Cold Steel Steel Tiger Karambit – Review, Story, and Scar-Tastic First-Hand Experience

A gift from my combat instructor Allan, the Cold Steel Steel Tiger Karambit isn’t just a sexy, mean-looking blade—it’s a serious martial tool that slashes with purpose, commands attention, and demands respect.

I tested this beauty in a recent video (embedded below), where I show off the key features, demonstrate handling, and share a wild firsthand story about how this blade left its mark—literally.


Image: Curved black knife handle with finger grooves and a ring at the end, partially sheathed in a Secure-Ex branded cover.
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🔪 Cold Steel Steel Tiger Karambit – Key Features:

  • Blade Length: 4.75"

  • Blade Steel: AUS 8A Stainless, stonewashed, vacuum heat-treated, sub-zero quenched

  • Blade Shape: Classic Indonesian Karambit curve

  • Handle: 5" Griv-Ex™ with over-molded Kray-Ex™

  • Overall Length: 8.75"

  • Weight: 5 oz

  • Sheath: Military-style Secure-Ex® w/ boot/belt clip

  • Knife Type: Fixed Blade


Image: Curved karambit knife with a textured black handle and finger ring, placed next to its black sheath. The blade is partially visible.

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Designed by Lynn C. Thompson and the late Steven Likarich, the Steel Tiger combines traditional karambit lethality with modern tactical engineering. The curved blade is sharp enough to whisper through flesh, and the finger-ring + textured grip combo keeps it locked in your hand—unless you get cocky, like I did…


Image: Curved black knife handle with finger grooves and a ring, partially sheathed in a hard plastic cover. The sheath has a belt clip.

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⚠️ My Brush With (Almost) Death

Let’s get personal.


Image: A hand gripping a curved karambit knife with the index finger through the ring at the handle’s end.

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One day, I thought I’d show off a knife-spinning trick during solo training—something I’d done a dozen times with dull trainers. But this time, I used the real deal. Mid-spin, the blade slipped from my grip, arced back in a wicked circle, and came flying straight at my throat.


Image: A hand is holding a curved karambit knife with only the index finger inserted through the ring at the end of the handle as the knife spins forward.

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Thanks to my blind martial artist reflexes (and probably a guardian angel with a sense of humor), I batted it away with my arm… but not before the tip kissed my chin hard enough to leave a scar. It’s subtle, but it’s there—a sharp reminder of why you never practice flashy moves with live steel.

Yeah. It almost slit my throat.
Now it just makes me look dangerous in the best way. 😈


Image: held defensively with blade laying along the forearm.

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💡 Important Notes Before You Buy

  • The Steel Tiger, like most karambits, is a combat blade, not a utility tool.
    If you’re looking for something to open boxes, slice apples, or do basic work tasks, this ain’t it.
    This knife was born for battle—its sole purpose is to mess someone up real bad. Don’t treat it like a pocket knife; it deserves more respect than that.

  • PLEASE check your local laws before purchasing or carrying a karambit like this.
    In many places, curved fixed-blade knives are considered weapons and are restricted or outright illegal to carry.
    Stay legal. Stay sharp. Stay safe.

🐅 Final Thoughts


Image: A person wearing sunglasses, a red shirt, and a vest sits at a table, raising one arm. A sheathed karambit hangs from their chest strap.

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The Steel Tiger Karambit is one of my favorite knives—visually striking, functionally lethal, and just damn cool. It’s sharp, well-balanced, and built like a beast. If you want a blade that screams attitude and isn't afraid to bite, this is it.

Watch the full review and test demo below—
But maybe don’t try to spin yours unless you’re okay earning battle scars.

▶️ Watch the Video:




#ColdSteel #SteelTiger #Karambit #KnifeReview #TacticalGear #BladeTesting #KnifeLife #MartialArtsWeapons #BlindWarrior #CombatKnife #FixedBlade #KnifeCollector #SelfDefenseTools #ScarStories #TigerStyle

🖤 Want more blades, bruises, and badassery?
🌐 johnnytiger.com
🌐 tigertactile.com

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