Any opinions of 5-11 kerambits

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Thinking about picking up a 5-11 kerambit but am leery about a backlocked kerambit. Other than that the materials seem nice. Opine! Please! :spyder:

[stonyman]

Michael, I am not sure about the quality of these yet. I know the one that I got to put through its paces from Blade tec was very strong. I was able to get some kinetic openings in, but two handed openings was gravy! If you lift one, let me know how it runs for you.:D

[markg]

I have both the Master and Journeyman (of current 5.11 construction).

I like them a lot. Actually I like them a whole lot. I like the Journeyman more than I imagine also.

I have no issue with the back lock, and it should be more durable over a longer period of time than a liner lock. I am sure you have concerns about accidental unlocking of the knife. If you use a Modified Filipino Grip (as it designed for) you are fine. If you have the knife in a forward grip and hammer fist it, there is a slight chance it could. Given the fact that most "players" opt for a reverse grip K-Bit deployment these days, there is little to no risk of the lock coming open in that grip (at least with my hands).

The ring is both spacious inside and out. It does not flip as well as the EKI Combat Karambit, but few do. The "dual rail" design of the ring on the folding EKI makes for stable extensions and retractions. One down size of the regular sized EKI is that it fits small-medium sized hands. Guys with big hands will have to opt for the super sized model...

They are sharp, but not super sharp out of the box.

These knives are new to 5.11, but were in production for sometime by BladeTech. The basic design has a pretty good rep.


Here are some pictures of the Master's Model...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/mark1965/511a.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/mark1965/511b.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/mark1965/511blade2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/mark1965/511blade.jpg

And some comparison shots with an Emerson Combat Karambit and an Emerson Fixed Blade Karambit.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/mark1965/511comp.jpg

As you can tell, the finger hole is larger on the 5.11 Tarani. And the blade has a more pronounced curve. The Jouneyman has a FRN handle and does not have the steel liner in the handle or the ring. It also carries 154CM steel instead of the S30V of the Master's Model.

[224477]

Thanks for the pics, I am eyeing that one /Journeyman actually/ for a while now. I guess this could be one of the `08 stuff for me. :) Your pics, which are great, gave me a better image of what to look for. Whats the ring diameter in MM pls.? Thanks in advance!