Louis Martin Custom Knives
Handmade Karambit Knives
A karambit is a curved fixed-blade or folding knife originating in Southeast Asia, characterized by a hooked blade resembling a tiger's claw and a ring hole in the handle for retention. Louis Martin karambits are hand-forged in Damascus and high-carbon steel.
Quick Answer
A karambit is a curved fixed-blade or folding knife originating in Southeast Asia, characterized by a hooked blade resembling a tiger's claw and a ring hole in the handle for retention. Louis Martin karambits are hand-forged in Damascus and high-carbon steel.
The karambit's curved blade and finger ring make it one of the most recognizable knife shapes in the world. It began as a farm tool for harvesting and cutting rope, and the same hooked edge still makes clean pulling cuts through cord, twine, and packaging. Louis Martin's handmade karambits are forged in Damascus and high-carbon steel, each one of a kind, with the finish collectors look for.
Characteristics & Construction
Blade Curvature
The karambit blade curves inward at 90–180° depending on the model. Fixed-blade karambits feature the full dramatic curve; folding karambits are more compact with a modified curve for pocket carry.
Retention Ring
The index-finger ring is the defining karambit feature. It keeps the knife seated in your hand when your grip is wet or tired, and it gives you a secure hold for pulling cuts through rope and cord.
Materials
Our karambits are offered in Damascus high-carbon steel (etched patterns create a visually striking finished piece) and D2 tool steel for hard-use applications. Handle materials include G10, Micarta, and exotic wood.
Assorted Lot
Karambit Knives — 10-Piece Lot
A hand-picked assortment of 10 karambit knife pieces, hand-forged to order in East Northport, NY. Perfect for resellers, gifts, or building a collection. Always available — no waiting on stock. Tell us what you need and we'll confirm options and pricing.
Also on our eBay store (97.8% positive across 57,600+ ratings) and in our daily live Whatnot auctions (4.8★, 12,100+ reviews), at gun & knife shows, and for wholesale volume. Carry rules vary: see knife laws by state.
Care & Maintenance
Full care guide →- 1
Clean the retention ring
Debris accumulates inside the retention ring. Clean with a cotton swab after field use.
- 2
Oil the curved edge
The inner curve of the karambit blade can be difficult to oil evenly. Use a cotton swab to apply oil to the full interior edge surface.
- 3
Sharpen with a rounded rod
The interior edge of a karambit blade is sharpened with a tapered ceramic rod or specialized curved whetstone rather than a flat stone.
Karambit Knives — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a karambit knife?
Are karambit knives legal to carry?
What is the purpose of the ring on a karambit?
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One of a kind
Each piece is the only one we made. Sold once, gone for good.
Hand-forged since 1993
Forged, ground, and finished at our own facility.
Warranty in the box
Every knife ships with our warranty card.
Free US shipping
Dispatched within 3 business days.
What Live Buyers Say
"amazing Bowie with pinecone handles and an incredible cutout design on the blade"
"Love the product, great prices, and very fast shipping. Had an issue with my order and they were willing to fix it immediately. thank you, A++ seller"
"I love it it's beautiful. I love the green color and the design on the blade. and the sheath is very nice. I'm very happy"
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