Straight Knife training starts with the 12 point form as used in the stick form, the angles and numbers are identical; the difference is in the way the form is trained, i.e., the stab and cutting/slashing actions. The knife can be trained in the normal grip and the reverse gip, as you can see the 12 point form is the foundation of the entire system. Bladed weapons can be single or double edged and any length; each knife will have a different feel.
The karambit training starts with the 12 point form as used in the stick form, the angles and numbers are identical; the difference is in the way the form is trained, i.e., the stab and cutting actions
A look at the Karambit
Bladed weapons can be single or double edged with the outside curve of the blade used in slashing manoeuvres and the inside curve of the blade used in hooking/ripping type attacks. There are also thrusts that can be made with the point of the blade and punching strikes that can be made with the ring that covers the index finger. The karambit is held with the blade pointing downward from the bottom of the fist, usually curving forwards however occasionally a reverse gip can be used. While it is primarily used in a slashing or hooking motion, karambit with a finger ring are also used in a punching motion hitting the opponent with the finger ring. Some karambits are designed to be used in a hammering motion. This flexibility of striking methods is what makes it useful in self-defence situations. The finger guard makes it difficult to disarm and allows the knife to be maneuverer in the fingers without losing one’s grip.
The karambit has found popularity because the biomechanics of the weapon allow for more powerful cutting strokes and ripping techniques based on its functional use; this allows for intuitive responses and applied skills to be initiated. The technique of the karambit is also heavily focused on striking the weak points of the human body, such as the muscles from the knee and elbow. This is a very effective technique because of the curved blade. Because of this, the karambit is considered to be one of the deadliest melee weapons.