The karambit is a curved, claw-shaped blade with a finger ring at the pommel. It began as a Southeast Asian agricultural tool, the shape follows a tiger’s claw, and moved from the field into martial use over several centuries.Why the ring mattersThe ring is not decoration. It indexes the knife in the hand, so the grip stays certain when the hand is wet or gloved, and it makes the blade very difficult to drop or to strip away. It also lets the knife be carried in either a forward or reverse grip without changing the hold.Ours are hand-forged from Damascus or high-carbon steel, full tang, with handles in wood, bone, horn or Micarta and a fitted leather sheath. Each one is made and finished by hand, so the Damascus pattern is never repeated exactly.Please check your local law before ordering.