The Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri knife, while not an extremely expensive throwing knife, is still a high-end piece of equipment, and it’s at a higher price point. It comes in multiple variants, all varying in size and design. However, all of them function in almost exactly the same way, a testament to Magnum Bailey’s craft.

The Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri knife is an amazing throwing knife set that should be good enough not only for backyard knife throwers but also for competitions. It has an Amazon star rating of 4.6 out of 5, and the company has a trust pilot rating of 3 out of 5 stars (not bad for a knife company, but not great). The knife was designed with competitive throwing in mind and should be the ideal knife for most people apart from the price-sensitive knife enthusiast.

The design is fantastic, and I can see a lot of collectors going for it, but there are some drawbacks that kept it out of our beginner-throwing knife roundup.

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri First Impressions

Opening the box, you get the genuine leather sheath and the actual knife. First things first, the Bo-Kri has one of the best sheaths I have ever seen. Most leather sheaths are made of low-quality leather and feel cheap, but not this one. In fact, I think this is one of the best throwing knife holsters out there.

The knives are no slouch, either. I tested all three variants and found the Magnum Bailey Mini Bo-Kri Knife to be my favorite. Although it is a little small at 6 inches, I found the other two variants to be a little too large for my comfort (the standard Bo-Kri is 10 3/4 inches, and the Ziel set is 13 1/4 inches).

Still, the stainless steel construction is impeccable, and the varying blade lengths mean that there is something for everyone. The single-piece construction, coupled with the shiny finish, makes this one of the best-looking knives on the market, although I find the design on the Ziel set to be a little over the top.

How I Reviewed the Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Throwing Knife

I initially bought all three variants of the Bo-Kri throwing knife to do an individual review of each. However, after testing each of them for multiple days, I realized they are all pretty similar.

Of course, each of the individual knives handles quite differently, and the speed at which you can throw them differs due to the different weights. However, I found all of them to perform similarly in regard to their versatility and performance. And since the ergonomics of even the larger knives are equally as good in their category, reviewing them together makes more sense.

How the Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Knife Compares

Usable Straight Out of the Box

One of my chief complaints with some of the knives on the lower end has been that they require a few modifications in order to work properly. Whether that be a cord grip or sharpening the edge, it can a few minutes of work before they can be used properly. With the Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri, that is not a problem.

The knife functions perfectly straight out of the box, and it takes only a few minutes to get used to throwing the knife.

Quality Galore

The knife uses a mid-range 420J2 stainless steel, not the best quality but still more than good enough for a throwing knife. The great thing about 420J2 is that the finishing can be very aesthetically pleasing, making the knife stand out among its peers.

As for durability, none of the three sets broke during my testing. It is possible to break any throwing knife if you throw it improperly, so beginners, beware. However, anyone with a bit of knife-throwing experience should not have a problem with durability.

The Sheath Can be Used in Multiple Ways

The leather sheath is not only of the highest quality, but it is also very versatile. It comes with straps that allow you to attach it to your leg. Of course, it can also be attached to your belt like a normal sheath.

It is not possible to sing enough praises about the sheath. It makes buying the knife for the sheath alone a justifiable purchase.

The Handle Has a Sharp Edge

This was only a minor inconvenience, but still enough to be a problem. Also, this does not exist in the Ziel set but only in the standard and the mini variant. The handle has an edge sticking out of the corner, and it can be a hindrance when you are trying to grip the knife from the handle.

If you are someone that usually holds the knife from the blade, then it won’t be a major problem, but it is something to keep in mind.

Not a Beginner Friendly Knife

The steel used makes the knife a little bit on the hefty side. If you are not used to heavier knives, you can go for the mini variant. However, you can find a lot of other knives in the 6-inch range that is a lot more lightweight and will be great if you want to throw the knife a little bit faster.

On top of that, being accurate with this knife at long ranges can be a problem, once again, due to the heavier weight. Also, breaking this knife by throwing it incorrectly will be incredibly costly. As such, beginners may want to look for a better option.

Is Magnum Bailey a Good Knife Brand?

Magnum Bailey is a subbrand of the Boker company. Boker has a vast array of knives and similar equipment, some of which are good and some of which are bad.

Magnum Bailey, however, is a premium brand of the company. As such, its knives are usually of good quality. Magnum Bailey is a great choice if you are an intermediate knife thrower looking for a step up or an expert looking for a good knife to have fun with.

Common Alternatives

Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri vs Cold Steel Sure Flight

The Sure Flight throwing knife is a much cheaper knife and is prone to breaking easily. As such, it cannot compete with the Bo-Kri. Even if you are short on cash, there are better knives, such as the Smith & Wesson Bullseye.

The best thing would be for you to save up for the Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri, as it is more than worth it. Not to mention the leather sheath looks slick and draws attention like no other.

Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri vs Perfect Point PAK-712-12

The Perfect Point PAK-712-12 is a much better knife than the Sure Flight. As such, there is a case to be made for it over the Bo-Kri.

Since it is a lot cheaper, it is the better option if you are on a tight budget. On top of that, beginners would be much better suited to the Perfect Point, as it is a lot easier to learn. Overall, there is no doubt that the Magnum Bailey is the better knife, but you should pick between the two according to your needs.

Perfect Point is known for its cheap knives that manage to often outdo products by other brands that cost over twice as much. That was definitely the intention with the Perfect Point RC-1793B, although the company slightly missed its mark.

