, there is a special system for opening it and a folding striking element.

A folding impact element with a lock is mounted next to the knife ring. It is used in striking techniques on painful points. An opening pin can also be used for the same purpose.

The knife ring and pin are finely corrugated in the form of small sharp teeth, which allows them to be used for painful, furrowed strokes across the opponent’s skin.

SNAG has a metal clip - a clip for the convenience of carrying the knife in your pockets. Depending on the owner's preference, it can be set to one of four positions on the handle.

The advantage of the “SNAG” blade compared to the traditional one is that it can also be used for purely utilitarian purposes.

Another interesting feature is the existence of a self-defense strike tool - the “SNAG Folder Controller”, which differs from the main model only in that instead of a sharpened blade, it has a blunt blade. The technique of using this device is the same, but instead of cutting blows it is used for hooks during painful holds and holds, as well as strikes on painful points.

The knife was successfully tested in field conditions by police and military units in a number of European countries.

In Russia, this knife is available in a simplified version (without a folding impact pin), produced by the Chinese company NavyKnives.

An image of a karambit can be seen on the emblem of the unit “VAT-69” (or “Team 69”), which is part of the Malaysian police special forces “Pasukan Gerakan Khas” (PGK).

However, despite its military past, karambit was not in demand in the armed forces. This is due to two reasons.

The first is that mastering the use of karambit requires much more time compared to traditional combat knives. The second is due to the fact that it does not allow you to perform the entire set of utilitarian operations that a soldier faces.

Nevertheless, the Philippine Marine Corps units are armed with a karambit-like cleaver called “Tumbuk Lada”, which has a blade with a slight degree of curvature and a guard.

The TDI knife design was developed by John Benner based on one of the variants of the Malayan L-shaped karambit (lenkong payak). Banner, a Vietnam War veteran with 37 years of police experience, heads the TDI (Tactical Defense Institute) combat training center for which the knife is named. Banner took full advantage of his 25 years of SWAT experience and the center's senior instructor in creating the knife. The TDI line of knives includes knives of a variety of sizes - from the baby “LDK” (Last Ditch Knife) with a blade length of only 4 cm to knives with a 9 cm blade. They are available with both a simple and serrated blade.

Recently, knives have been developed specifically for use in army and police special forces, making it possible to combine the excellent cutting properties of karambits with the piercing properties of classically shaped combat knives.

An example of a knife of this type is the Specwog Warrior Tactical Combat Knife, a division of the Italian company Fox cutlery, which specializes in the development of tactical knives - FKMD.

The knife was developed by Croatian Dean Rostohar, who has 35 years of experience in martial arts (currently a senior instructor at the Bujinkan Ninjutsu branch in Croatia), participation in police and army special operations during the Yugoslav crisis of 1991-1995, work as an instructor of military training and hand-to-hand combat in special police and army units.

Rostohar is the founder and senior instructor of the Croatian center for special training for police and army special forces units - “SPECWOG” (SPECial Warrior Operation Group - special military training group). The knife, created specifically for Dean Rostohar’s hand-to-hand combat system, was named after this center - “T. T.C. S." (Tactical Technic Combat System - tactical and technical combat system). This synthetic system includes elements of many martial arts. As part of training under this system, military personnel and police officers acquire the skills of conducting hand-to-hand combat with bare hands and using improvised means, knife fighting, handling firearms, and also undergo a course of tactical and special training and survival in extreme conditions.

The shape of the SPECWOG blade allows you to use almost the entire arsenal of technical actions with karambit, supplemented by the ability to deliver powerful piercing blows.

Technique of working with karambit

Since karambit is used at close range, the movement of the fighter during the fight is of great importance.

There are two main combat grips of karambit - forward and reverse, as well as their varieties.

The classic reverse grip is the main grip for working with karambit - the handle of the knife is covered with all fingers of the hand, the index finger is threaded through the ring, the blade is located at the base of the fist. The thumb can rest on the ring.

A direct grip differs from a reverse grip in that the blade comes out of the hand from the thumb side, and in this case the little finger is threaded into the ring.

A straight grip is the main grip of small karambits and karambit-like knives intended for personal self-defense by persons who do not have sufficient training in using a knife.

Much less common are varieties of direct grip, in which the handle is held with only two, three or four fingers (the index, middle or ring finger is threaded into the ring, respectively).

