Why are Karambit knives so expensive??
- Thread starter blackops
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Think about the 3 factors in establishing knife price -
How difficult is it to make? A complex blade shape like a hook is difficult to grind so the price goes up.
How common is the knife? Lots of the same sort of knife means lots of competition to drive prices down.
How kewl is the knife? Assumed to be self-evident.
How difficult is it to make? A complex blade shape like a hook is difficult to grind so the price goes up.
How common is the knife? Lots of the same sort of knife means lots of competition to drive prices down.
How kewl is the knife? Assumed to be self-evident.
Bobandshawn
Member
Am I missing something? I just did a Google search and Karambit knives seem pretty inexpensive (less than $50.00).
~Bob
~Bob
Might depend on *which* kerambit you're talking about. Quality is rarely cheap. The HI K-bit- which won't have as precise fit and finish as a quality US product- is still almost $100.
If you're talking about something like a S&W, I wouldn't pay any money for one.
J
If you're talking about something like a S&W, I wouldn't pay any money for one.
J
jahwarrior
Member
the definition of "expensive" is subjective. i own two production karambits, the Spyderco k/bit and the 5.11 Journeyman k/bit, and both were around the $80 mark, which i thought was very reasonable. while i don't particularly care for the Emerson k/bit (flat chsiel grind, fingerhole is too small), it is a solid knife, and the price is justified, in my opinion.
451 Detonics
Member
Like others said, we don't know what you are calling expensive. Are you looking at folding or fixed? I found them priced from 10 bucks and up for the folders...
http://www.thefind.com/sports/info-karambit-folding-knife
If you are talking about semi customs like the Emerson or full blown customs like the one I carry then all I can say is you tend to get what you pay for.
http://www.thefind.com/sports/info-karambit-folding-knife
If you are talking about semi customs like the Emerson or full blown customs like the one I carry then all I can say is you tend to get what you pay for.
I need it to be folding (obviously concealed and don't want to hide a fixed) and also have a finger hole. I'm good on buying a s&w for 30 bucks. If a guy pulls a knife out to stab me, the last thing I want to worry about is if my knife is going to stay true. This is what I'm looking at.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Emerson-Karambit-BT--3377
If you guys have a better suggestion let me know.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Emerson-Karambit-BT--3377
If you guys have a better suggestion let me know.
JTW Jr.
Member
Have you had any training at all with the Karambit ? It is not used like a normal knife. If you are not going to learn to use it correctly , and instead are merely going for the "spin and see how cool I am " look , you will be better off with a basic folding knife.
The Karambit can be very useful as a utility blade , seriously think of why you want the Karambit for EDC.
I am not in any way putting it down , it is a great defense tool in the hands of someone who is fluent with the techniques needed to be effective.
The Karambit can be very useful as a utility blade , seriously think of why you want the Karambit for EDC.
I am not in any way putting it down , it is a great defense tool in the hands of someone who is fluent with the techniques needed to be effective.
I'll concur with my esteemed colleague's statement and go even further to state that kerambits are one of those specialized knife designs that require hours and hours of training to be of any practical use in a self defense role.
unwise11
Member
What can that emerson hook design knife do that a Kershaw or CRKT can't, I carry an Emerson designed Gerber automatic knife, but I don't see the idea in a hook knife for EDC.
Also, once someone has devoted some or any real time into learning the nuances of a particular knife type or fighting style... I highly doubt that price would be much of a consideration on the knife they chose to keep with them at all times for SD...
A track star doesn't train for years to be the best, and then get his running shoes from Walmart... Just sayin...
I would generally agree with the comment about getting what you pay for.
lobo9er
Member
wierd thread.
its like saying boots are expensives, right? Is there a particular brand or knife in question or just the style of blade?
its like saying boots are expensives, right? Is there a particular brand or knife in question or just the style of blade?
I have training in Krav Maga, Kali, and Silat. Most of my training has been in Krav Maga, but I will be focusing more of my training towards knife tactics of Silat and Kali. Thus the reasoning for my weapon of choice. I will be training with a Karambit training knife. I understand the angles utilized are entirely different than the knife fighting I have most of my training with.
It just seems there is no "inbetween" price. It's either cheap or expensive. At the end of the day I'm going to buy a dirty knife that probably cost about 200. Just didn't realize how expensive they were.
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I agree that there isn't any middle ground on price with these.
Good to see that you have some training and will be getting more.
Good to see that you have some training and will be getting more.
Don't know how good it is, but here's one that's in between price-wise. S30V steel which I'd say is a positive sign.
http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Accessories/Tactical-Knives/CUB-Master-20.html
http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Accessories/Tactical-Knives/CUB-Master-20.html
lobo9er
Member
Not to peck a fight but theres literally a karambit knife for sale at every dollar increment. from $5.00 dollars on up.
lobo9er
Member
this one looks nice $55 i think
lobo9er
Member
this one looks even better never really like "painted" or "coated" blades
JTW Jr.
Member
ugh...Mantis knives , putting the NIN in Ninja....
jahwarrior
Member
lobo, the knives you posted pics of are ripoffs of designs by RJ Martin and James Coogler.
also, i've owned a Mantis karambit, and i'd never suggest one to anyone else as an EDC. the handle edges are sharp, which means your hand would be hurting after only a few minutes of use, the blade steel is subpar, and won't take or hold an edge worth a damn. my biggest issue was adjusting the action of the pivot screw. i had to use a specialized tool that my automechanic brother thankfully had lying around. Mantis knives are gimmick looking for a niche in the knife market.
also, i've owned a Mantis karambit, and i'd never suggest one to anyone else as an EDC. the handle edges are sharp, which means your hand would be hurting after only a few minutes of use, the blade steel is subpar, and won't take or hold an edge worth a damn. my biggest issue was adjusting the action of the pivot screw. i had to use a specialized tool that my automechanic brother thankfully had lying around. Mantis knives are gimmick looking for a niche in the knife market.
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