Kerambit Design Considerations

Kerambit Design Considerations

By Guro Jeff Chung

2007

Kerambits generally have a few identifying features. These features are the handle, a ring, and a blade, usually somewhat curved in shape. There are clearly differences between classical and traditional designs from Southeast Asia, and the modern ones we see manufactured today. Due to availability of CNC machines, and synthetics, and information available to us, we see many more variations, and shapes and many kerambits today are very sleek, some are very heavy, and some have very fearsome appearances as well.

A collector, who is NOT a user, will be happy with any kerambit that may strike his or her fancy. Visually, what is present may be more important than function, when considering and examining a kerambit design. For someone who trains with and intends to actually carry, and/or use his or her kerambit, it is important to understand and know why differences in design will impact them in terms of carry efficiency and also combat effectiveness.

The first consideration is comfort. Does the kerambit feel good in the hand? Comfort is a result of a successful integration of all the elements that make a kerambit a kerambit.

The ring dimensions can vary from small to very large. If the ring is too small, extension and retraction techniques ma be difficult to perform. If the ring is too large, and the kerambit heavy, that may cause bruising or discomfort to the forefinger which is retaining the kerambit in place. Ring placement is also a key factor. Is the ring slightly offset, or is it directly in line with the handle. Various types of ring placement will effect and impact upon the effectiveness in using the kerambit as an impact tool, and may also affect the ease of extension and retraction, and also oneís own margin of safety with practice using a live blade.

Handle design is important to comfort. Is the handle narrow, or thick? If you plan to do twisting types of maneuvers, a wider handle works better than one that is narrow. Got long fingers? Narrow handles wonít work as well for you, shorter fingers, the opposite is true. How curved is the handle? Too curved a handle wonít fit comfortably for thrusting as much as one, which is straighter. Are there finger grooves or no? Do you need them? If you plan to alter grips from thrusting, to striking to impacting with the ring, subtle changes will be made where; grooves will assist in managing the kerambit effectively. How long is the grip? What materials are used on the handle? Synthetics can be soft and smooth, or can be worked to make them more contoured or textured to allow for better control when the hands are wet or slippery. Natural materials such as ivory, or stag, or bone, woods, all have different characteristics as well.

Blade length is often overlooked. Does one want a longer or a shorter blade? Do you perceive your intentions in carrying the blade as ëdefensive,í or as ëoffensive?í Do you plan to thrust a great deal or slash more? Do you intend to strike at right angles with the elbows directing movement, or will you be more straight armed in your maneuvers? How do you intend to stop an individual? Will you go to dissuade, or defang the snake? Or, will you try to Kill the Snake? Are you concerned with legal issues in your area in reference to blade length? The longer the blade, the more difficult it is to sheath, and to carry on oneís person.

Single edge blade or double-edged blade? Which do you want, and why? Most people are not aware, but with appropriate shape and design, a single edge blade can still penetrate flesh and some hard objects even when using the non-sharpened secondary edge.

In many Kerambits, we see rippers. These look fierce and often aggressive, but do you need them? Our targets are within the body. Understand that the presence of some of these rippers may impede speed of cutting and tearing once INSIDE the body. If youíre not strong enough, would you be able to hang on or manage to manipulate your kerambit effectively?

Considerations of strength bring into play the awareness of weight of the Kerambit. The heavier it is the less likely youíll carry it on a regular basis. If the kerambit is too light, there may not be sufficient motion for the kerambit to penetrate flesh appropriately when doing extension strikes.

When considering extension strikes, we need to concern ourselves with blade length and angle of the blade relative to the handle. If the blade is angled sufficiently, penetration can be enhanced. But if the blade is angled more, it is again; more difficult to sheath, and withdraw from a sheath, and depending upon the shape of the secondary edge, may not be useful for striking downwards in a hammer fist motion. If the blade is too long, it may not work well to direct the point in towards a target when considering extension movements again.

From this brief and short article, we come to realize that the more we know and understand our tools, the better we can decide which tool is best for each of us given the circumstances we have to work with. We also can clearly see the need for specialized raining to make sure we can make the most effective use out of the tools we have at hand.

As you make all your considerations, it is evident that many designs are lacking, and some are true gems.