Originally Posted by
SeriousStudent
I have a bunch of karambits. I've also had a lot of training with them. The short answer is that I don't recommend carrying one without a lot of professional instruction.
This is a very good point, and Travelingchild makes a good one too.
Karambits are specialty knives in 3 senses:
First and most obvious is that they suck at the more mundane tasks that we use knives for. Sure, everyone thinks they’ll use their FMA inspired appendix carried tanto to take out the last member of the ISIS fireteam that decided to soft launch their crusade in the West Pitchatent strip mall, but in reality, we use EDC knives far more often to open mail, cut a bit of cordage, or jimmy open a latch.
Second is that they do require some training to use in a defensive role. They don’t stab well, and they really don’t slash well either. They work by trapping, ripping, and slicing. This takes practice.
Third is that the karambit, both by its appearance, and because of the points above, is immediately recognized as a knife carried for self protection. Even clipped in a pocket, the ring is clearly for retention or blunt impact, and it sticks out way past the clip, inhibiting concealment.
It’s a knife that marks the owner as a martial artist, a “personal protection enthusiast”, or a weirdo (usually a weirdo). Having it set off a metal detector alarm is going to get a lot of questions asked, as is having it x-rayed inside your Stryker X Assault Backpack (in wolf grey cause, you know, multicam would be too obvious).
So I’d go with something that a) you know how to use, b) can fit multiple legitimate roles, and c) you won’t cry over if you have to toss it, or it gets tossed. I have a 15 year old Griptilian that I carry when I’m concerned that it might get broken, gummed up, or lost.
Last time I was in NYC, I carried a Surefire E2D. Decent flashlight that moonlights as a self defense tool. No sideways looks, no explanations needed, and I like having one on the hotel nightstand. The tourist areas are pretty safe and well policed; it’s not like it was in the 70s and 80s. Practice good situational awareness and don’t go looking for trouble; there are no historical markers in back alleys.
Go enjoy the City; see the sights, and eat real pizza.
The advice above is worth exactly what you paid for it.
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