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Edged-Weapon Self-Defense System Developed by Michael D. JanichAn
Edged-Weapon Self-Defense System Developed by Michael D. Janich
I have been interested in kerambits for many years and had the opportunity to see some very nice examples while traveling in Malaysia. However, it was not until a couple of years ago that I began actively training with them. After making some Plexiglas trainers based on conventional (and "modern") kerambit designs and doing quite a bit of contact training with them, I noticed two things: 1) Cutting on the outward spin ("extending") didn't deem to have much power because the radius of the convex cutting edge ran parallel to the radius of the spin, and 2) hard contact when cutting with the concave edge in the extended position transfers a lot of shock to the bones of the index and middle fingers. I also noted that with blades that had an extreme curve, trapping in the retracted position is more difficult and one has a tendency to slip off the limb.
After a lot of experimentation and prototyping, I developed the Megarambit to overcome these perceived shortcomings. In essence, it is a kerambit that does not have to be spun. The concave edge cuts when pushed forward, like a standard kerambit design. The bottom edge is much more centered on the first than other kerambit designs and therefore transfers force and cuts more effectively when used with hammer-style blows. The most distinctive edge, however, is the guthook-style back edge, which is designed to hook and trap very effectively and to cut with a pulling stroke. Although some people who have never handled the Megarambit have speculated that the sharpened back edge poses a serious threat to the user, this is not the case. I designed the knife to fit my hand and to provide adequate clearance between the hook and my wrist. Obviously, if your hands are a different size, this particular size of knife may not work for your needs.
When gripped in the retracted position, the Megarambit cuts very effectively whether pushing forward, hammering down, or drawing back -- all without the need to spin the knife. If you do choose to spin it, however, you'll discover the other advantage of the sharpened hook. As the knife spins, the point of the hook penetrates like a thrust. Pulling back then cuts a deep furrow in the target, producing a devastating wound much deeper and more effective than those produced by traditional kerambit designs.
The Megarambit's transition from a concept to live steel was the work of my good friend David Dempsey. David is an incredibly talented knifemaker with an uncanny insight into edged-weapon design. Despite the challenges presented by its complex curves and triple-edged blade, David eagerly tackled the Megarambit project and did an extraordinary job of bringing it to life. Even if the Magarambit isn't your cup of tea, you owe it to yourself to check out David's other work on his web site www.dempseyknives.com. You won't regret it.