Emerson-style Karambit (Updated)

UPDATE!!! I HAVE TIDIED THE KNIFE UP, ADDED GROOVES ON THE HANDLE, JIMPING ON THE BACK OF THE BLADE, AND CARVED OUT THE "WAVE"


I love Emerson Knives. Sadly, I am too poor to buy any of their blades at the moment. So, until I can afford one, I decided to make a fixed blade version of the Emerson Combat Karambit. It's not pretty, but it is one of the best knives I've ever made. The blade is cut from a high carbon circular saw blade I got at Walmart for 3 bucks. The handle scales are cut from a piece 1/8" steel bar I had lying around. I used some JB Weld to secure the scales and added some nails for pins to reinforce everything. The knife is very heavy; I'm not sure what the exact weight is, but I'd say it's around 7-8 oz. Tools used were:
Angle Grinder
Bench Grinder
Drill Press
Dremel
Files
Sandpaper
Various drill bits
Hammer

Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

The real knife, forward opening.
Reverse opening.
In combat.

Comments

[desertsniper]

good looking blade, i would like to make one of this design soon. quick question though, i thought modern saw blades were a poor choice for blade stock due to their high alloy content and being very hard to temper properly?

[Basement_Craftsman]

i had heard that as well. wasnt there something about how only the teeth are strong?

[black hole]

I don't know, I've always found that sawblades make exellent knives. As I mentioned to techhobbit, feel free to ask questions.

[Basement_Craftsman]

Not the material i was expecting haha but still very good what happened to the titanium however?

[black hole]

I have to get a few tools together first. I'll let you know when I'm done.

[Basement_Craftsman]

thanks and btw can you post some of your cleaned up pics like you said im very interested.

[techhobbit]

Good job on the execution. I'm going to try one very similar to this, just slightly smaller. If you don't mind: What is LOA of your design? How did you drill the finger hole? Are you planning on doing a custom Kydex sheath?

[black hole]

LOA is about 7", same as the orignal. I drilled out the finger hole by using a 4mm bit and going around the inside of the circle scribed in the metal, drilling about 10-15 holes and then punching out the middle. A dremel with a grinding bit and round files cleaned it up. As for the sheath, I'd like to make one, but kydex is a bit on the pricey side. I'll most likely make do with something else.

[triumphman]

I just found some really affordable plastic for sheaths. Its green lawn edging, about 2 ft x 6 or more inches. Called Easy Edging. Available at Homey Depo. It has a wavy edge on one side. I just made a sheath for my "Tracker" knife. All I need to finish it is the black round headed cap screws and nuts. It melts nicely over objects clamped between it. I use a heat gun. Check it out.

[techhobbit]

Well done - thanks for the info.

[black hole]

No problem, always nice to hear what people think.

[techhobbit]

black hole, let me ask your opinion... I'm moving forward with my own first DIY knife. I have a Dremel with several small thin cut off wheels, an angle grinder with grinding and cut-off wheels, and will probably get an 8-inch bench grinder and specialized 8" polishing wheels from one of the online knife suppliers.
I'm interested in a smaller karambit like the pics (hopefully, I can attach here...).
I have a well used/retired 8" circular saw blade for my blade stock.
Question: Given a design like these - with the finger hole between the handle and blade, will my stock material be strong enough?
(I'm really looking at general use and hopefully would not have to cut my way out of an automobile or thru a heavy door. Just general use neck knife, and emergency self defense of course).

[triumphman]

Who makes the cool little neck knife pictured above with the orange paracord wrap ?

[black hole]

I would think so, yes. Your saw blade is, what, 1/16" thick? That might not seem like much, but the saw blade would have to be strong enough that it won't snap at several thousand rmp. I don't think the finger hole will weaken it too much. I made a Fred Perrin type La Griffe out of some 1/16" garden edging, and it's plenty strong. Just make sure that there's enough material around the hole. Feel free to comment if you have any questions.

[techhobbit]

Ahhh yes, very nice! I saw that (La Griffe) offered on Emerson's site... about $108. Like you said, a little pricey.
When you're drilling holes, do you use carbide drill bits or will standard jobber bits work?
I work in electrical/electronics and find a small claw blade very versatile in cutting/stripping wire and cables. I think the hole near the blade would allow me to rotate the knife out of the way for briefly manipulating wires without having to set it down and pick it up again, or trying to hold it precariously, between two fingers.

[black hole]

Yeah, I just use standard bits. They seem to work pretty well. The La Griffe is a great knife for the work you describe. Here's an article on the La Griffe.  You really have to work with one to understand just how easy to use your hands without dropping the knife. 

 

[owlart101]

Very nice, I think we are around the same age, 14. I am also a knife maker but I use older methods. I think I think I should upload some photos of the knives I have made. Do you forge your steal? Good job.

[abstracted]

as a knife collector (over 200+ knifes...lost count) and maker...thats awesome

[asghdf]

thats awesome

[abstracted]

how did u cut out the shape?

[black hole]

With an angle grinder.

[triumphman]

The Secret is out, I just discovered a really inexpensive plastic at Lowes its Black and is 7' 5" long and 3 1/2" wide and is 1/16 " thick. It costs $6.05. Really afordable and it shapes and works just like Kydex. I used a heat gun and just mad a cool knife sheath for my Baby Bear Knive. I will post pictures on my Baby Bear Instructable. It also comes in white. Check it out! (The scanner number is 3167735000) You can use pop rivets to put it together too! Very , very, affordable!
Enjoy, Triumphman

[triumphman]

here is a picture of my faux Kydex knife sheath that I mentioned , I also made a new instructable on making this too. Check it out. Thanks. AS, ever , Triumphman

[black hole]

Thanks!