12
« on: June 03, 2008, 11:35:48 PM »
A quick story from a mentor of mine who has used his karambit on several occasions.
He told me that the first time he hit bone, coming from his assailants left shoulder at a 45degree angle, when he got to the ribs, the tip of the blade caught in the ribs and he said that he almost broke his wrist. He went through the jacket, checkbook, fat, & muscle but when he hit that bone about 1/2 way through his stroke, it caught. It ended up breaking off the tip of his Tarani Karambit. This made him alter some technique and he began working on tires alot more to get used to the blade catching the way it does, something different than a straight blade.
I carry an Emerson folding Karambit on an almost daily basis.
Either that or my Emerson Bowie folder is my usual.
One of my stable-mates that is ranked under the same instructor commented on his feelings regarding the karambit.
He won't carry one and when he speaks of his feelings about it, it's obvious that he's very passionate about it.
His position is that the karambit is that of an assassin and not the most functional tool for real "self-defense" as compared to say, my Emerson folder or something similar. This is why I thought this perspective would be fitting for this thread.
Although it's entirely possible that his views have changed, at the time we talked about this, he viewed the design as one that is best utilized upon unsuspecting victims and that the element of surprise it's biggest asset. He also took the position that it's historical use and even training methods support this idea.
While I understand the weight of his opinion and his life offers a certain exposure and experience with scenarios that justify his views, I don't agree with the totality of his position that the karambit is "an assassins’ weapon". I also don't agree that the karambit's ability to be concealed and used as a surprise are it's greatest attributes.
What I find that I like so much is that when I put my finger through it's whole, I can switch grips with much less chance of being disarmed or even mistakenly dropping it. Secondly, being able to not loose that hand as a striking tool the way I feel I do when I'm using it to hold a straight blade is an equally important attribute and obviously yet another benefit of its design with nothing to do with an "element of surprise". Also included in it's positive attributes is the way the blade cuts, as already mentioned in previous posts.
My position is that the benefits I've given outweigh the potential drawbacks of its reduced reach and/or potentially reduced stabbing ability.
With all of that said, I'll close with this. My friend’s position, although I'm not on board with it 100%, does prove for a useful perspective and one that I've utilized, mainly for my choice of carry on any particular day. If I know that I'm going to be spending the day in an environment where I know there will be alot of people like say, an amusement park, I'll carry my karambit.-because of all the reasons I listed. On the other hand, if I know that I may be walking somewhere, on a hike or somewhere outside in the city, then I’ll be more apt to take something that offers more reach where I'm comfortable with wider slashing motions and can utilize it’s distinguishing attributes.
So when I know my environment will be tighter, I take my karambit and when I know I'll have more space, I MAY take my straight blade. I'd say that my karambit gets about 75% of my average daily carry.
I'm very much enjoying the insight offered in this thread.
Show Posts
