PICTURE HEAVY - Some Knives in my collection

[slingshot]

Chief the karambit has always fascinated me. Is it more suitable for the Indonesiqn style of knife fighting or can be used as a general combat knife. Do you know of any good links for further reading. The Spyderco Civilian in a similar flavour has caught my fancy recently.

Regards
Moin.

Moin, the Kerambit is an very good EDC blade. It sounds a bit counter intuitive to classify this as an EDC, but there are several advantages. I am listing some reasons for you.

1. Due to its tiger claw design, it is very easy to use for opening packages, in the forward grip. Cutting through tape/boxes/bags etc with the tip is really easy.
2. Due to the design, it is a very good slicer. Imagine holding a brinjal, aligning the curve of the blade to the curve of the veggie and simply pulling or push cutting. Just amazing. Due to the curve, the whole blade slices through the vegetable...and other stuff.
3. You can use the knife tip to puncture and lift off fruit or other stuff from any surface. You can do this with other straight blades too...but the curved hawk bill like blade allows this much easier.
4. And this is also a great self defence blade. The front curve of the blade ensures that when you are attacking, the blade always reaches your opponent, before your hand. So it is very difficult for your opponent to disarm you.
5. In the reverse grip the blade is deadly. I am not very keen on all the convoluted slashing that martial artists would have you believe. The deadliest moves are the simplest and fastest. And all you have to do, is use the reverse grip and punch normally. The the ring works as a knuckle duster....and the blade sticks out under your fist and acts like a reamer. This is a special feature of the 5.11 CUB Kerambit, since it has an exaggerated curvature and hence sticks out almost at a 90 degree angle. With other Kerambits, you may need to use wrist movement.
6. It doesnt look like a knife. Unless opened.

The Spyderco Civilian is not a Kerambit. I am not very sure of the ergonomics of the blade. Maybe someone with experience with the Civilian can comment on it.

[Moin.]

Chief the karambit has always fascinated me. Is it more suitable for the Indonesiqn style of knife fighting or can be used as a general combat knife. Do you know of any good links for further reading. The Spyderco Civilian in a similar flavour has caught my fancy recently.

Regards
Moin.

Moin, the Kerambit is an very good EDC blade. It sounds a bit counter intuitive to classify this as an EDC, but there are several advantages. I am listing some reasons for you.

1. Due to its tiger claw design, it is very easy to use for opening packages, in the forward grip. Cutting through tape/boxes/bags etc with the tip is really easy.
2. Due to the design, it is a very good slicer. Imagine holding a brinjal, aligning the curve of the blade to the curve of the veggie and simply pulling or push cutting. Just amazing. Due to the curve, the whole blade slices through the vegetable...and other stuff.
3. You can use the knife tip to puncture and lift off fruit or other stuff from any surface. You can do this with other straight blades too...but the curved hawk bill like blade allows this much easier.
4. And this is also a great self defence blade. The front curve of the blade ensures that when you are attacking, the blade always reaches your opponent, before your hand. So it is very difficult for your opponent to disarm you.
5. In the reverse grip the blade is deadly. I am not very keen on all the convoluted slashing that martial artists would have you believe. The deadliest moves are the simplest and fastest. And all you have to do, is use the reverse grip and punch normally. The the ring works as a knuckle duster....and the blade sticks out under your fist and acts like a reamer. This is a special feature of the 5.11 CUB Kerambit, since it has an exaggerated curvature and hence sticks out almost at a 90 degree angle. With other Kerambits, you may need to use wrist movement.
6. It doesnt look like a knife. Unless opened.

The Spyderco Civilian is not a Kerambit. I am not very sure of the ergonomics of the blade. Maybe someone with experience with the Civilian can comment on it.

But is the tip strong enough for the EDC Tasks you mention and the blade on the 5.11 like on the Spyderco Karambit's tiny to do any real damage in case of SD ( which may be best actually in Indian Scenario.) What is better in teh Karambit context a small blade like the 5.11 or the Spyderco Karambit or something larger like the Cold Steel Tiger Claw. The reference to the Civilian was more from the Blade Geometry of the Curved Talon like recurve blade for slashing purposes....

