Hand Forged Karambit Knife, Black Horn Handle with Brass Bolster

The karambit is a small curved knife from Southeast Asia, and the shape began as a farming tool. The blade is a hawkbill, curving down and back so the point aims toward the handle, and a closed ring at the butt takes the index finger so the knife hangs from the hand. This one is 1095 carbon steel, black horn and a brass bolster, for people who cut cord and packaging.

Specification

The blade

The steel is 1095 high carbon, one plain bar under the hammer rather than pattern welded. The flat is left dark gray from the forge with faint hammer marks, and the bevel is ground to a mirror bright line down the hook. The edge runs 4.5 inches along the curve, so the cut happens as you pull. It takes a keen edge and comes back on a stone quickly, and it darkens with use and rusts if put away wet.

The finger ring

The ring at the butt is forged from the same bar as the blade, not added afterward, and it is a complete closed circle with no gap. The index finger goes through the ring, so the knife hangs from the hand and needs no tight hold while you cut. Set the knife down and the ring gives you something to hook a thumb or a finger on.

The handle

The scales are polished black cow horn, with faint amber streaks running through the black. A polished brass bolster sits where the handle meets the blade, capping the horn where it takes the most handling. 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

A hooked blade pulls into the work instead of sliding off it, which is why the shape exists. It suits cord, twine, tape, strapping, shrink wrap, cable ties, netting, seed bags and feed sacks. Open a box from the side, take down garden twine, trim small branches and vine where a straight blade skates. It is a poor slicer on a board and the point is not made for prying.

The leather

The sheath is vegetable tanned and cut on a curve so it follows the hook of the blade. A welt is sewn into the seam so the stitching sits back from the edge, and that stitching is done by hand in cream thread down the outer edge. A snap strap closes over the mouth. The face carries a basket weave, the square woven stamp struck row by row across the panel, inside a plain border line.

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 finish alike. The hammer marks, the amber streaking in the horn and the stamped leather vary from the photographs.

Looking after it

Wipe the blade dry after use and never put it away wet. Carbon steel darkens with use, and that gray patina is normal and protects the steel. A light coat of oil before it goes away, and never a dishwasher. Sharpen the curve in short sections, on the bevel there. More in 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 on the blade, so a name or a date fits. 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 curved knife from Southeast Asia with a closed ring at the end of the handle.

What is a hawkbill blade? It curves down and back so the point aims toward the handle, and it cuts on the pull.

What is the finger ring for? The index finger goes through it so the knife hangs from the hand.

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 1095 steel rust? It can if left wet. Wipe it dry and oil it lightly.

Does it come with a sheath? Yes, a hand tooled leather sheath is included.

In wood there is the hand forged karambit in rosewood, and in tool steel the D2 karambit in brown micarta. The rest sit in karambit knives, high carbon 1095 and everyday carry knives.