The Karambit: Beginner Video
Please note that this Spyderco knife is extremely sharp and will shave hair off of my arm. It is extraordinarily dangerous to utilize such a live blade in the manner that is depicted in some of these videos. I have practiced martial arts for years, have utilized trainer karambits for years, and, according to my wife, have been known to do stupid things with knives. This is one of those instances where I say, Kids, please dont try this at home. The actions depicted in these videos are dangerous to you and to others, unless you have a great deal of expertise. Do not attempt them with a live blade.
At the beginner or basic level, the karambit is very effective in both the forward and reverse grips, as demonstrated in the accompanying video. It is designed, however, to be primarily utilized, when used for self defense, in the reverse grip. When using the karambit, practioners usually cut themselves in one of two ways: attempting to spin the knife or attempting to use the off hand to simulate parrying, blocking, trapping, or the like and whacking their off hand or arm with the blade. I find that, if no spinning or extended forward grip is utilized the knife can be effectively deployed by untrained persons easier than any other type of knife. The arms are, in general, used together, similar to the elbow shield seen in silat or boxing. The projecting claw of the blade ensures that, when you shield, as depicted in the video, your opponent cuts himself on your projecting blade while attacking you. To counterattack, the beginning practioner has merely to punch the hand holding the knife forward (either in a horizontal or vertical punch) using the other hand to support the punch, as is often seen in silat and which serves to screen/block some angles of attack while the punch is being conducted, or leaving the other arm completely out of the motion. In general, the arms move together. These motions, when combined with a little footwork or zoning can be very effective. As demonstrated toward the end of the video, they can also be conducted at a decent rate of speed.
As I have stated above, please do not misuse this information, and please do not attempt the techniques depicted in these videos with a live blade until or unless you are very highly skilled. Even when highly skilled, this kind of work with a live blade is dangerous. If you choose to disregard these warnings and do injury to yourself or others, the onus is on you.
Tuhan Holloway, May 2007
