Long ago gift

T. Koch · 31st December 2012, 06:44 PM

I might be completely off here, but doesn't a knife have to have a pommel-ring in order to be a proper karambit?

I've seen this type of surface etching on modern knives coming out of Bali. Both karambits, but also on more bowie-style, non-traditional knives and other types as well.They are usually rather cheap - and probably also sold to travelers - but they are real enough knives in that sense. Not much craftmanship, fit or finish to speak of though, at least in my opinion.

I think that karambits have become more popular in the west following the spread of Arnis and Silat. Many US and European custom knife makers have also made karambits part of their repertoire and Ebay usually show a good selection of these mass-produced Balinese ones, often for very reasonable prices.

Cheers, - Thor

Sajen · 31st December 2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. Koch

I might be completely off here, but doesn't a knife have to have a pommel ring in order to be a proper karambit?

Hello Thor,

so I have written as well lawi ayam since this form don't need necessarily the hole in the pommel. The knife from Nirgosha isn't built up in a traditional form anymore so I doubt that we can use the measurements of traditional knifes.

Regards,

Detlef

DaveA · 5th January 2013, 04:49 AM

I agree with Lawi Ayam identification. Means "spike chicken'", among other things, Very similar to kuku macan. Here is a link to a Kuku macan in my collection: Kuku Macan

It is a cousin to the kerambit. Designed for a thrust and upward pull of the blade, causing thereby atrocious injury.

Best regards,

David

31st December 2012, 06:44 PM	#1
T. Koch Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mother North Posts: 189	I might be completely off here, but doesn't a knife have to have a pommel-ring in order to be a proper karambit? I've seen this type of surface etching on modern knives coming out of Bali. Both karambits, but also on more bowie-style, non-traditional knives and other types as well.They are usually rather cheap - and probably also sold to travelers - but they are real enough knives in that sense. Not much craftmanship, fit or finish to speak of though, at least in my opinion. I think that karambits have become more popular in the west following the spread of Arnis and Silat. Many US and European custom knife makers have also made karambits part of their repertoire and Ebay usually show a good selection of these mass-produced Balinese ones, often for very reasonable prices. Cheers, - Thor Last edited by T. Koch; 31st December 2012 at 07:04 PM.

5th January 2013, 04:49 AM	#3
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 417	Lawi ayam I agree with Lawi Ayam identification. Means "spike chicken'", among other things, Very similar to kuku macan. Here is a link to a Kuku macan in my collection: Kuku Macan It is a cousin to the kerambit. Designed for a thrust and upward pull of the blade, causing thereby atrocious injury. Best regards, David