Regards
Moin.

[slingshot]

But is the tip strong enough for the EDC Tasks you mention and the blade on the 5.11 like on the Spyderco Karambit's tiny to do any real damage in case of SD ( which may be best actually in Indian Scenario.) What is better in teh Karambit context a small blade like the 5.11 or the Spyderco Karambit or something larger like the Cold Steel Tiger Claw. The reference to the Civilian was more from the Blade Geometry of the Curved Talon like recurve blade for slashing purposes....

Regards
Moin.

Actually, the length of the 5.11 CUB blade is not tiny. Its almost 3 inches (2.87 inches). It looks small since its curved. Though reach is less, the use of this blade is close combat. And since it is really difficult to disarm due to the blade reaching the opponent generally, before the hand... and the ring through which the finger locks, it is a good SD option. Also this has a much higher curvature...almost a C...and that helps in the ergonomics.

The tip is strong. No problems at all.

The Cold Steel Tiger Claw is definitely a big 5 inch fixed blade and will therefore be more effective. However, it is difficult to carry the CS Tiger Claw in an urban setting.

IMHO, the 5.11 is a good option. There is also the FOX Kerambit that is waved and more economical that the Emerson Kerambit.

[Moin.]

But is the tip strong enough for the EDC Tasks you mention and the blade on the 5.11 like on the Spyderco Karambit's tiny to do any real damage in case of SD ( which may be best actually in Indian Scenario.) What is better in teh Karambit context a small blade like the 5.11 or the Spyderco Karambit or something larger like the Cold Steel Tiger Claw. The reference to the Civilian was more from the Blade Geometry of the Curved Talon like recurve blade for slashing purposes....

Regards
Moin.

Actually, the length of the 5.11 CUB blade is not tiny. Its almost 3 inches (2.87 inches). It looks small since its curved. Though reach is less, the use of this blade is close combat. And since it is really difficult to disarm due to the blade reaching the opponent generally, before the hand... and the ring through which the finger locks, it is a good SD option. Also this has a much higher curvature...almost a C...and that helps in the ergonomics.

The tip is strong. No problems at all.

The Cold Steel Tiger Claw is definitely a big 5 inch fixed blade and will therefore be more effective. However, it is difficult to carry the CS Tiger Claw in an urban setting.

IMHO, the 5.11 is a good option. There is also the FOX Kerambit that is waved and more economical that the Emerson Kerambit.

Thanks Chief, actually the Spyderco Like hole of your Karambit is easy to wave, use a dremel of a regular file...







While the Civilians not a Karambit I'm in love with the Blade Shape, one nasty sob....


Regards
Moin

[slingshot]

It is a nasty SOB Nothing CIVIL about the chap lol. And I can wave the 5.11...but I like it the way it is

[slingshot]

Moin, it is possible that you have already gone through this site, but I am still posting it for the benefit of other members. This is probably one of the better sites that documents the kerambit and its history.

http://www.karambit.com/

[Moin.]

Moin, it is possible that you have already gone through this site, but I am still posting it for the benefit of other members. This is probably one of the better sites that documents the kerambit and its history.

http://www.karambit.com/

Thanks Chief for the link !!!


Regards
Moin

[slingshot]

The Buck Vanguard with the wood handle is not one of my work knives. I love it for the way it looks and feels. The Buck Vanguard is a very comfortable knife with the contoured handle. It fits my hand well. The finger guard keeps the index finger where it belongs and will provide excellent leverage when cutting detailed areas, if I ever use this knife.

The blade is made from 420HC stainless steel. The edge takes a very fine edge and is hair shaving sharp. The hollow grind on this knife makes it a precision cutting device.

The knife is fitted very well. The wood handle and the brass fittings have held up very well, though I havent used this knife at all, so wouldnt know if it will create problems when in the outdoors.

