The clasp-knife of the Karbi tribe is an excellent instance of local craft tradition as it combines the utility of its design with some aesthetic sensibility. The Karbis, yet one of the prominent tribal communities of Assam, have lived very much with nature over long periods, reflected in their instruments and all sorts of traditional artifacts. They usually use this knife, which is folding or clasp, for various everyday tasks like domestic work, field work, even for self-defense.It is basically a wooden structure that has an iron blade securely fitted to it for folding. This has been interesting with the zoomorphic: the blade tip, very much stylized as a beak, is designed on the end side as a bird's head. It shows the interest for artistic detailing that this tribe exhibits even on something that is tool. With an immersion kind ofness at the floor to the wooden handle that matches the sharp beak, it really makes an impression of being perfect and endowed with a lot of meaning.
The blade is riveted into the grip for folding into it, thus making it handy and safe. Besides making it comfortable to carry, this is the hallmark of ingenuity found in traditional Karbi blacksmiths and woodworkers. Such knives are mainly used by men for carrying and considering personal tools used in many cultures with pocket knives.This clasp-knife now remains as a cultural artifact reminding Karbi tribal personality, skillful artisanship, and applied know-how in tool-making.