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When acting strictly in defense the karambit gives someone with even no training a strong advantage over an attacker. It mimics the claw of a big cat or even the Velociraptor. The finger ring gives amazing weapon retention in case the fight gets close and even goes to grappling. A finger ring in such a case could mean the difference between losing your knife and dying or retaining it and living.

When held point down in an ice pick like grip slashing motions are easy, natural, and effective against unarmed attackers

When held point up presented like a proper animal claw the karambit can be used more aggressively and more effectively to cause damage. While it is less effective in attacking vs a straighter blade it can still be used to do so. When defending against another blade the karambit's curve can aide in attacking the veins and tendons of the opponents knife arm.

In conclusion I would say that a proper combat knife with a straighter edge would be better, however the karambit in the hands of an untrained person is a very effective self defense weapon
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