The karambit is a claw-shaped knife that originated in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Its most characteristic feature is its shape, as the blade and handle form an arc. Also typical is the ring at the end of the handle, which is used to hook the knife onto the little finger.
Origin and characteristics of the karambit
In terms of shape, the karambit can best be compared to a sickle that has been scaled down to the size of a knife. This already shows that it was originally designed as an agricultural tool and may still be used for harvesting rice in some countries today. It was mainly used by women. The oldest evidence of this knife dates back to the 11th century.
The blade of the karambit is usually sharpened on one side, and the handle has pronounced finger grooves. Normally – in keeping with the original – these are fixed-blade knives. However, there are also folding versions.
The original purpose of the karambit can still be advantageous today. Especially in the survival sector, the blade is valued for its excellent performance in cutting and harvesting tasks. However, it is not suitable for rougher work (e.g. chopping branches, batoning). The same applies to tasks that require precise thrusts. Compared to multi-tools or outdoor knives in particular, its functionality is severely limited.
Growing popularisation of the karambit
The karambit is used in the martial arts Pencak Silat and Kali. As these arts became more popular in Western countries, the karambit also became better known from the 1970s onward. For these martial arts, special training knives with blunt blades are available to keep the risk of injury as low as possible. The knife’s popularity really took off with the 2012 video game “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” (CS:GO), in which the karambit appears as a melee weapon in numerous and very colorful variants. The knife has also appeared in various action films such as “Die Hard”. By now, most major knife manufacturers also carry karambits in their product range.
For many owners, this knife primarily serves as a collector’s item, especially since its range of uses is rather limited compared to normal outdoor knives. This is mainly due to its somewhat unusual shape and the resulting aggressive appearance. Over time, however, the design has been modernized more and more, so that some examples have hardly anything in common with the original tool. Such variants are only marginally, if at all, suitable for their original purpose: harvesting rice.
Questions: karambit knives
How are karambits assessed legally?
In Germany, the karambit is classified as a weapon under the Weapons Act. Purchase and possession are permitted from the age of 18. The average blade length is 10.5 centimetres. The Federal Criminal Police Office classifies a knife of this design as a cutting and thrusting weapon, but states that it is not a push dagger. Use as a push dagger is not intended by design. Rather, it is considered a cutting and tearing weapon.
How are karambit knives carried?
With a fixed-blade model, you can use a standard sheath shaped to fit the knife to carry the karambit on your belt or a shoulder strap. Smaller versions can also be worn as boot or neck knives. If the knife can be folded, a variety of additional carry options become available. Depending on its size, the karambit can be carried as a keychain, in suitable pouches, or simply in your trouser pocket.