The Perfect Point RC-1793B has a star rating of 4.5 out of 5. While that is not bad for a throwing knife, a lot of the online reviews are skewed by people who want something cool and want to spend a few dollars. These are not great for actual throwing.

If you just want something to sit on a shelf and look cool, these are fine. If you want to actually throw them (at any skill level) these really don’t have the quality. If you like the brand, try the Perfect Point PAK-712-12 throwing knives instead.

So, where does this throwing knife from Perfect Point work, and where does it fall short?

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

Perfect Point RC-1793B First Impressions

Opening the three-piece throwing knife set, there are no surprises. Perfect Point has a lot of models in a similar price range, and the RC-1793B looks no different than most. The black blades do nothing to stand out particularly, and I have always found the monogram to be pointless (it takes away from the minimalist look and almost always wears off).

The black blades have an 8-inch overall length, which I quite like. If you have read any of my other reviews, you will know that I prefer knives between 8-10 inches, and this hits the spot. There is a laser cut-out to attach a rope to, although I have never done that. Lastly, the nylon sheath is almost exactly the same as in other similar models by Perfect Point: Not great, but definitely serviceable.

How I Reviewed the Perfect Point RC-1793B Throwing Knife

I tested the steel blades over the better part of the day. Normally, I like to test a set of throwing knives for at least three days, but as you will discover later, that was not possible with this set.

Still, I got to try the knives out using multiple throwing techniques and at various ranges. Then, I tried to compare the set with other knives at a similar price point to see how they perform.

How the Perfect Point RC-1793B Compares

Balanced Out of the Box

The knives work extremely well out of the box. You do not need to make any kind of modifications in order to get a balanced throw out of them. This is indeed rare at this price point, and it was nice to see a set that could perform so well without having to change anything.

This makes the RC-1793B a very beginner-friendly knife, and considering the size and the somewhat lightweight build, I would also recommend this knife for kids that are just beginning to get into the art of knife throwing.

Stable and Thick

The knives are designed with a thick blade edging (excuse the pun) towards a pointy end. This makes the knife ideal for long-range throws.

Of course, it cannot compete with knives made for competitions, but I found it to be better for long-range throws than any other knife that I have tested in this price bracket.

Value For Money

Considering the fact that you can actually use this knife for proper practice, this is as good of a deal as you are going to get. Although there are cheaper knife sets in the market, most of them are quite unusable.

At this price, while there are a couple of other throwing knives that you can consider, it is hard to find a better bargain, and Perfect Point has to be commended on that.

Lackluster Design

If you are looking for a knife that attracts attention and stands out, then you will have to look elsewhere.

The problem is not just that it is a standard black design but the fact that the finish used seems just like any other knife that you could think of.

Of course, I had the black version, but the set also comes in a silver finish. Although I have never personally seen it, it does look much better in pictures. Sadly, the spider monogram will almost certainly wear off over time if your hand rubs against it.

Terrible Durability

Remember when I said that I could only test the knives for a day? That was because they broke. Yes, all of them!

Durability is a common complaint with knives in this price range, and the RC-1793B is a perfect example of why it is always a good idea to spend a little bit more and go for a higher-end model.

Is Perfect Point a Good Knife Brand?

When it comes to really cheap knives, Perfect Point is my go-to brand. While there are better options available in the mid-range or value category, Perfect Point is the king of making ultra-affordable knives that punch way above their price bracket.

That said, you should always be wary of quality control and durability issues when purchasing cheap knives. The RC-1793B is a perfect example.

If you’re looking for something to get you started in the sport – we have a full list of the best beginner throwing knives. The budget Perfect Point models didn’t make the list.

Common Alternatives

Perfect Point RC-1793B vs Perfect Point PAK-712-12

Both of these knives suffer from durability issues. Whereas the RC-1793B usually breaks in the area between the blade and the handle, the PAK-712-12 has delicate tips that can break quite easily if thrown at a hard surface.

Overall, the knives perform quite similarly to one another. If you want a knife with a sharper tip, then going with the PAK-712-12 would be a great idea. However, it does require a few modifications before it can function properly.

The RC-1793B, on the other hand, functions well right out of the box. It is also an extremely well-balanced knife, something that cannot be said for the PAK-712-12.

Perfect Point RC-1793B vs Perfect Point RC-595-3

If you are looking for a really small knife that can be thrown at really fast speeds, then the RC-595-3 is one of the best budget options in the market. Overall, I found the model to be a lot better (and a lot more fun) than the RC-1793B, which makes no attempt to differentiate itself in any meaningful way.

Both of these knives are ideal for kids, but the small size of the RC-595-3 takes the cake. That said, if you are someone that has larger hands, you may find it extremely difficult to use it, and the RC-1793B would be a better option for you.

Lastly, while the RC-595-3 only functions well on soft targets, it is one of the most durable knives that you can find in its size (unless you are willing to spend a lot of money). As such, I would advise that most people go for the RC-595-3.

Gil Hibben is one of the main names in the knife-throwing industry. While there are other companies, such as Smith & Wesson and Cold Steel, that offer both cheap and higher-end knives, Gil Hibben is one of the few brands that almost exclusively focuses on high-end knives that are built with knife-throwing competitions in mind.

Gil Hibben is perhaps the only brand that does not make bad knives. Well, at least not that often. The good thing about going with Gil Hibben is that no matter which knife you choose, you will be able to get at least some value out of it. However, there are some models that are much better than others, either in terms of outright performance or in terms of value for money. 

