Karambit knife tricks are gradually becoming a significant part of martial arts. Martial artists are learning different defensive techniques and tricks with this incredible knife. What is emphasizing them to learn and practice tricks with a karambit?

Karambit is an ideal knife to perform different tricks. It has a curved blade, a safety ring and an ergonomic handle that eases the way to play the tricks. But, what those tricks are!

In this article, we have come up with a list of six outstanding karambit knife tricks that you should learn. We give every detail about the trick, such as the ways to easily play them. The idea is to present you an opportunity to learn and practice these tricks. But, before we explain the tricks, let's explore the history and uses of karambit.

History of Karambit Knife

Karambit knives are curved, tactical knives originating from Southeast Asia. They were developed in the 19th century as a traditional fighting knife for use in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The karambit knife is characterized by its unique asymmetrical blade that curves inward to an acute point with a distinctive hooked indentation near the knife's hilt. 

Though they can be used for self defense, their strength lies more in utility purposes like cutting or slicing rather than stabbing. Many people who engage in martial arts stick to a karambit because of its versatility and effectiveness. These knives are famous among martial arts users.

Uses of Karambit Knife

The Karambit is a type of folding knife with the blade emerging from the handle rather than from its end. The blade is typically a large leaf-shaped clip point suitable for heavy and/or outdoor cutting tasks.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of karambit applications in combat, self-defense and martial arts. If you're interested in this exotic method of self-defense but not certain how to get started, read on!

These are types of combat knives used by many countries and military forces. The blades of these cool knives are typically curved to make hacking cuts against an enemy's body difficult. They were first used by Gurkha soldiers in Nepal who have been using them since 1814.

A karambit knife is one of the most useful knives a person can carry. This double-edged blade has its tips curved inward so that it's impossible to grab the blade with your fingers, which makes it a good choice for defense in close quarters. 

In addition, the outward curve of the blade also makes it extremely easy to use while wearing gloves. Whether you're looking to buy a new knife or just want to learn more about them, first understand how they work and then buy one for yourself.


1. Forward Grip

The most popular and commonly played karambit knife trick is the forward grip. It is basically a style of holding the knife. It helps in improving stability, precision, leverage and control. It is sometimes known as a work grip because it comes helpful in utility work. 

At times, it is also known as a standard grip because generally you hold the knife in this position. Because it is a basic grip, it is useful in getting utility tasks done. Specifically, the tasks that require extra bit of control and accuracy. 

To secure a forward grip or perform the forward grip trick, you need to place your hand on the knife in such a way that your palm is flat and up. Then, you need to place the karambit knife on your hand’s palm in a way that the spine faces your body and safety ring is on your left side. To secure this grip in the best possible manner, make sure that the tip of the blade faces away from your body. At this point, you can slide your smallest finger into the ring and close your fingers around the handle of the knife. Your forward grip trick is done. 

2. Reverse Grip

After forward grip, this is the most fundamental grip trick. Several users secure reverse grip on a karambit. Those who tend to perform tricks would mostly secure this grip because of its extended control. 

Such a grip is useful for playing tricks because you have a better control on the knife which is key for a trickster. In addition, this grip offers better stability, leverage and power. Also, it offers an improved maneuverability. 

The issues with this karambit knife trick is the lack of reach and precision that it offers. Hence, this grip is not intended for utility work because it won’t offer accuracy. 

To perform this trick, first, place your right hand on the knife in such a way that your palm is flat and up. Then, you need to place the karambit knife on your hand’s palm in a way that the spine faces your body and safety ring is on your right side.

In this grip, the tip of the blade must be facing away from your body. Then, you can slide your smallest finger into the ring and close your fingers around the handle of the knife. You have secured reverse grip on the karambit knife. 

3. Extended Grip

Extended grip can be called some sort of a combination of forward grip and reverse grip. This is one of the expert level karambit knife tricks. Such a grip is usually secured by the expert users who have all the necessary skills of using this knife. 

If you are a beginner, you should not try this grip straight away. Once you learn the forward and reverse grips, you can move to this one. This grip provides more maneuverability, reach and leverage. But, there would be a lack of precision, control, power and stability. 

Due to a lack of control, beginners would find it dangerous if they are unskilled. However, if you have gained some control, you can perform this trick well. This grip position is sometimes known as an upward grip. 

Because it is like a median of forward and reverse grips, it is effective for both combat applications and utility work. To secure this grip, you need to start with holding the knife in a reverse grip position. 

