Best Karambit Fixed Blade Knives of 2026
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Karambit fixed blade knives are versatile and highly functional tools that have gained popularity among both outdoor enthusiasts and self-defense practitioners. With their curved blade and ergonomic handle, these knives offer excellent control and precision. The unique design of the karambit allows for a variety of uses, including cutting, slicing, and piercing. Made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, these knives are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Whether you need a reliable tool for outdoor activities or a dependable self-defense option, karambit fixed blade knives are a great choice.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 Karambit Fixed Blade Knives
Smith & Wesson SW995 Karambit Knife
The Smith & Wesson SW995 Karambit Knife is an 8.5-inch tactical knife with a 3.75-inch clip point blade made of 8Cr13MoV Stonewashed High Carbon Stainless Steel. It comes with a black nylon handle that is durable and secure, and a convenient nylon fiber neck sheath with a breakaway chain. The finger choil and pinky hole provide extra security, and the multiple holes in the sheath give users several carry options. This knife is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Karambit Knife with Sheath - Small Fixed Blade Knofe
This Karambit Knife with Sheath is a small, high-quality and durable knife made of 440C stainless steel, with a micarta handle that provides a smooth, warm, and non-slip grip. Its ring design allows for easy forward and reverse grip, even when wearing gloves. The knife is versatile and perfect for camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, self-defense, and emergencies. Its crescent blade is sharpened on the inner part and the knife comes with a beautiful mini fixed sickle blade. It makes a perfect gift for men on occasions like Christmas, Graduation, Anniversary, Birthday, and Thanksgiving Day.
SOG Survival Karambit Knife - Gambit Curved Security Belt Knife
The SOG Survival Karambit Knife - Gambit Curved Security Belt Knife is a 7Cr17MOV stainless steel knife with a 2.58-inch fixed blade and a 7.28-inch total length. The knife features an ultra-discreet, curved raptor claw and modified wharncliffe blade that can be accessed quickly. The karambit knife has an oversized finger ring handle for a solid grip, and the sheath comes with a multi-angle adjustable belt clip. SOG offers repair and replacement for all of their fixed blade karambits, which are built to last.
Cold Steel Tiger
Cold Steel Tiger is a fixed blade hunting knife designed by Cold Steel. With an overall length of 8 3/4" and a blade length of 4 3/4", it is the perfect tool for outdoor enthusiasts. The blade thickness of 5mm ensures durability and strength, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. The knife is made from AUS 8A stainless steel with a stone washed finish, providing excellent corrosion resistance and a rugged look. The Cold Steel Tiger is ideal for hunting, camping, and survival situations, thanks to its versatile design and high-quality construction. Whether you need to skin game, cut through tough materials, or perform delicate tasks, this knife has got you covered.
Smith & Wesson Extreme OPS Karambit Knife
The Smith & Wesson Karambit Knife is designed for tactical and outdoor use with a 3.25-inch blade that offers precise cutting power while remaining compact at 7 inches overall. Its blade is made from 8Cr steel, providing you with strong edge retention and resistance to rust, so it stays sharp and reliable even in tough conditions. The fixed blade features a true Karambit shape, ideal for controlled and efficient cutting tasks. For comfort and safety, the handle is crafted from G10 material, giving you a secure grip and a finger loop that helps keep the knife firmly in your hand during use.
BIGCAT ROAR Damascus Hunting Knife
The BIGCAT ROAR Handmade Karambit Damascus Hunting Knife is built to last with 288 layers of Damascus steel, offering excellent durability and edge retention. It has an overall length of 7.5 inches and a comfortable, ergonomic walnut wood handle, making it ideal for all outdoor tasks, including camping, hiking, and hunting. This knife comes with a genuine handmade leather sheath, EDC belt loop, and snap fastener, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
JXE JXO Tactical EDC Claw Knife
The JXE JXO Tactical EDC Claw Knife is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and campers. The 420HC steel blade has excellent edge retention, making it perfect for heavy-duty use, while the non-slip G10 handle offers a comfortable and secure grip. This 8.4-inch knife is designed for outdoor adventures and is perfect for camping, hunting, and fishing. It comes with a sheath for easy carrying and storage.