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

• Overall best: Gil Hibben Tanto Thrower (see our full review here).
• Easiest to learn: Gil Hibben Original Thrower.
• Cheapest: Gil Hibben Gen. 2 (see the full review here).
• Intermediate/Expert Choice: Gil Hibben Competition (see the full review here).

Are Gil Hibben Knives Good?

In the world of knife throwers, Gil Hibben knives are considered to be some of the best. While you may think that they may be overrated, that is not true in this case. Gil Hibben truly does make some of the best knives in the world.

This does not mean that Gil Hibben is the de-facto best knife brand in the world. There are other brands that are equally good. Even some models by manufacturers that usually make cheaper knives are often on par with Gil Hibben knives. However, if you are looking for consistency, then Gil Hibben is the best option at your disposal.

Gil Hibben is also my personal favorite throwing knife brand. I love the mix of quality materials with excellent stainless steel construction. I am not much of a throwing knife competition guy, but I always use knives by Gil Hibben when I do go to a competition. While my job requires me to test knives of various types and by various different companies, I almost always revert to Gil Hibben when I just want to practice.

Overall, if you are wondering whether Gil Hibben is a good knife brand, then the answer is yes. Any of the four knives (and most of the other models by the company) will be a good purchase for a knife-throwing enthusiast or even someone who wants to learn the art of knife-throwing. However, do keep in mind that these knives are usually expensive. Unless you plan to get good use out of them, the investment may not be worth it.

Lastly, many of the knives come with a leather sheath. While the sheath feels extremely premium, it is often not of good quality. If you want a good sheath to complement your knives, then take a look at our list of the best throwing knife holsters. So, knowing this, let’s take a look at what the best Gil Hibben throwing knife is.

Best Gil Hibben Throwing Knives Overview

• Overall best: Gil Hibben Tanto Thrower (see our full review here).
• Easiest to learn: Gil Hibben Original Thrower.
• Cheapest: Gil Hibben Gen. 2 (see the full review here).
• Intermediate/Expert Choice: Gil Hibben Competition (see the full review here).

Gil Hibben Throwing Knife Choices

Overall Best: Gil Hibben Tanto Thrower

It was very difficult to pick between the Gil Hibben Tanto and Competition. Both of them are great knives. However, I picked the Tanto as it is slightly cheaper and it has a more orthodox shape. From all the knives that I have used from the brand, I would say the Tanto is a great choice for those that want an extremely well-rounded knife.

If you are interested in the Gil Hibben Tanto, take a look at our full review here.

A great thing about the Tanto is that it has a trigger grip with a really sharp edge. This means that you can use it both as a throwing knife and as a makeshift pocket knife. That said, the knife is clearly meant for throwing, and it shows instantly.

The model is extremely durable, and I have never had a Tanto break on me. On top of that, it works flawlessly for all styles and should be great for all people regardless of their hand size. However, do remember that this is not a great knife for kids due to its sharp edge. Also, there have been a few reports of the knife rusting.

Easy to Learn: Gil Hibben Original Thrower

It is quite obvious that Gil Hibben knives are designed for professional knife throwers. As such, most of them have a learning curve. However, if you are looking for an easier-to-learn knife from Gil Hibben, then the Original Thrower is a great choice for you.

The first thing to note here is that it is slightly smaller than other models by the brand at an 8-inch overall length. Just like most of the other knives in the lineup, it has a really sharp edge that also allows it to be used as a makeshift pocket knife. However, just like the Tanto, this does make the Original a safety hazard. To be honest, if you are looking to buy a throwing knife for your kids, I would recommend that you avoid Gil Hibben.

The knife comes with a genuine leather sheath and is a very basic knife that will do everything you want it to. Due to its sharp edge, sticking it into even a hard target won’t be a problem, despite its small size.

Lastly, it is one of the cheaper options on this list, so it won’t demand as much of an investment on your end if you want to introduce yourself to the brand. Still, the next model on our list is even cheaper.

Cheapest: Gil Hibben Gen. 2

While there are other knives by Gil Hibben that are slightly cheaper, the Gen. 2 is still one of the cheapest options on the market currently. That said, I have found it to be miles better than the other cheap Gil Hibben knives. Let’s be honest. When you buy Gil Hibben, you are buying it for the quality and the premium throwing experience. The cheaper knives fail to provide that, and I would advise that you don’t go for anything cheaper than the Gen. 2.

As for the knife itself, I found it to perform reasonably well. Despite being a small knife at an 8-inch overall length, I found it to be extremely durable. In fact, I think this may be the strongest knife that I have used of this size. It showed no marks or anything that signaled wear and tear, even after extended use.

Take a look at our full review of the Gil Hibben Gen. 2 if you want to try the brand out, without the higher price tag.

While the knife does offer Gil Hibben quality at a cheaper price, the one thing to note is that the knife fails to look like an expensive model from a premium brand. Also, it is not a perfectly balanced knife, as it tilts slightly toward the blade. This is a problem with a few models of Gil Hibben (even the expensive ones). The good news is that you quickly get used to it. However, if you switch between different throwing knives a lot, you may have trouble being accurate with the Gen.2.

Expert Choice: Gil Hibben Competition

If you are looking for a great knife that compromises on absolutely nothing, then the Gil Hibben Competition is the one for you. It is only slightly more expensive than the Tanto, but there is a discernable increase in performance.