Overall length is 8 1/2 inches and weighs about 200 gms. The beautiful wood grain handle and polished brass hardware add to this Buck knifes classic look. This knife comes with a brown leather sheath

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[Moin.]

The Buck Vanguard with the wood handle is not one of my work knives. I love it for the way it looks and feels. The Buck Vanguard is a very comfortable knife with the contoured handle. It fits my hand well. The finger guard keeps the index finger where it belongs and will provide excellent leverage when cutting detailed areas, if I ever use this knife.

The blade is made from 420HC stainless steel. The edge takes a very fine edge and is hair shaving sharp. The hollow grind on this knife makes it a precision cutting device.

The knife is fitted very well. The wood handle and the brass fittings have held up very well, though I havent used this knife at all, so wouldnt know if it will create problems when in the outdoors.

Overall length is 8 1/2 inches and weighs about 200 gms. The beautiful wood grain handle and polished brass hardware add to this Buck knifes classic look. This knife comes with a brown leather sheath

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Oh la la.... She sure is pretty. Chief hope you will post pics of the Pichok tomorrow specially a closeup of the steel. I was intrigued by it. Looks like Wootz but wootz is no more available. The jauhars or fine rosettes are beautiful. Also if possible please post the scan of the literature that came with it. This ones the rare gem in your collection.

[slingshot]

Moin, will definitely post the pictures on monday. Will shoot it tomorrow in daylight. The purple tint is not visible otherwise

[PinoySteel]

You can wave your 5.11 karambit with a twist tie through the hole. I have a Master CUB (older one in black G10). I've been training with karambits for around eight years and have several, including the Emerson. On this trip, here in Mumbai, I am carrying a simple Spyderco Delica 4 (with factory wave) and a CRKT ringer with a hawkbill blade, as well as a black Victorinox Huntsman.

[slingshot]

You can wave your 5.11 karambit with a twist tie through the hole. I have a Master CUB (older one in black G10). I've been training with karambits for around eight years and have several, including the Emerson. On this trip, here in Mumbai, I am carrying a simple Spyderco Delica 4 (with factory wave) and a CRKT ringer with a hawkbill blade, as well as a black Victorinox Huntsman.

thank you Pinoysteel. This is a continuing joke between Moin and me. He is always egging me on to modify my blades. Like serious tinkering. Strip off the coating, change the grind, change the handle to a hand carved wooden sweetheart And, god knows what more. He is the master of modding his blades. And i envy his skill. But i just cant bear to tinker with my blades. I am mortified with fear lest i seriously screw it up I dont want to wave the 5.11, though i wish it came waved from the factory. I like to leave the blades the way they were made.

[slingshot]

The knife is called a Pichok. The Pichok is the general utility/traditional/ceremonial and magical blade of the Uzbecks...much like the Khukri is to the Gorkha. In Uzbekistan a pichok knife is not only a household stuff for everyday life or a part of the national dress. Since ancient times Central Asian peoples have believed that sharp objects have the power of a talisman, protecting their owners from misfortunes. I think thats a sound philosophy. Especially a great EDC philosophy....something I believe in too . So, a pichok knife is believed to be also an amulet. It is an indispensable part of many national rituals. There are a lot of legends about it. The image of a pichok knife can be often seen in embroideries, on ceramics, in architectural decorations. The popular belief says that a knife put under the pillow of a baby protects him/her from diseases and other troubles, whereas a knife given to a friend as a gift helps him to defeat enemies. The Uzbeks seem to have every reason to sincerely believe that a pichok knife is a magic object that helps its owner in great many ways.

The Blade is hand forged by the master blade smith Abdupatto Abdullaev. He deals with this craft for thirty years. His pichoks are widely popular mostly of black-violet tints incrusted with red, green, blue and white small stones and with three stars and moon on the blade – the very old family brand of the Abdullayevs.

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[Moin.]

Absolutely gorgeous. How about a closeup of the steel in MACRO mode..


Thanks
Moin.

[brihacharan]

The knife is called a Pichok.

Hi Slingshot,
> Excellent pics & write-up - Truly stand enlightened - Thanks for sharing
Briha