Best Karambit Knives of 2025
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Karambit knives are a type of curved blade knife that originated in Southeast Asia. These knives are characterized by their unique curved blade, which resembles a tiger's claw. They were originally used as agricultural tools, but over time they became popular as weapons among martial artists. Today, karambit knives are widely used for self-defense and outdoor activities such as hunting and camping. They are also popular among collectors due to their unique design and historical significance. Karambit knives are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and titanium, and can be found in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different preferences.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 9 Karambit Knives
SOG Phantom Edge Karambit
The SOG Karambit Knife features a durable 4.75-inch blade made from 3Cr13 stainless steel, ensuring it can handle tough tasks while maintaining a sharp edge. Its black oxide finish not only adds to its sleek appearance but also enhances corrosion resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use. The handle is crafted from black Packkawood, providing a comfortable grip that feels secure in your hand. Weighing in at 8.64 ounces, this knife strikes a balance between heft and maneuverability, allowing you to use it comfortably for extended periods.
MTECH USA Fixed Blade Knife
The MTECH USA Fixed Blade Knife is made of 3CR13 black stainless steel blade, designed for everyday carry with a unique interpretation of color and design. It provides consistent razor-sharp cutting performance and high durability, suitable for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, DIY activities, and self-defense. The knife features a black partially serrated stainless steel karambit blade, black cord-wrapped handle for a comfortable grip, full tang construction, and includes a 1680D black nylon sheath for safe and easy carry.
CRKT Provoke EDC Karambit
The CRKT Provoke EDC is an innovative pocket knife that offers ease of use and superior performance. With its unique Kinematic feature, you can quickly deploy the blade with just a thumb push, making it convenient for everyday tasks. The D2 blade steel ensures excellent edge retention, so you won't have to sharpen it frequently. Its aluminum handle is designed to be both strong and lightweight, providing comfort during use. Additionally, the flush-mounted clip allows for secure carrying, keeping the knife accessible yet safely stowed away when not in use.
Snake Eye Tactical Everyday Carry Karambit Folding Knife
This pocket knife features a 3" stainless steel blade that can be used for cutting and carving. It has a flip function for quick opening and includes a belt clip for easy carrying, making it compact and easily concealed. The knife measures 4.75" when closed and 7.75" when opened. It is ideal for outdoor adventure, camping, hunting, and fishing, making you prepared for all adventures.
SWDAE Karambit Trainer Knife
The SWDAE Karambit Trainer is designed for safe practice and skill development. Its durable stainless steel blade and G10 anti-slip handle provide a secure grip, helping you feel confident during training. The liner lock mechanism ensures that the blade stays in place while you practice, adding an extra layer of safety. Ergonomic finger holes enhance your control, allowing for precise movements. Plus, the integrated pocket clip makes it easy to carry, ensuring that your trainer is always accessible when you need it.
CIVIVI Incisor II Pocket Knife
The CIVIVI Incisor II is a versatile pocket knife designed for everyday carry. Its sharp damascus steel blade, shaped like a hawkbill, ensures excellent cutting performance for various tasks. You will appreciate the smooth deployment options, including a thumb stud and flipper, which make accessing the blade quick and easy. The lightweight and durable aluminum handle not only looks great but also resists corrosion, making it perfect for outdoor use. With an ergonomic design featuring a finger ring, this knife provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to maintain control during any cutting activity.
Plys Karambit Folding Knife
The Plys Karambit Knife is a versatile folding knife designed for everyday carry. Made from durable stainless steel, its 2.36-inch curved blade allows for precise cutting, making it perfect for various tasks. The wooden handle provides a firm grip, enhancing your control during use. With a convenient locking mechanism and optional pocket clip, you can easily carry this knife in multiple ways, whether horizontally or vertically. This knife is not just ideal for outdoor activities like camping and fishing but also serves well for tactical situations and self-defense.
edcfans EDC Folding Pocket Knife
The edcfans EDC Folding Pocket Knife is a unique and innovative karambit folding knife with smooth action. It features an ergonomic G10 handle for exceptional grip in all conditions and two clips for adjustable pocket carry. This multipurpose knife is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and survival. Additionally, the product comes with a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship.
Andux Karambit Trainer Knife
The Andux Karambit Trainer Knife is a stainless steel training tool with a non-sharp blade and holes. It features a linerlock closure and pocket clip, making it easy to carry. It is suitable for survival, rescue, camping, hiking, hunting, training, and gift-giving purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are karambit knives illegal?
In the state of California, karambits are legal to carry as long as they have a single-edged blade and are not concealed. If a karambit is sharpened on both sides, it may be considered a dagger or dirk, which is legal to own and open carry, but not legal to conceal.
2. What is a karambit knife used for?
Karambit knives are primarily used in a slashing or hooking motion. They can also be used in a punching motion with the finger ring or in a hammering motion. This versatility makes them useful in self-defense situations.
3. Is a karambit a good fighting knife?
Yes, the karambit is considered a strong and durable combat knife. While it can also be used for outdoor tasks, there are more practical blades available for those purposes. Law enforcement and militaries around the world use karambits for self-defense and combat situations.
4. Can you own a karambit in the US?
Generally, yes, you can own a karambit in the US. However, the legality of karambits is regulated at the state level, and laws can vary. Most states allow utility, work, and functional blades with a blade length of 3" or less, or blades specifically designed for hunting or agricultural use.
5. What knife is illegal in the US?
Switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords, and "Kung Fu stars" are prohibited in the US. Some knives may not be illegal, but their legality can change based on how they are used or possessed.
6. Do the military use karambits?
Yes, karambits are used by police officers, military personnel, and security operatives. The safety ring on the karambit is particularly useful for increasing primary weapon retention. It allows for a secure grip while also holding a gun, flashlight, or other tools, without the risk of dropping the blade or losing orientation.
7. Are karambits actually good for self-defense?
Yes, karambit knives are valued for their precise cuts, high degree of retention, and versatility in various challenges, jobs, and tasks. In self-defense applications, the curved blade of a karambit allows for fluid attacking and countering in a single motion, as well as swift changes in movement direction.
8. Why is karambit bad?
The karambit's unique blade shape makes it less effective as a stabbing weapon. However, it is designed for raking and tearing, similar to a tiger's claw. It can also be used effectively for slashing an opponent's throat.
During our karambit knives research, we found 24 karambit knives products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,512 customer reviews through our big data system to write the karambit knives list. We found that most customers choose karambit knives with an average price of $17.07.
The karambit knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of karambit knives, including SOG, MTECH USA, CRKT, Snake Eye Tactical, SWDAE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.