Hello!

Seeking input from those with experience on the utility for self defense between the karambit & the ka-bar TDI. Civilian use, experienced martial artist, new to Kali.

If you prefer the karambit, can you name it? There are like 3,769 varieties!

Thank you!

Jim

Neither...If I had to choose TDI, but I own and dislike both.

The typical hook karambits limit you in attacks, the same is true for the TDI. When you are exhausted or terrified you are going to go for simpler moves. You are going to want a knife you can get a normal grip on and go to work. You are not going to be doing those weird hooking motions you would use a traditional karambit with or the pistol grip stabbing the TDI is designed around.

That said, I like the ring on karambits. So a normal knife with that addition is acceptable in my book. Like a fox Parong or Kabar Snody Snake Charmer.

Hello!

Thank you for the input!

Jim

I don’t have any experience with either of those knives. But I do like the ring idea and just started carrying the new Benchmade SOCP dagger. It comes with a couple different blade styles and I’m pretty happy with it.
Sean

While more difficult to find the Emerson CQC7 Karambit model affords more of a range of use than the traditional karambit shape - though at a loss of significant blade length.

Traditional shape takes a lot of practice. If you're not in love and wanting to practice that much then TDI.