Take a look at our full review of the Gil Hibben Competition.

The first thing you notice is that the knife’s shape is almost symmetrical. The handle looks like the blade, too, albeit without the edge. On top of that, there are a number of holes through the center of the body, both for having a lanyard pass through it and for reducing the weight (the knife is quite hefty).

The knife makes use of 420 steel, which is steel of the highest quality. As such, there is almost no chance of the knife breaking, at least if you only throw it in a proper manner. Just like most of the other models on this list, the edge is extremely sharp, but that does not take away from the fact that this knife can be used in any way you want.

The only thing to be aware of before you purchase the knife is that it is extremely large at an overall length of around 12 inches. However, this is a knife made for both the toughest conditions and tournaments of the highest caliber. As long as you can account for the knife being slightly imbalanced, you will have no problem being amazing with it.

Competition Throwing Knives Buying Guide

As most people that are looking to purchase a Gil Hibben knife are looking to take part in competitions, we thought we would go ahead and make a guide on how to select the right competition knife for you.

Remember that for the most part, competition throwing knives are simply meant to be really high-end throwing knives. As such, you should not compromise when trying to purchase such a knife.

Size and Weight

Remember that the competitions that you are trying to take part in may have certain requirements when it comes to size and weight. However, for the most part, you should be aiming to get a knife of a size that is right for you.

Personally, I find that I am more comfortable with smaller knives. As such, I usually end up using knives of around 8-10 inches. As for the weight, once again, go with something that makes you comfortable. Having a knife that is of a heavier weight may allow you to be more accurate, but you may have a harder time throwing it at longer distances.

Lighter knives, on the other hand, can be great for longer distances (especially if you are not someone of great strength), but they are often not as stable when traveling through the air.

Quality and Durability

I am sure there is no need for me to say this, but you should always go for the highest quality when picking a knife for competitions.

As for durability, you do not actually need a knife to be that durable for the competition. As long as it can survive the competition, you should be fine. However, due to the higher quality materials used, almost all of the throwing knives designed for competition are very durable too. This is great, as that means you can use these knives for practicing as much as you want.

All of the knives on this list are extremely durable, and you can’t go wrong with them. However, both the Tanto and the Competition make use of 420 steel, making them a cut above the rest in terms of quality.

Style and Shape

Throwing knives are often designed with slightly different shapes, and that is to make them more aerodynamic. Companies and their associated brands are always testing new shapes to see how they perform when thrown. The best example of this is the Competition, which is almost completely identical on both the handle and the blade side.

If you are going for a competition throwing knife, I would suggest that you stick to the major brands. This is even more true if you are an intermediate thrower just getting into throwing competitions. You may have trouble making sense of all the odd shapes and sizes, so going with something that is tried and tested is a good idea.

If possible, you should try to test a knife before you buy it to see how it handles. 30-60 minutes with a knife is enough to see if it sits well with your style of throwing. However, if that is not possible, I would recommend that you go with the Gil Hibben Competition. Of all the competition knives that I have used, I have found them to be the most well-rounded. The best thing is that while it is expensive, it does not break the bank like some of the other knives in the competition category.

I love Gil Hibben knives. It’s a premium brand that almost always delivers on quality. The United Cutlery GH2011 Gil Hibben Gen. 2 is a set of budget knives, well, budget for Gil Hibben. It tries to bring all the good stuff from Gil Hibben at a cheaper price point.

The United Cutlery GH2011 Gil Hibben Gen. 2 does a solid job at nailing the basics and may be one of the best entry-level competition knives out there.

This knife got an honorable mention in our best Gil Hibben throwing knives list purely because of the price point. For a budget choice, you could certainly do worse. If you’re trying to take knife throwing seriously, however, the brand has higher-quality knives.

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

United Cutlery GH2011 First Impressions

When you take the knife out of the box, you do not think they were special. The stainless steel seems pretty standard, and the single-piece construction looks quite similar to really cheap knives. There is a lanyard hole, and the 8-inch overall length makes it a compact and ergonomic knife in hand.

However, you realize upon further inspection that the knife has been conducted with quality materials, and the stainless steel blades do not feel like they will crack anytime soon.

Unlike many other models in the Gil Hibben range, this United Cutlery knife set does not come with a leather sheath. Instead, you get a nylon sheath that is well made but is nothing special compared to other knives at an entry-level price point. Some people (like myself) appreciate a solid quality throwing knife holster, but considering the price point, the nylon one will do the job.

How I Reviewed the Gil Hibben Gen. 2 Throwing Knife

I used the Gil Hibben Gen. 2 prior to the review, although I did not use it much as I prefer to use the Gil Hibben Tanto and a couple of other models from their range.

For this review, I tested the knife over the course of two days and tried to compare it to other knives in the price range. I also compared them to other knives by Gil Hibben that cost a lot more to see if the Gen. 2 can be a viable choice compared to them.

I’ll admit, I was pretty impressed by how they stood up, even when I was intentionally trying to throw them too hard. I’ve broken more expensive throwing knives with less effort.

How the Gil Hibben Gen. 2 Knife Compares

Amazing For Tough Use Cases

It’s well-known in the throwing knife world that the larger the knife, the more durable it is supposed to be. At an 8-inch overall length, the Gen.2 is one of the toughest knives I have used at this price.

