Safety and Operation

Safety and Operation Training
By Steve Tarani

CARRY AND DEPLOYMENT

Traditionally, the Karambit is used for daily chores which include cutting, scrapping and in some cases punching holes say in leather or other materials. The safety of using the Karambit is in the grip. Using the safety ring for stability, the Karambit is the safest knife out there for utility work and is also one of the most effective knives available in the event it may need to be employed for matters of personal defense.

Carrying the Karambit

The Karambit can be carried in numerous positions; the most efficient of these is as close to the deployment hand as possible. It can be carried around the neck, concealed or not concealed, in cross-body carry position, in front or behind waistband in the front or back of the torso and also side carry standard (handle up) or reversed (handle down).There are other methods; however, for all practical purposes these are the most common in an urban or suburban setting.

There are eight common carry locations close to the hands. These positions include either left or right side pocket, left or right rear pocket, front or rear waistband and either left or right hip bone. Additionally, for the waistband carry, and depending upon your access preference, the knife can be poised for either cross-hand draw or same-hand draw in both the front or rear positions.

Although somewhat obvious, prudence reminds us that if you are right-handed, then you should carry your blade positioned for streamline access with the right hand. Conversely, if you happen to be left-handed, then you should carry your blade positioned for streamline access with the left hand. Some people are truly ambidextrous and can use either hand effectively as the other. If you happen to be one of these naturally gifted knife-owners, then you are blessed with not needing to bother with strong- or support-hand selection.

One pearl of wisdom with regard to carry of your Karambit for utility and personal safety always carry your knife in the same place. Should you need it in a hurry, you don't want to have to add the very slow step of thinking, "Where did I put my knife?" Imagine getting into your car in the morning and every day someone changes the position of your brake, clutch and gas pedals. Sure you'd figure it out after a while, but in an emergency you'd better know where to find the correct pedal. Same thing with your knife - once you decide on a carry position that fits your personal profile, don't change it!

The safest and most efficient deployment of any tool is a smooth transition that begins with a secure grip, continues through the draw and ends with the tool ready for operation. In the case of a fixed-carry item like the Karambit, deployment is simple: grab the handle and pull the Karambit out of its sheath - nothing more complicated.

Gripping the Karambit

A standard grip where the smallest finger is placed in the carry hole and the remainder of the fingers wraps around the handle as if it were a paintbrush is the most common. This particular grip is the most secure of the standard grips and is used for cutting and scoring, with the tip moving the blade toward the operator in a safe manner and with more control than any conventional fixed or folding blade. It cannot slip out of the hand as a result of the safety ring.

Other variations of this grip include the third-finger and second-finger holds. These are where the blade can be held in the standard position with not only the pinky, but also the ring and middle finger. Which finger used is determined by what is the job at hand. The more power required to cut - such as leather or rope - the more fingers required on the handle for control, with the smallest of the fingers securing the safety ring. More delicate motions, such as cutting thread or fine material, require the same grip as if you were writing your name with a pen: either the third or second finger securing the control hold to allow for maximum articulation of the hand and fingers.

Flipping the blade over presents us with the reverse grip. The reverse grip has two positions. These are retracted and extended. The reverse grip is employed when it's necessary to use the blade in a cutting or thrusting motion away from your body. In this case the forefinger is secured in the safety ring and used to draw the blade into desired position.

The retracted reverse position is the most secure of the two reverse grips and provides maximum control when either cutting or thrusting in the forward direction. It is also used for when maximum force is needed.

The extended reverse position is obtained when the operator releases his fingers and issues the blade forward and while gripping the rear brake (located behind the safety ring) clasps the remainder of his fingers in a closed grip. This is the weakest of all the grips - both of the variations of standard and reverse. The only purposes for this grip is extreme finesse where what you're using it for requires delicacy. This is also the least common of all the grips.

As only a last resort, the Karambit can be used - like any other blade in America, fixed or folding - as a weapon of opportunity. However, in the case of the Karambit, unlike other straight-edged fixed and folding blades, it is a curved blade and thus permits certain operational advantages over the straight edge for those who truly understand the extent of its impressive capabilities.

Again, there is a specific body of training that must first be understood, practiced and developed as second nature for the serious practitioner. To truly master the art of the Karambit in its fullest capacity is a lifetime endeavor that one cannot be expect to learn overnight, and moving quickly with a live blade takes countless hours of repetition; otherwise, you may end up hurting yourself as a result of no training!! That is why it is highly recommended when first learning to move with the Karambit that you purchase and use a trainer until you are confident in its unique movement. To purchase a trainer, click here.