Damascus Karambit Knife with Buffalo Horn Handle and Finger Ring

A hooked edge catches what it touches and draws it in as the hand pulls back, so the cut finishes instead of sliding off. Knives on that pattern come out of Southeast Asia, where they began in fields and kitchens, and the name is karambit. This one runs 4 inches along the curve, 8.5 inches overall, Damascus with a raindrop etch, buffalo horn, and a closed finger ring.

Specification

The blade

The steel is Damascus, pattern welded over a high carbon core and etched so the light and dark layers show. The pattern is raindrop, soft concentric rings running along the blade, and the etch runs the whole blade including the bevel, which is what a real etch after grinding looks like. The edge is 4 inches along the curve and the hawkbill hooks, so the cut happens as you pull. There is carbon underneath, so it darkens with use and rusts if put away wet.

The finger ring

At the butt the steel runs past the horn and turns back into a ring. It is forged from the same piece, not fitted on later, and the circle closes with no break in it. The index finger sits inside, so the weight rides there and the hand stays loose while the edge works. Set down, it gives a thumb somewhere to hook.

The handle

The scales are polished black water buffalo horn, deep black with faint gray streaking. Horn takes a high polish and warms quickly in the hand. Two brass pins run through into the steel. The tang is full, so the steel runs the whole length of the handle and shows as a bright line all round the horn.

What it is for

Most of this knife's day is shipping work. Plastic strapping and banding come off a pallet, shrink wrap opens in one pull, box tape splits, cardboard comes down flat and bundle cord parts the same way. A straight edge rides over a taut line, while a hook bites in and holds what it caught. Netting and feed sacks go the same. Kitchen board work is beyond it, and the point is no lever.

The leather

Basket weave is a single stamp, walked across the leather by hand row by row until the face is covered, then closed in with a plain border line. The leather is vegetable tanned and wet formed to the hook of the blade, so it holds the shape. A welt in the seam keeps the stitching off the edge, cream thread runs down the outer side, and a snap strap holds the mouth shut.

Who it suits

This is a working shape for anyone whose day involves cutting things open, and it lands well as a gift for someone who already keeps a knife on them.

• People who cut cord and packaging every day
• Gardeners and growers
• Farm and yard work
• Collectors of the shape

What comes in the box

• The karambit
• The tooled leather sheath
• A care card

Every piece is different

Every blade is forged, ground, heat treated and sharpened by hand, so runs stay small and no two are alike. The raindrop rings sit differently on every blade, and the streaking in the horn varies from the photographs.

Looking after it

Wipe the blade dry after use and never put it away wet or leave it in the sheath. Damascus has carbon in it, so it darkens with use, and that gray patina is normal. A light coat of oil before it goes away, and never a dishwasher. Sharpen a short section at a time round the curve, on the bevel there. More on our knife care page.

Put a name on it

Laser engraving is 20 dollars per piece and you add it on this page. Around 30 characters fits along the blade, so a name or a date works. We send a proof image before the laser runs, and it adds 3 to 5 business days. See the engraving page.

Questions buyers ask

What is a karambit? A hooked knife with a ring at the butt for the index finger.

What Damascus pattern is this? Raindrop, soft concentric rings running along the blade.

What does full tang mean? The steel runs the whole length of the handle in one piece.

Is it legal to carry? Knife carry laws differ by state, city and country, so check the rules where you live before you carry it. We cannot advise on that.

Will Damascus rust? It can if left wet. Wipe it dry and oil it lightly.

Will my knife look exactly like the photo? No, the etch and the horn differ on every piece.

In wood there is the Damascus karambit in olive wood, and in bone the camel bone and turquoise karambit. The rest sit in karambit knives, Damascus steel and everyday carry knives.