Well, maybe. I'm definitely not a fanboy - I was given a good quality folding karambit a while back, bought a matching trainer, and then couldn't find anywhere to get realistic instruction, so there they sit - but I'm not in complete agreement with the article's criticisms. My chief quibble is with the idea that karambits are not good for stabbing. As all my training is in Martial Blade Concepts, I argue that no practical folder is good for stabbing, and so unless a fellow is carrying something like a K-bar, he shouldn't be thinking about stabbing at all. Realistically, a man with a +/- 3" blade is unlikely to end a fight with a thrust to the central nervous system, and expecting a fellow to quickly die from blood loss incurred by stab wounds is optimistic. That leaves disabling cuts as the realistic option, and I'm not sure that a karambit is significantly better or worse for that purpose.
I will admit, of course, that there is a lot of LARPy nonsense involving karambits, and that things like spinning and flipping are pointless in an actual fight. I'm also concerned that a karambit is not especially useful for the daily tasks to which my EDC is put, and as my MBC instructor pointed out, getting into a fight with a karambit may well get you crucified in court. I've got to say, though, that I've never had a knife come out of the pocket so quickly, easily, and securely as an Emerson wave karambit, and if I can ever find some serious training with the thing I will take it.
