Knife with a loop?

[rob_s]

I'm looking for something like an Emerson Karambit (http://www.emersonknives.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SuperKarambitBT&Category_Code=SuperKarambit) but with a more traditional blade shape. When I'm not carrying a gun (yes, gasp, I sometimes can't carry a gun) I like to stick my knife back there, but I'd like something with a loop like on the end of the Karambit to be able to easily draw it out. I don't want/need the Karambit blade shape as I have no idea how to use one and my knife gets used for tasks more than fighting.

[Ventura]

Simonich Knives: Crowfoot

[NoBody]

Rob,

Ernie makes his "karambit" with other blades as well (i.e., tanto-style and commander). Here's one such critter: http://www.1sks.com/store/emerson-knives-commander-karambit.html

Don't write off the combat karambit too quickly though, it's a great utility knife and is very easy to incorporate into a fighting-style (i.e., karambit 'boxing'). My Emerson karambit had been my EDC knife until my wife borrowed it from my last year. Now she's a believer in the karambit. :D

Cheers,
NoBody

[rob_s]

Simonich Knives: Crowfoot

This?

Prefer a folder. What I'm after is only the ring sticking out above the belt-line and something in the neighborhood of a 3.5" blade.

http://www.simonichknives.com/images/crowfoot01.jpg

[rob_s]

Rob,

Ernie makes his "karambit" with other blades as well (i.e., tanto-style and commander). Here's one such critter: http://www.1sks.com/store/emerson-knives-commander-karambit.html

Don't write off the combat karambit too quickly though, it's a great utility knife and is very easy to incorporate into a fighting-style (i.e., karambit 'boxing'). My Emerson karambit had been my EDC knife until my wife borrowed it from my last year. Now she's a believer in the karambit. :D

Cheers,
NoBody

Thanks!

Really like the look of this one (just wish it were a bit cheaper for EDC)
http://www.1sks.com/store/emerson-knives-bullnose-combat-karambit.html
http://www.1sks.com/images/emerson/2004/ek-kara-bull-bt.jpg

[vaspence]

I don't know how to post pics but I have a Strider DB that carries like you are describing quite well. I bought it used and it came with a IWB sheath with a j clip. I put a braided lanyard (square one) that is about 3 inches long on it. The knife pretty much disappears except for the top 1.5 or so of the handle and the lanyard. I don't know who made the sheath but it isn't anything special just a thin kydex rectangle made up of two pieces.

[rob_s]

Thanks!

Really like the look of this one (just wish it were a bit cheaper for EDC)
http://www.1sks.com/store/emerson-knives-bullnose-combat-karambit.html
http://www.1sks.com/images/emerson/2004/ek-kara-bull-bt.jpg

Went ahead and ordered this one.

[NoBody]

Good choice, Rob! Ernie makes great knives and I'm sure you'll be satisfied.

[rob_s]

My main reservation is that I've heard he uses a softer steel which may tend to wear out with daily work use. We shall see.

[NoBody]

He uses 154CM with a typical (Rockwell Hardness) 57-59C. They are extremely sharp blades and seem to hold an edge well. Pretty standard for semi-custom production knives.

[rob_s]

Got the knife yesterday. Have some objections, but I guess it will work. for $170 I sure wish it was EXACTLY what I want, but it will do. Forgot how much I hate liner locks having been spoiled by Benchmade's Axis lock for the last couple of years.

[NoBody]

Give the liner lock time to break in properly, Rob. The more you use it the better and smoother it gets. Also, a drop of oil helps!

[rob_s]

Yeah, I know. I sold Benchmades for a few years, back when they first had the Emerson models, and oiled many a liner lock for customers that complained about them. The axis locks are just so much better IMHO, it's hard to go backwards.

[NoBody]

Both of my Benchmade 9050 autos got fouled up from the post-tsunami muck when I was in Indonesia. I've gone skin diving with them and they do great in saltwater with propper post-care, but are not meant for use in truly austere conditions with limited resources to clean and maintain.

My Emerson Karabit got pretty dirty in Iraq, but always worked and was easy to take apart and clean in the field using just my Leatherman. My Benchmade 710 axis knife I keep for (clean) civilized use. Smoother action, but not as rugged IMO.