In fact, the thumb stud (which is actually removable, should you want to delete it entirely) actually serves as a wave opener — similar to the Emerson Wave — allowing you to deploy and open the knife in a single, fluid motion.
More than meets the eye
Penned by Italian knifemaker Alessandra De Santis of Hydra Design, Böker’s Hel sports plenty of traditional karambit features that are sure to instill confidence in the knife. However, it’s the differences that really help elevate and refine it.
The blade, for instance, has the signature Hawkbill curve to it, but not so much that it becomes unusable for daily tasks. In fact, the blade’s gentle belly arc is ideal for things like opening packages and cutting loose strings from apparel.
Furthermore, the handle’s G10 material has a textured finish to it, almost like a canvas Micarta, that gives the Hel a much more modern, urbane appearance, unlike its more aggressive, tactical siblings.
The Hel even comes with a removable wire pocket clip, which can be attached to either side for ambidextrous carry (the flipper and thumb stud also work ambidextrously).