The great thing about the knife is that it just doesn’t break, but also that it maintains its shape, and the blade does not need filing even after extensive use. As such, it is great for enthusiasts that want a knife that works out of the box and will not require a lot of maintenance.

Sturdy and Sturdier

For its size, the United Cutlery GH2011 Gil Hibben Gen. 2 feels quite heavy in hand but not so heavy as to cause discomfort or make it difficult to throw the knife at longer ranges.

I found it very easy to throw the knife at longer ranges. Due to its weight, it does not wobble at all and can achieve a stable flight. It’s well-balanced and manages to do it without giving up on the design.

Due to the heavier weight, the knife has no problem sticking into even the harder surfaces, and it would be ideal for people that like to go into the woods and throw knives at tree barks.

Gil Hibben Quality for Cheap

Most of the Gil Hibben models that I have used cost around twice as much as the United Cutlery GH2011 Gil Hibben Gen. 2. This makes it one of the cheapest premium knives that you can purchase.

Some beginner throwing knives I suggest are a little cheaper, but if you’re looking to up your throwing game with a more competitive knife… it’s hard to argue with this.

A Dime a Dozen Looks

Gil Hibben knives have a way of looking premium.

However, the United Cutlery GH2011 Gil Hibben Gen. 2 does not stand out in any way. If you were to show the United Cutlery knife set along with a set of standard stainless steel blades from Perfect Point, I doubt a novice would be able to tell which one is more expensive.

They don’t look bad. But they wouldn’t take a central place in my display cabinet.

Slightly Unbalanced

While this is not a huge problem, many online reviews reported the fact that the knives do not feel very balanced. After using the knives, I feel the same way. While this is not a huge problem and something that you can get used to very quickly, it is perhaps the biggest problem with this knife.

The biggest problem is that the knife handle itself is heavy. If it tilted towards the blade, you would be able to solve the problem with a simple cord grip. However, that is not a possibility here.

If this is your main thrower, it won’t matter. You’ll always get the knack for your knife but if you tend to swap through different blades, then this is worth keeping in mind.

Is United Cutlery a Good Knife Brand?

United Cutlery makes a wide variety of knives under different brand names. The Gil Hibben brand is one of the more high-end brands by the company, and it is one of the best knife brands that I have ever used.

Usually, a knife by Gil Hibben guarantees quality, and the GH2011 Gen. 2 is a great example. What’s great about this particular knife is that it offers most of what makes Gil Hibben great at a much lower price point than other knives by the brand.

Common Alternatives

Gil Hibben Gen. 2 vs Gil Hibben Tanto Thrower

The Tanto is one of the knives in the main Gil Hibben line, and it is a much better knife than the Gen.2. Of course, it costs a lot more as it is made of higher-quality steel and is ideal for both beginners and advanced users. However, there have been reports of the steel rusting over time, so that is something to be aware of.

If you are tight on budget, then the Gen. 2 still serves as a great option for its price. However, if budget is not a concern, then the Tanto is a much better option.

Trying not to be too biased here, as the Tanto is one of my personal favorites.

Gil Hibben Gen. 2 vs Gil Hibben Competition Throwing Knives

The Competition throwing knives by Gil Hibben are designed for competition (no surprise there) and are some of the best knives that you can purchase on the market. However, the knife is quite heavy and can be a bit difficult to use as it is slightly unbalanced (just like the Gen. 2).

Once again, those that do not have a budget for the Competition should go for the Gen. 2. However, if you are someone that is looking to participate in knife-throwing competitions or just looking for a great set of knives that will last you years, the Competition (or even the Tanto) is a great option.

The KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set is a set of medium-sized knives that falls into the high-end of the entry-level category. It also looks different than most of the other knives that I have tested. That definitely makes it an interesting product but nothing special in the grand scheme of things.

The KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set is a cheaper entry-level throwing knife but comes with even cheaper build construction. While it is not a bad knife, there are numerous other models that you can get at a cheaper price that perform equally well (or better).

If you’re just getting into the sport and looking for a knife like this, have a look at our beginner-throwing knife list. I think you can get better quality for this same price.

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

KA-BAR Throwing Knife First Impressions

Right away, I can tell you this. While you very rarely want to sharpen a throwing knife, I would suggest sharpening the tip on the KA-BAR. They seem to ship fairly blunt, and your stick rate will be a lot better with just a little sharpening.

The knife immediately stands out with both its black finish and the stainless steel construction. The KA-BAR skull logo glares at you from the very beginning, and it is placed at a point where it will not rub off following extended use (I am looking at you, Perfect Point).

The sheath is also of good quality, and it seems a little bit more sturdy and dependable than other knives in this price range. This is because it is made of Polyester as opposed to Nylon. However, most of the nylon sheaths that I see are still good enough to do the job, so it is not really a huge advantage.

The overall length is just shy of 10 inches, with the blade being 4 inches in length. There are a total of three holes on the handle, so you can tie a rope to carry the knife however you want. I am in love with the finish but not with the overall design.

It’s not the worst throwing knife we’ve ever looked at. But it’s not the best. The construction is fair but certainly not world-class.

How I Reviewed the KA-BAR Throwing Knife Throwing Knife Set

I used the same testing process that I usually use for throwing knives. I took the set out to my backyard and tested it over the course of three days.