Once you grip the knife, the next thing you need to do is rotate the blade over your index finger keeping the direction towards your body. Make sure to keep the tip of the blade upwards. Keep rotating the blade to the point that it naturally rests against the back of your fingers. This is the extended grip trick. 

4. Reaper Grip

Reaper grip is another advanced use of karambit knife as a trick. People sometimes call it a Mantis Grip. This is a grip tried by a very few people that we can identify as either enthusiasts or expert individuals who still want to learn more things. 

As a learner, we shall encourage you to learn and try every grip position. This least used grip is somewhat similar to reverse grip. However, there is a slight variation to the position. In case of reverse grip, tip of the blade has to be facing away from your body. 

On the other hand, reaper grip requires that the tip of the blade should be facing your body. Rest of the procedure remains similar. Such a grip is pretty advantageous in improving leverage for pulling and hooking actions as well as for close quarters combat. 

5. Spinning Trick

Spinning is an extremely challenging karambit knife trick. It is showy and flashy and only encouraged to be performed by the skillful users. Beginners would find it pretty tough because it can’t be performed unless you have a proper training, understanding and practice of the application. 

Spinning the karambit can be tricky. So, we recommend you not to do it before you are well aware of the blade, grip positions and balance of the blade. In addition, spinning trick is dangerous, therefore, you should follow certain instructions before you get started with this trick. 

Those who are interested in learning and performing this trick are suggested not to take the real karambit for this purpose. Rather, use a safe alternative, such as a karambit knife trainer. Trainer knife has a blunt blade and does not cause any injury. 

Hence, use a trainer karambit, and start learning the trick. In the beginning, be gentle and slow. Don’t switch to real knife before you prepare your hands and forearms muscles for reliably spinning the knife with precision and control. 

The key in performing the spinning trick is maintaining a control over the knife. You need to spin the knife without damaging your hands. You will have to learn quite a few things, and performing tricks safely is one of them. 

Apart from safety rules, you will learn how to maintain momentum, balance and weight, and battling the gravity. So, take your time to learn these significant things, but make sure to use a practice karambit knife. 

Spinning trick is one of those karambit knife tricks that provide more leverage and reach. It makes your knife reach the targets that are harder to reach otherwise. In a self defense situation, you may require to perform this trick to make it reachable to the attacker and also don’t lose it. 

What spinning trick offers spectacularly is the extension in the reach and access to difficult targets while relying on the blade. Since it has a curved blade, you would be able to dole out of a fight-ending blow pretty efficiently. Such actions are almost impossible with straighter blades. 

You won’t just look impressive to your mates when performing tricks with a karambit knife, you will also gain several other advantages. You will improve your control and balance which is helpful in combat situations. 

6. Switching Hands Trick

Among some of the easier karambit knife tricks is the switching hands trick. You may require some practice in the beginning, but once you gain the required expertise, you can easily perform this trick at a great pace. 

Switching hands while using a karambit generally looks impossible and dangerous, but it isn’t the case. You can easily switch hands in a very secure manner with curved blades as compared to straighter blades. 

If you learn to accurately perform switching hands trick, you can impress your fellows. 

To perform this trick, you need to follow certain steps:

  • Grip your karambit knife in a reverse grip position in the right hand. Place your left hand in a manner that ensures that your palm is up and tuned in a horizontal way, facing the body in a vertical manner.
  • Spin the knife in a clockwise manner with your right hand. This is like simply spinning it from a reverse grip in a circle, over the ring side of your hand and then back into the reverse grip. 
  • When the knife starts spinning, move your right hand over the rest behind your left hand.
  • Let the knife spin as it would in a natural manner. As it reaches the top of your right hand, let it fall in an attempt to re-grip it with your right hand. This will make the knife fall across the palm of your left hand, The ring would still be on your index finger (of the right hand). 
  • Fold your middle finger (of the left hand), right fingers and the smallest finger around your karambit’s handle. Slide it off your index finger (right hand that is) and insert the index finger (of the left hand) into the ring. 
  • The karambit knife is now secured in a reverse grip position in your left hand. This is the trick! 
  • Repeat the same process again and this time switch it to your right hand. 

Practice Hard to Gain Perfection!

You have to be perfect at performing karambit knife tricks if you want to be called a real trickster! For this purpose, you have to perform all these tricks in a precise manner.

One thing you can do to gain expertise is practice as much as you can. Practice will make you perfect but it needs time. So, spend some time learning these tricks and perform them repeatedly. 

However, your safety is important too. Be alert and careful while performing karambit knife tricks as you are likely to get injured. Good luck learning these outstanding tricks!