Tops Knives C.U.T 4.0

Why We Chose It

Joshua Swanagon has trained with karambits for years and loves them for combat applications. The problem: traditional karambits are terrible field knives. The hooked blade that makes them effective in a fight is nearly useless for everyday cutting tasks.

So Swanagon designed a hybrid. The C.U.T. 4.0 keeps the curved handle and finger ring of a karambit—giving you a locked-in grip and reverse-grip capability—but pairs it with a traditional drop point blade that actually cuts things.

We carry this knife for people who train with ring knives but need something that pulls double duty. It works for martial artists who want one knife instead of two. It works for professionals who need a defensive option that doesn't sacrifice field utility. And it works for EDC users who want a fixed blade they can pocket carry without printing.

The Harford Armory Chief Armorer put it well: "This gives you the benefits of a karambit grip with the versatility of a straighter-edged blade."

Features

Drop Point Blade — Unlike a traditional karambit's hawkbill curve, the C.U.T. 4.0 uses a drop point profile. This means it actually functions as a utility knife—slicing, carving, food prep, and general cutting tasks that a curved karambit blade can't do well.

Karambit-Style Finger Ring — The ring at the pommel locks the knife into your hand for combat applications. Draw is fast, retention is secure, and you can transition to reverse grip (ice pick) without repositioning. If you've trained with ring knives, you know why this matters.

1095 High Carbon Steel — TOPS chose 1095 for toughness. The blade is .190" thick—substantial enough for hard use without being a pry bar. The black traction coating reduces glare and adds corrosion protection, but this is carbon steel: wipe it down after wet use.

Tan Canvas Micarta with Dragonfly Tread — The handle texture provides grip in wet or bloody conditions without being abrasive. The curved handle shape follows karambit ergonomics for comfort during extended use or combative applications.

Kydex Sheath with Beta Loop — Scout carry compatible. The knife rides horizontally behind your belt, keeping it concealed and accessible. Several users report pocket carrying this knife with just the ring visible—doesn't print like a vertical fixed blade.

Who This Is For

• Martial artists who train with karambits but want a knife that's actually useful

• Anyone who carries a karambit for defense AND a separate utility knife (this replaces both)

• EDC users looking for a fixed blade that doesn't print

• Professionals who need a defensive tool with real field utility

Who This Is NOT For

• First-time fixed blade buyers (the grip angle takes adjustment if you haven't trained with ring knives)

• Users who want a dedicated camp/bushcraft knife (get the Dawn Warrior)

• Anyone uncomfortable with the combat-oriented design

Bottom Line

The C.U.T. 4.0 solves a real problem: karambits are great for fighting and terrible for everything else. Swanagon's design keeps what works—the secure ring grip and curved handle—and adds a blade you can actually use. If you've ever carried a karambit and a separate utility knife, this is one knife instead of two.

📦 SHIPPING & DELIVERY

• $8.95 flat-rate shipping (Continental US)

• FREE shipping on orders over $175

• Most orders processed within 2 business days

• Shipped via UPS with tracking

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Questions? Email Juan