Spyderco Karahawk handle scales
Spyderco Karahawk handle scales
In 2012, Spyderco—the innovative American knife brand founded in 1976 by Sal Glesser—released the Karahawk (model C170 series) as a modern tactical karambit folder designed for self-defense and close-quarters use
Inspired by traditional Southeast Asian karambit blades, the Karahawk was created to combine the hooked, slashing geometry of a karambit with Spyderco's signature SpyderHole for fast, ambidextrous one-hand opening. Spyderco collaborated with custom knifemaker Joel Bukiewicz (of Custom Tactical Knives) to refine the design for practical carry and performance
The Spyderco Karahawk features a 2.625-inch hawkbill blade in premium VG-10 stainless steel (satin finish, full-flat grind) for aggressive cutting and trapping. Weighing ~3.9 oz with 6.875-inch overall length, it includes a back lock, textured G-10 handles, reversible deep-carry clip, and finger ring for secure retention—ideal for tactical EDC knives, self-defense knives, and discreet carry
Priced ~$200–$250 MSRP (Japan-made), it earned immediate acclaim for ergonomic hook, smooth deployment, and reliability. Variants (Lightweight FRN, Black coated, S30V upgrades, Salt LC200N) followed, including the Karahawk 2 refinements. The Karahawk solidified Spyderco's reputation for purpose-built, high-performance karambit folding knives and tactical innovation