The main comparison that I drew was against a few Perfect Point models in the same price bracket. I tested all the knives in a similar setting and at multiple ranges. I also tried the set using various techniques to ascertain if there were any glaring flaws or problems with durability. Here is what I found:

How the KA-BAR Throwing Knife Compares

Decent for All Styles

The KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set performs quite well, no matter what throwing techniques you use. I thought the three holes on the handle might make for some weird throwing, but it did not affect it at all.

However, I did find that the simpler you keep your throws, the better this knife performs. As such, this is an ideal knife for half-spin throws from short distances. It is still not a bad purchase for other styles, but beware that there are better knives out there for those.

A Versatile Sheath

The sheath is made of polyester instead of nylon. This is better, as polyester can be more durable and will last you longer.

What’s great about the sheath is that, coupled with the knife size (a little less than 10 inches), the sheath can be used for almost every single knife in your collection. Anything from 8 to 12 inches will be able to fit in the sheath, making it a great one-size-fits-all solution.

A Little Too Thick

While I did not measure exactly how thick the knife actually is, it does feel a little too unergonomic. The experience of holding it in your hands is a little different from almost any other knife that I have tested, and not in a good way.

As such, if you are someone with smaller hands, this knife may not be ideal for you. There are numerous other knives of a similar size that handle a lot better.

The Steel Used is Not of a Good Quality

The knife is made of 3Cr13 steel, which is a very common steel used in cheaper knives. It is made in China, and it is not of particularly good quality.

My experience with 3Cr13 has been quite terrible, and almost all of the knives that I have used have had durability issues. The KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set was no different, although it managed to hold up a little bit better than others. During testing, only one of the knives broke, and another one experienced a slight bending of the tips. This was at a harder target board, so using the knife on a softer board may solve this problem.

Is KA-BAR a Good Knife Brand?

This is the first KA-BAR knife that I have tested, and my experience has been a positive one overall. Going through the online reviews and the general sentiment that people have towards the brand, I would say KA-BAR is a decent budget brand.

I would not advise serious knife throwers that want to get better at the art of knife throwing to go for the brand, but those looking to get a decent knife without having to spend a lot should consider it.

Common Alternatives

KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set vs Perfect Point Thunder Bolt Throwing Knife Set

While the Perfect Point Thunder Bolt is only useful for soft targets, it is an incredibly fun throwing knife set that can be thrown at fast speeds. While it is a little small, I have found its quality to be much better than the KA-BAR set overall.

You get a similar set of small knives and a sheath so it’s a pretty good comparison around the same price point.

Unless you find the Thunder Bolt to be too small for you (it is 6 inches in size), you should go for it. It is much better in overall quality, and it is also a lot more durable. Lastly, it is a lot more fun, and that is what makes it perfect.

KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set vs Perfect Point PP-060-9 Throwing Knife Set

The Perfect Point PP-060-9 is another decent knife from Perfect Point, and I found it to be slightly better than the KA-BAR set reviewed here. Overall, both of the knives are quite similar in performance. What makes the PP-060-9 better is that it can also be used as a makeshift pocket knife due to its sharp edge.

If you only have money for a single set, I would advise that you go for the PP-060-9 or the Thunder Bolt if you are looking for a fun set to throw fast.

Learning to throw a knife is not that difficult. However, mastering the craft is, and would probably require, at least a few hundred hours to do so. That shouldn’t be daunting to a beginner, as learning is a part of the fun.

Pro Thrower Tip: One of the biggest bits of advice I could give when getting into throwing knives is to learn to enjoy the process. You’re not going to hit the bullseye every time. That’s okay!

This guide is a complete overview of what you need to know before you throw a knife, the correct technique, and how you can eventually perfect the art of knife throwing. Let’s begin by making sure that you have the correct knife.

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

Picking a Beginners Throwing Knife

I have seen some practice throwing knives on the market, but, for the most part, my general advice is to start with a good knife, to begin with. You might as well learn knife throwing with a comfortable weight and size, to begin with.

You do want to avoid some of the more fragile blades, however. Beginners are more likely to break their tips (especially while trying to find their throwing style), and that’s why we cover the best beginner throwing knives separately.

Going for the most premium and expensive knife is not always a good idea if you are a beginner. For one, many knives are designed with competitive throwing in mind. As such, they often have a learning curve that may make them difficult to pick up for a beginner.

Secondly, you are much more likely to break your knife as a beginner. It will miss the target regularly and come into contact with other services that may be a lot harder than your target board. As such, it will scuff and be damaged. While expensive knives do not break as easily as cheap ones, that is only true when they are not being used improperly. Since you won’t initially know what the proper manner is, purchasing them is a waste of money. Lastly, many quality knives can be had for a modest price.

How Does a Throwing Knife Differ From Other Knives

There are various kinds of knives, but a throwing knife is very specific. Please don’t start throwing your kitchen knife around. These are balanced knives that are designed to stick to a target.

Some of the best throwing knives won’t even cut a piece of paper.

Unlike a hunting knife or a survival knife, the knife blade on a throwing knife is not sharp apart from the tip. The edged blade allows you to stick the knife on any surface you want, but it also allows you to hold the knife from the handle.

Throwing knives also have a streamlined shape so that they move better during spin throws. On top of that, each knife is almost completely unique due to its different weight, shape, and size. This allows for a lot of variance in the experience.

What to Look For in a Beginner Knife

Part of this is personal preference and finding the knife that fits your style. Part of it is avoiding some of the low-quality knives that don’t throw straight. Here is a list of things to watch for when picking a knife for the first time.