Another grip that can often be seen in commercials is the so-called “extended” grip. This grip is obtained from the reverse, if you loosen your grip on the handle and rotate the knife on your index finger so that the blade is oriented forward from the body. The blows delivered with this grip look very impressive, but are not effective, and if you have sufficiently thick clothing, they are useless. This is one of the weakest and most dangerous karambit grips. This knife grip is mainly used to hook the opponent's groin area or neck.

In its homeland, karambit is not only a combat knife, but also a household knife, which is used in everyday life for cutting animal and fish carcasses, collecting and peeling vegetables and fruits, processing wood and leather, etc. To perform these operations in In addition to combat knife grips, additional specific grips are added.

Cutting blows are applied from bottom to top and top to bottom along four arc trajectories: horizontal, vertical and two diagonal.

By combining strike trajectories, the fighter continuously attacks the enemy from different directions and from different angles. Typically, the first phase of a fight involves a series of quick blows to the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the opponent's limbs. The result of these attacks is to immobilize the enemy. Then the fight can be stopped, or a transition to hold is made. In a real battle, vital organs are attacked for destruction.

The widespread opinion that it is impossible to inflict deep cutting wounds with karambit applies mainly to karambit-like self-defense knives, which are usually held with a direct grip.

When correctly performing a strike with a classic karambit, which is held with a reverse grip, the depth of the wound can be equal to the length of the blade. In knife literature there is even a special term for such a blow - drawing cut or draw cut.

Modern karambits with a fixed blade have different sheath designs made of leather, synthetic fabrics or plastic.

The most convenient are the sheaths made of plastic, equipped with a special “Tec Lock” fastening system, which provides a variety of wearing options depending on the owner’s preferences.

Small karambit-like knives are often worn openly or covertly around the neck.

In conclusion, it should be noted that karambit is not a toy, but a very dangerous weapon with a centuries-old history. Its owner should always remember this. Effective use of all the unique capabilities of karambit requires long-term training under the guidance of an experienced instructor (working with karambit is practiced, for example, in the Russian Interregional Federation of Combat Arnis - MFBA).

In this article you will see pictures and drawings of a karambit knife, and also learn about the process of making a model from scrap materials.

The knife has a curved blade with a sharpening on the inside and a handle with a ring for the index finger.

A reverse grip is predominantly used, intended for ripping movements. Thanks to its unusual shape Karambit attracts the attention of ordinary people and fans of edged weapons, and avid gamers will immediately recognize this remarkable knife. You can make it yourself, according to drawings, at home.

Origin

Karambit comes from Sumatra, one of the Asian islands, where it was compared to a tiger's claw.

Really, external resemblance the blade is easily traced, and the blows inflicted by the weapon resemble the swinging paws of an angry animal.

Its historical origin is still unclear. There are two main options. The first is that it was used in cockfights, tied as spurs so that the rooster would injure its opponent.

The second was a formidable hunting and combat knife of warriors from Malaysia. None of the options have been proven. The photo below shows what the prototype of a modern karambit looks like.

In video games

In general society, this knife gained popularity due to the Valve game called Counter Strike: Global Offensive. There, karambit is presented as a popular skin for a standard knife, it changes it appearance and animation.

The community immediately liked the skin, but most users did not have enough money for an in-game purchase. Because of this, most of the drawings are made specifically for karambit from cs go.

Here is a screenshot from computer game CS:GO, which shows what karambit looks like:

How to do

You can create a knife from various materials: from plywood of various millimeters, from suitable tree, made of thick cardboard. Even thick paper can be used. The method, however, is the same:

A lot of interesting colorings for karambit can be found in the list of skins for CS:GO.

The most popular and beautiful following color options are presented in the image below, listed in clockwise order, starting with the knife with the white ring:

Autotronics.
Murder.
Hand painted.
Surface hardening.
Gradient.
Bloody web.
Legends.
Gamma waves.
Tiger tooth.
Marble gradient.

Please note that the knives in the photo are made of wood, and therefore, with proper practice, you will get the same quality work.

So, we looked at the drawings and techniques for producing karambit-type knives from various materials: wood, plywood, cardboard and even paper.

You also learned about the origin of this bladed weapon, the reasons for its popularity and the most interesting colorings, which in some way are whole works of art. A little perseverance and practice, and you will succeed.

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