Tactical Combat Karambit Neck Knife
This tactical knife is a great tool for survival, hunting, and combat. With a 4" stainless steel blade and 2.8mm thickness, it is durable and reliable. The textured handle includes a nylon lanyard for easy carrying, and it comes with a nylon fiber sheath for safe storage.
THRWCLUB Karambit Fixed Blade Knife
The THRWCLUB Karambit Knife is a compact and durable fixed blade designed for outdoor enthusiasts like you. Its curved blade, made from corrosion-resistant 420C stainless steel, holds a sharp edge for reliable cutting during survival tasks or daily use. You’ll appreciate the handle crafted from tough G10 material, which offers a secure and comfortable grip, making it easy to control the knife safely. Plus, the ring on the handle allows for versatile grip styles, giving you more options when using the knife. Overall, this knife combines practicality and comfort, making it a great tool for hiking, camping, or everyday carry.
Milaloko Karambit Knife
Milaloko Tactical Camping Tool is a versatile outdoor companion. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, it offers a rustproof, wearable, and sharp blade for various activities. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, making it a pleasure to use. With a lightweight construction of 3.83-4.2oz and a total length of 7.5 inches, this knife is easy to carry during hiking, camping, or survival adventures. Remember, the sharp blade requires caution, especially around children under 13 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are karambit knives illegal?
In the state of California, karambits are legal to carry as long as they have a single-edged blade and are not concealed. However, if the karambit has a double-edged blade or is concealed, it may be considered illegal. It's important to be aware of the specific laws regarding karambit knives in your state.
2. Is a karambit a fixed blade knife?
Yes, karambit blades are available in various styles, including folding knives, automatics, fixed blades, and neck knives. This allows users to choose the type that best suits their needs and preferences.
3. Is a karambit knife a good knife?
Yes, in the hands of a skilled user, a karambit knife can be a highly effective tool. It is especially useful for grappling and close-quarters combat, as its curved blade can trap an opponent's arm and cause damage to nerves, tendons, and arteries with a simple twist of the wrist.
4. Can you own a karambit in the US?
Yes, you can own a karambit in the US. However, the legality of karambits may vary at the state level. Most states allow utility, work, and functional blades with a blade length of 3" or less or those specifically designed for hunting or agricultural use. It's recommended to familiarize yourself with the laws of your state regarding karambit ownership.
5. Can I carry a karambit around?
Yes, the karambit can be carried as an everyday carry knife. It has been used as a functional and capable tool since the 11th century.
6. What finger does a karambit go on?
To hold a karambit knife, place it on your palm with the spine facing your body, the ring towards the right, and the tip facing away from your body. Slide your index finger into the safety ring and close your fingers around the handle, securing the karambit in a reverse grip.
7. Why would you use a karambit?
The karambit is versatile in self-defense situations due to its slashing, hooking, and punching motions. It can be used to strike opponents with the finger ring or in a hammering motion. This flexibility makes it useful for various striking methods.
8. Are karambits actually good for self-defense?
Yes, the karambit is specifically designed for fighting and is regarded as one of the best knives for self-defense. However, it is not particularly useful as an everyday cutting tool. Its curved shape and finger ring make it less practical for tasks like opening boxes or bags of dog food.
9. Why is karambit bad?
The karambit's curved shape makes it difficult to achieve accurate thrusts and deep penetration. Even with a double-edged karambit, the curvature limits its effectiveness. While some argue that wrist angling can compensate, poor body mechanics cannot overcome the laws of physics.
10. Do people actually use karambits?
Yes, karambits are actively used as personal fighting knives in the Indonesian archipelago. They feature a distinctively curved blade resembling a tiger's claw, which makes them highly effective in combat situations.
During our karambit fixed blade knives research, we found 48 karambit fixed blade knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 35,970 customer reviews through our big data system to write the karambit fixed blade knives list. We found that most customers choose karambit fixed blade knives with an average price of $18.71.
The karambit fixed blade knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of karambit fixed blade knives, including Smith & Wesson, Grand Way, SOG, STELL TIGER, BIGCAT ROAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.