• Decide whether you want a cord grip or a standard steel handle. If you have access to both, try them out and see which knife grip you like best. Avoid fancy grips that cost a lot. You can’t make use of them anyway.
• Decide whether you want to begin with lightweight or heavier knives. The best way to do this is to take a look at your physique and strength. People in their early teens or those that are of a lean build should opt for lighter knives.
• Make sure that you take all safety measures into account. Purchasing a mini first-aid kit along with your knife is a good idea.
• If possible, try to purchase two packs of three knives (a total of six). Chances are that some of your knives will break, so having extra cannot hurt.
• Opt for a balanced throwing knife in the beginning. You can switch to a handle-heavy knife or a blade-heavy knife after you have mastered the basics. A balanced knife will help you learn faster.

An Easy Recommendation: The Kershaw Ion

The Kershaw Ion is a great knife for beginners. While it is a little too lightweight, getting started on the Ion can allow novice knife throwers to pick up on all the nuances that exist in the sport. It is also reasonably cheap, allowing you to easily replace the knife if it breaks.

For something in a different style, you might also consider getting the Uzi throwing knife set.

Picking a Throwing Knife Target

This part deals with picking and setting up a throwing knife target. While you can use trees (and many do), they are not usually ideal targets. Many trees are simply too hard and have the potential to destroy or damage your knives. While I have personally tested knives against trees, and many professional knife throwers use trees for practice almost explicitly, it is best that you avoid them until you are an advanced knife thrower.

Planks are usually a great target. As long as they are of the appropriate thickness (at least 30mm, although more is always better), they work great as targets. Apart from that, something with soft wood like pine is also great for making a throwing knife target.

While you can make your own target, it is easier to purchase one if you have the money.

A Note on Safety

Make sure that no one is standing close to the target before you throw the knife. It is easy to make mistakes as a beginner, and throwing knives have the potential to seriously harm someone.

Moreover, indoor usage should always be done in a carpeted room. It is very easy for knives to bounce off surfaces and fly off the handle (so to speak). Also, make sure that no one is standing close to the wall where the knife is most likely to strike, as ricochet injuries can pack more of a punch than you’d expect.

A lot of venues (and competitions) ask for some sturdy footwear. You don’t need to wear a bulletproof vest – but don’t show up in sandals.

Please respect this side of things. Especially with beginners or a different style of throwing knives, it can be hard to judge the release properly, and you don’t want one of these knives going in your direction.

There’s an old saying with experienced knife throwers: a returning knife has no handle. Don’t try and catch a knife that bounces.

Knife Throwing Techniques

There are innumerable knife throwing techniques, each of them a variation of another in some way. Here, we will look at the three most common ones that are usually used as a basis for all others.

The Half-Spin

The half-spin throw is the easiest technique to learn. You grab the knife by the blade and throw it in a standard fashion. The half-spin throw is ideal for short distances. There are many variations of this, which we will not go into here.

The Full-Spin

The full-spin throw is not as easy as the half-spin, but it looks a lot cooler. You grab the knife by the handle, measure the distance to the target, and apply the appropriate force. A full-spin throw is a lot more accurate, but it’s not as fast as the half-spin.

The No-Spin

The “no-spin” technique is exactly what the name suggests. You hold the knife from the handle with your index finger on the side of the knife. The motion of the no-spin throw is quite similar to cocking and shooting a bow and arrow. Its biggest advantage is that the technique is quite similar no matter what the distance to the target.

How to Hold and Throw a Throwing Knife

So, now that you know what you have to do before you throw a knife let’s take a look at the process of throwing the knife itself.

Posture and Form

A proper stance helps set you up for the perfect throw. A relaxed body is a must for knife-throwing. If you are someone that caves in to pressure, it might be better to throw alone the first few times.

Some like to take one pace forward as they throw, while others prefer to start with their dominant front foot one step ahead. Slightly bend your left foot slightly and keep your shoulders square to the target.

You might need to practice a little to find the footing that works for you.

Stand up straight with one foot in front of the other. For the hand that you are going to throw with, the same foot is going to be upfront (for example, left-handers should have the left foot forward).

Most throwers will use their dominant hand as muscle memory forms a lot easier, but I do know at least one professional thrower who uses her non-dominant hand.

Avoiding Force (Biggest Mistake)

One of the biggest mistakes I see beginner throwers make is trying to use too much force.

If your knife doesn’t stick or bounces off the target wood, the problem is most likely that your knife is not landing properly on the tip. A more powerful throw adds more unpredictability (as well as a greater chance for injury or damage).

You can add more force later as you get a feel for the different techniques. A big part of learning how to throw a throwing knife is learning how not to throw it.

Stick to One Knife

I’ve been guilty of this in the past. There are a lot of fantastic-looking throwing knives out there, and many of us have an ever-growing collection. There’s nothing wrong with this.

But knife throwing is about repetition. Getting used to the weight, where the tip is and how your knife sticks to the target are important. It can be tempting to get into the sport and keep buying knives but you’ll progress much faster if you stick to just one.

The Three Grips

Remember that the way you hold the knife is the most important aspect of success. Eventually, you will be able to aim well enough. However, a bad grip will never allow you to throw perfectly and consistently.

Let’s look at the three most commonly used grips.

