Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Who doesn't like a "tiger claw" knife? Well, despite it's overall popularity some folks don't seem to appreciate it much and consider it gimmicky. Whether you see the karambit (AKA Korambi or Lawi Ayam) as little more than a tacticool mall-ninja accessory or think it's the best, most ferocious fighting knife, let's take a closer look at what makes it different.
I'll be giving you my opinion on its pros and cons based on what I know about blade designs in general.
If you're looking for specific techniques to understand the finer details of how it is used then I recommend listening to Pencak Silat instructors and knife defense experts like Doug Marcaida.
*** Sources / Credits ***
Examples at the Metropolitan Museum, NYC
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31660
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31623
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31647
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31662
Other examples
oriental-arms.com/product/korambi-sickle-dagger
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kurambiak_Minang.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Klein_sterk_gekromd_mes_met_opengewerkt_hoornen_handvat_(a)_in_(houten_schede_b)_-_TM-4775-1a.png
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Mes_met_krom_lemmet_-_Lawi_ayam_TM-A-3808.png
bonhams.com/auction/24872/lot/91/an-indonesian-kerambit-or-lawi-ayam
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
Who doesn't like a "tiger claw" knife? Well, despite it's overall popularity some folks don't seem to appreciate it much and consider it gimmicky. Whether you see the karambit (AKA Korambi or Lawi Ayam) as little more than a tacticool mall-ninja accessory or think it's the best, most ferocious fighting knife, let's take a closer look at what makes it different.
I'll be giving you my opinion on its pros and cons based on what I know about blade designs in general.
If you're looking for specific techniques to understand the finer details of how it is used then I recommend listening to Pencak Silat instructors and knife defense experts like Doug Marcaida.
*** Sources / Credits ***
Examples at the Metropolitan Museum, NYC
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31660
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31623
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31647
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31662
Other examples
oriental-arms.com/product/korambi-sickle-dagger
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kurambiak_Minang.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Klein_sterk_gekromd_mes_met_opengewerkt_hoornen_handvat_(a)_in_(houten_schede_b)_-_TM-4775-1a.png
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Mes_met_krom_lemmet_-_Lawi_ayam_TM-A-3808.png
bonhams.com/auction/24872/lot/91/an-indonesian-kerambit-or-lawi-ayam
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
