Emerson Knives - Folding Karambits - Super & Combat SF & BT

I own a variety of knives, both fixed and folding - and at a variety of quality levels, too. I've learned that the old "You get what you pay for" doesn't always apply, especially when you're spending a few hundred dollars. I've often been disappointed by the quality and felt I've overpaid.Not in this case. This knife is worth every penny.I bought the Combat Karambit SF version (SF=silver finish), and received it yesterday. When I took it out of the box and the plastic bag it was sealed in, my immediate impression was that the handle was the grippiest knife handle I'd ever touched.In fact, it was so startling that I took some time to really just hold the knife and feel the grip. It's perfect - right on the edge of being rough without actually being uncomfortable... wet or dry, I don't see any chance of losing my grip (or sliding accidentally) as long as I maintain reasonable pressure on the handle. Very impressive.My second concern was about the fit in my hands, since I wear XXL gloves. I had debated between the Combat and Super version of this knife for that reason, but decided to go with the Combat version after reading various posts around the Internet that led me to believe that the Combat version would work for me... and it did.The ring fits comfortably over my forefinger knuckles, not too loose and not too tight - just right. When open, the grip is very secure in the typical Karambit reverse and "normal" position. My fingers don't feel cramped or too far apart; and when drawing the knife using the Wave technique, the knife spins and lands comfortably exactly as it should in my palm, and my fingers close on the grip right where they should.I have a number of liner lock knives, most of which I would rate as adequate to poor in terms of lock stability. Having said that, the two exceptions to that are my Kershaw and my Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Covert folder with a 3.79" folding blade. Both of these knives have outstanding liner lock mechanisms, and I feel strongly confident that (assuming an appropriate opening is done), those locks will not fail, even under harsh use.I can now add a third knife to that category, the Emerson Combat Karambit folder. The liner lock is rock-solid, and when I examined it closely, the tolerances are superb AND the liner comes into play far enough from the edge of the blade part of the lock that I can see no opportunity for slipping. Further, the liner lock itself is solid, and made of titanium, as is the liner itself. This thing isn't going to buckle or slip under any kind of pressure that I would consider normal in a combat situation.(I do NOT believe in whacking the spine of folders on things to test them. Sorry, that's just damaging to the folder itself, and not what a folder is for. If you want to whack things with a Karambit - or any OTHER blade - then get a fixed blade.)Lastly, the Wave opening function... I'd seen the videos, but never used a knife with this on it before. Having said that? It's easy to use - got it right on the very first shot, and every one thereafter. However... I suggest you get a trainer, because the key to this is to develop muscle memory via practice so you get your finger in the hole properly, pull the knife (that's easy), and then flip the knife into the reverse hold. It's going to take a lot of practice to make the move second-nature... and I'd rather not get cut (or start wearing out the lock) just to learn and practice the pull. Just a suggestion.Overall, great knife, love it, will carry it without a second thought.Last comment.New York City has strict knife laws... far beyond those of NY State laws regarding knives. One thing the NYC police will do is take a knife that is below the 3" NYC blade limit, and then flip it open without pulling the blade itself. (Not using the Wave function). If they can do that (and most of them are VERY good at it), then the knife is considered to be a gravity knife, and you're in trouble.I managed to get the Combat open with very abrupt and powerful wrist and arm movements, which means that it could be qualified as a gravity knife. Just keep that in mind. :)

I had a black finish one for 15 years and someone lost it...been going crazy looking for it. Saw this and had to snatch one before they were gone and I had to pay full retail price! Wasn't sure how I would like the stone washed finish, but it is slowly growing on me!I also like the tanto blade verses the old needle point. You WILL still cut yourself with it if you just purchased one for the first time, but I don't think you will go to the hospital like I did with the needle point blade many years ago!

keeps an edge.

Well made durable

High quality weapon

Great combat knife. Very sharp and potentially deadly. Steep learning curve

Great knife, TERRIBLE customer service. I owned this knife and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it was stolen, I contacted Emerson to purchase a replacement. He took my order and 3 months later I contacted him as to when I could expect my knife, he said soon. Long story short I waited over a year. I gave up and purchased the Fox Karambit knife. It turned out to be a blessing. While the Emerson is a great knife, the Fox Karambit is a superior knife. And while I have had no need to contact customer service I understand they have GREAT customer service. I recommend the Fox Karambit Knife.

This has been by EDC pocket knife for a couple of years ago. I could not be happier with it, and it fits my hand and my style perfectly. I *MUCH* prefer this design to the newer Emerson "combat flipper" karambit because the flipper unit has a ball bearing hinge, which you would think is a good thing, but in fact it also has a detent that causes the flipper design blade to pause-hesitate on opening which I find highly distracting.I directly compared the older combat with the newer flipper combat at the Emerson booth at Shot Show when the flipper combat came out - thinking to trade up - and very quickly decided to stick with what I had and not go with the flipper combat design. I have never regretted that decision.