Description
There is a version of the karambit that has nothing to do with tactical nylon and everything to do with a farmer’s tool, and Smokeclaw is ours. Olive wood, a mosaic rosette set into the handle, a hand-forged carbon blade with a soft grey hardening line wandering above the edge, and a polished ring at the butt. It looks like something that would hang on a nail in a barn in Java, which is more or less where the shape came from.
The wood
Mediterranean olive is dense, oily and almost impossible to photograph twice the same way. The grain runs in creams and caramels with dark chocolate streaks cutting across it, and because the tree grows slowly and crookedly, no two sets of scales ever match. Ours are shaped with four scalloped finger grooves so the hand indexes itself the moment you pick the knife up, then sanded through fine grits and buffed rather than lacquered — you feel wood, not plastic. A mosaic pin sits centered on the scale between two smaller pins; it is a bundle of brass and steel rod soldered together, sliced across, and peened flush, so the pattern goes all the way through.
| Overall Length | 8.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.6 inches (measured along the curve) |
| Blade Steel | High carbon steel, hand forged |
| Blade Finish | Satin ground with polished bevel |
| Blade Style | Curved karambit hawkbill |
| Handle Material | Olive wood, carved finger grooves |
| Finger Ring | Polished steel finger ring, integral |
| Fittings | Mosaic pin inlay |
| Tang | Full tang |
| Sheath | Handmade dark brown leather belt sheath with stud closure (included) |
Forged, not stamped out
The blade is high carbon steel worked hot on the anvil, which moves the grain along the curve instead of cutting across it. After hardening it was ground bright and the temper line that separates the hard edge from the softer spine is visible as a faint, cloudy boundary running the length of the hook. Ours is a working knife rather than a museum piece, so the polish is honest satin rather than a mirror. For the difference between this and a blade punched out of flat bar, read how hand forging actually changes a blade.
The edge itself is the reason to own the shape. Hook the curve over a length of twine, a vine, a strip of cardboard or a section of hose, pull, and it parts. There is no chopping, no sawing, and no need to find a cutting board — the blade does its work against thin air with your hand as the anvil. That is precisely how the original tool was used on rope and roots.
Ring and balance
The polished steel ring is integral with the tang and sits right at the rear of the wood. It keeps the knife on your hand in a wet grip, gives you a positive stop when you pull hard, and lets you rotate between forward and reverse holds in one motion. Balance sits just ahead of the ring, so the hook feels light and quick rather than nose-heavy.
Sheath and carry
Dark brown veg-tan, formed wet over the blade and stitched with cream linen thread, closed by a solid brass stud on a strap that crosses the handle. The belt loop is generous. Wood and leather age together nicely; a year in, both will be darker and better looking.
What it asks of you
Carbon steel rusts if you let it sit wet, so dry the blade whenever it has been in contact with sap, fruit acid, meat or rain, and rub a fingertip of oil along it before it goes in a drawer. The olive wood benefits from a little food-safe oil once or twice a year, especially if you live somewhere with dry winters — it keeps the grain from checking. Sharpen freehand at a shallow angle on a medium stone and strop; this steel comes back fast.
Made in Tennessee
Forged, hardened, fitted and finished on our benches in Memphis. Every one is edge tested before it leaves. If the traditional look appeals but you want something with a mirror finish, look at the rosewood-handled Copper Crescent. Flag it as a present in the order notes and it ships ready to give. Any defect in workmanship or material is ours to put right for life, and upward of 2,000 verified five-star reviews suggest we generally do.
Model: BMK-1183
Brandon Rodriguez –
This blade came razor sharp right out of the box. This has become my daily carry piece without question. So worth it.
Rachel Lopez –
Photos don’t do this pocket knife justice at all. I keep coming back to Black Mamba Knives because it’s always this good. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. Definitely bookmarking this store for future orders.
Christine Williams –
I collect knives and this one is top notch.
Chloe Kim –
Not going to lie. This exceeded my expectations by a lot. Pocket clip is sturdy and holds it right in place all day. So worth it.
Timothy Marsh –
Didn’t think a pocket knife at this price could feel this premium. Happy customer here, through and through.
Joseph Adams –
Not quite what I was hoping for.
Kevin Evans –
This is exactly what I wanted and then some. Pocket clip is sturdy and holds it right in place all day. Made in the USA and shipped worldwide with no issues on my end. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. This is my new favorite in the collection.
Ruth Jones –
Overall a good buying experience. Action is good though it needed a little breaking in. Minor nitpicks aside, good quality knife. Appreciate that this is made stateside in Memphis, delivery was solid too.
Craig Campbell –
Set my expectations low going in and this blew right past them. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. Pocket clip is sturdy and holds it right in place all day. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. Worth every penny.
Alexander Wood –
Overall a good buying experience. Action is good though it needed a little breaking in. Solid pickup even with the small issues.
Timothy Phillips –
Does the job but I wasn’t blown away. Action is okay but not as smooth as I hoped. Ordered from Black Mamba Knives a couple times. This one was just average compared to the rest. Blade needed some sharpening once it arrived. It’s okay for the price.
Jonathan White –
This pocket knife looks even better in person than in the listing photos. Nice to support a Memphis based knife maker, shipping was fast even internationally. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. Telling everyone I know to check this shop out.
Jose Long –
Got this as Father’s Day and it exceeded what I expected. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Lockup is rock solid with no wiggle in any direction. Action smoothed out even more after a few days of carry. 10/10 would buy again.
Shane Gonzalez –
Everyone who’s seen this pocket knife has asked where I got it. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. If you’re on the fence just get it. You won’t regret it. You can tell it’s real American craftsmanship out of Memphis. Shipping was quick too.
Barbara Taylor –
Beautifully made quality for the price point. Pocket clip is sturdy and holds it right in place all day. Love it.
Ryan Sanders –
This pocket knife has quickly become my favorite piece in the collection. Blade centering is perfect right out of the box. Would send this as a gift again in a heartbeat.
Laura Reed –
Average quality for the price honestly. Blade needed some sharpening once it arrived. Action is okay but not as smooth as I hoped. Wouldn’t say no to it but wouldn’t rave about it either.
Harold Reyes –
Showed up right on time and looked even better than the photos. Would not hesitate to order again.
Grace Patel –
This pocket knife is really solid. No question about it. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Scales feel great in hand and don’t feel slippery at all. This is my new favorite in the collection.
Emma Martinez –
Photos don’t do this pocket knife justice at all. Pocket clip is sturdy and holds it right in place all day. This has become my daily carry piece without question. Love it.
Michelle Hunt –
Got this for a Christmas present and now I want one for myself too. Detent is snappy without being stiff to open. This company just earned a repeat customer.
Samantha Baker –
This is one of those purchases that just makes you smile. Fits great in the pocket without feeling bulky. So worth it.