With a deep Indonesian history and culture, the karambit originated, as did many weapons of earlier times, as a tool of agriculture. Originally used to rake roots, gather threshing and plant rice, the karambit became a weapon of necessity. As it became weaponized, it was slightly altered to more closely resemble a tiger’s claw, making it a fierce weapon with the ability to deliver devastating damage to an opponent.
As the karambit made its way through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines, its prowess as a close-quarters melee weapon became legendary and made a place for it in many different combat systems, most notably being a staple in the FMA (Filipino Martial Arts).
Over the years, the karambit has taken on many different shapes and sizes, encompassing everything from…
