Karambit Knives

Hand-forged from multi-layered Damascus steel, our karambit knives combine iconic hawkbill curved blades with tactical precision. Featuring ergonomic safety finger rings and custom-crafted handles, each karambit comes equipped with a tailored genuine leather belt sheath.

Hand-Forged Damascus Karambit Knives: Tactical Power & Master Craftsmanship

Experience the perfect fusion of tactical design and traditional metalsmithing with our collection of hand-forged Damascus karambit knives. Originating as a traditional Southeast Asian utility tool and martial arts blade, the karambit is renowned worldwide for its curved hawkbill blade, exceptional leverage, and iconic safety finger ring. Whether you are a tactical enthusiast, outdoor survivalist, or custom knife collector, our karambits deliver unmatched control, fluid handling, and striking aesthetic appeal.

Precision-Forged Hawkbill Blades & Safety Ring Ergonomics

Every karambit in our collection is meticulously hand-forged by layering high-carbon 1095 and 15N20 nickel alloy steel, oil-quenched to an optimal 58–60 HRC hardness rating. This process creates distinctive raindrop, twist, and ladder Damascus patterns while forging an inner edge engineered for maximum pull-cutting power.

Our custom karambit blades feature:

High-Leverage Hawkbill Blades: Curved blade profile designed for effortless slicing, rope cutting, and precise utility work.
Integrated Safety Finger Rings: Provides an anti-slip, rock-solid grip in both forward and reverse holding positions.
Custom Sculpted Handles: Hand-finished using premium materials like stabilized burl wood, custom resin, Pakkawood, and brass hardware.
Custom Leather Belt Sheaths: Accompanied by heavy-duty, hand-stitched leather sheaths built for secure belt wear and quick draw access.

Iconic Collectibles & Duty-Ready Tactical Tools

Designed for both practical field application and showcase display, an NDY Damascus karambit offers balanced weight distribution and heavy-duty durability. Because no two Damascus steel billets yield the exact same pattern, your karambit is a one-of-a-kind original. Explore our fixed-blade and folding karambit options to find a high-performance addition to your blade collection.

Customers are saying

4.77 ★ (88)
Verified

Knife Guide

Care and maintenance of Damascus steel

Our Damascus steel is made from forge welded layers of 15N20 steel and 1075 steel. The 15N20 is a Nickel steel and is what forms the highlights of the pattern, whilst the 1075 is a Carbon steel and turns black when etched.

When heat treated and used in a blade this combination holds an excellent edge. The blade will gain an attractive patina with prolonged use as with any Carbon steel based blade. The colour and character of the patina is determined by the type of ingredients and food the blade is used to cut. For example, cooked red meat creates a beautiful blue-grey patina that will be familiar to anyone who has encountered heirloom carving knives.

Caring for your blade

Caring for a Damascus steel blade is much the same as for a Carbon steel blade - moisture is the enemy. Once the blade has built up a patina it is much more forgiving, but a fresh Carbon steel based blade will begin to rust in a heartbeat.

Never, ever:

  • Leave the blade resting in standing water
  • Rest the blade on a damp tea towel, wash cloth, etc
  • Store in direct contact with leather
  • Wash in a dishwasher

To help your Damascus steel knife become a heirloom, there are only a few things you need to do.

After use:

  • Rinse clean under running water and wipe dry with a clean cloth
  • Lightly oil using food safe oil
  • Store in a dry place

While your blade is still developing a patina, it is a good idea to quickly wipe the blade down before moving on to a food preparation task not involving the knife.

Oiling

A common mistake when oiling a blade is to use something like olive oil that will go rancid. We recommend mineral oil, as it is food safe, cheap, and readily available.

Washing

Many people new to Damascus steel knives approach washing their blades with trepidation. Cleaning your knife is straightforward: rinse it under running water, give it a wipe with a lightly soapy dish sponge, rinse it again and wipe dry. If you’re familiar with the term “Bachelor Wash” (or can decipher the connotation), this is all it takes.

Refreshing the pattern

The Damascus pattern will fade with use - this is normal and easy to rectify. Hot black instant coffee (cheap, nasty, and mixed at a ratio that would kill a large animal) is a mild etchant that we use as the final stage of our Damascus etching process. It is element of our process that contributes most to the blackness of the pattern.

Here’s how to refresh your own blades:

  1. Brew a batch of the cheapest and nastiest black instant coffee you can get your hands on. You’ll need enough to immerse the blade in.
  2. Wash the blade, then thoroughly wipe it down with methylated spirits to remove oils and contaminants
  3. Immerse the blade in the instant coffee, heating the coffee back up if it’s gone cold (heat increases the rate of reaction). Take care to avoid getting coffee on the handle.
  4. Expect the process to take anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour. Check the blade every 15 minutes by removing it from the coffee and allowing the coffee to drip off. Do not touch or wipe down the blade at any point.
  5. When the desired results have been achieved, remove the blade from the coffee then wash as normal before oiling and storing.