• Hammer Grip: Grip the knife the way you would a hammer. Place the handle on your palm and wrap your fingers around the knife with your thumb on top. Remember not to grip too tightly, as it will only lead to problems when releasing the throw.
• Pinch Grip: Here, the thumb rests on top of the blade on one side, with your fingers supporting the blade on the other. Make sure the handle is pointing outward (away from you) and the blunt end is facing toward your palm. The tip of the knife should be in line with the bottom of your thumb, with your thumb directed up the blade toward the handle.
• Slider Grip: This is one of the grips used when trying to perform no spin throws. Place the knife perpendicular to the palm of your hand, and place your thumb across the knife to hold it.
• The McEvoy Grip: This is a more specific type of grip and not one I’d tend to suggest beginner throwers start with, so let’s call it an honorable mention. Here, the thumb goes along the spine of the throwing knife.

How to Throw a Half-Spin

To perform a half-spin throw, hold the knife in a pinch grip, with the blade facing you and the handle pointing upwards. The ideal distance for a half spin is between five and seven feet for a beginner. Once you have properly lined up the knife with your target, bring your arm forward while twisting your wrist toward the direction of the spin.

The half spin, while the most accurate throw, cannot be used at longer distances due to lack of power. For that, the full spin is preferable.

How to Throw a Full-Spin

For a full-spin throw, stand around ten feet away from your target at the beginning. Here, a hammer grip is usually preferable. The blade should be facing upwards, with the handle facing you. Similar to the half-spin, bring your arm back behind your shoulder and then move it forward while twisting your wrist. Remember that when throwing from longer distances, you can also move your body forward along with your arm to inject more power into the throw.

It is also important to remember that the full-spin throw is a lot more advanced than the half-spin. As such, it will take you a lot more time to learn it properly. It is better to first master the half-spin before moving to the full-spin.

How to Throw a No-Spin

For the No-spin, you can use the slider grip. Place the knife in your palm like a hammer grip. This time, however, you will move your index finger to line up on the side of the knife. Then, pull the knife back (as if you are cocking an arrow on a bow). By the time you have pulled back completely, the blade should be pointing almost completely upward. Then, bring your arm forward and release, but don’t twist your wrist in the process. The no-spin throw can be performed at any distance and can be extremely accurate once you have mastered it.

Performing Advanced Throws

Advanced throws are usually either a variation of the throws already mentioned or utilize a higher number of spins. As you get better at throwing, you will begin to develop a knife-throwing ‘common sense that will allow you to gauge the right distance for the number of spins you are trying to perform. The technique itself will remain the same as a full spin throw, with the power and the arm motion varying.

If you find that you are unable to hit the target with the blade (the handle hits it instead), don’t try to change the force with which you throw. Instead, either try changing the movement of your wrist during the throwing motion or move one step forward or backward (depending on which throw you are trying to perform. For example, if you are aiming to perform a full spin and falling short, taking a step back to allow more room for rotation is a good idea).

Where to Practice Knife Throwing

Before I answer this, I should point out that your local laws might matter here. I can’t personally throw knives in a local park, but I can practice in my back yard. I know some practice on their own land or even indoors.

Realistically, with a large enough piece of wood to stop your knife from flying towards the wrong target or bouncing anywhere, knife throwing is relatively safe, but you do need to practice proper precautions.

Many axe-throwing venues will also have some throwing knives to practice with, although the staff often seem to be less knowledgeable and will push you towards axe-throwing instead. Depending on their insurance rules – they might let you bring your own equipment, but it can help to call ahead first.

Practicing For Competitions

If you are someone who plans to participate in throwing knife competitions, it is imperative that you only practice what you are going to need. Knowing a ton of styles and techniques will not win you any competitions, but mastering the few that you know will.

A good rule of thumb is to find the technique and the distance from the target your local competitions use and stick to these rules for your practice session.

Competitions generally only go up to two-spin throws. As such, trying to do anything beyond that should come under the leisure category instead of honing your craft for the next tournament.

Knife Throwing Distance

Hitting the target from a long distance is always fun. However, it will be a while before you can perform the accurate and powerful throws to do that. The standard distance for a single spin throw is around 10 feet, and that is where you should begin. The same distance also works for most other styles.

As you slowly become proficient in knife throwing and begin to understand how to perform advanced throws, you can move back and increase the throwing distance if you wish. Your goals of knife throwing should determine the distance you use. If you are hoping to participate in a competition, then the distance used by the competition should be the distance you use. If your aim is to be as good a thrower as possible, you can pretty much pick and choose the distance and technique to your liking.

A Lifetime to Master

No matter what throwing technique you choose, how many knives you buy or how much you enjoy the sport, there’s always more to learn.

A professional thrower is constantly practicing and once you tackle things like the bad form beginners often find themselves in – inconsistent throwing practice is the biggest issue you need to contend with.

Joining a local throwing group is a great way to learn from people with different experiences and styles and get entering competitions! You don’t need to be professional to go along and have some fun.

Finding the best throwing knife target board is almost as hard as finding the right knife itself. You might have seen videos of people just throwing knives at trees or wooden fences in their gardens, but if you really want to improve (and not hurt someone at the same time), you want to pay attention to the thickness, material and size of your target boards.

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

Overall best: BIGSHOT Wooden Axe Throwing Target.

Easiest to learn: Aimdor Archery Target Heavy Duty.

Cheapest: Perfect Point PP-075-3BK with Target Board.

While the ideal throwing knife target board may vary from person to person, certain characteristics can help you distinguish the good ones from the bad ones. Here, we have listed the three best throwing knife targets we personally like.

So, which throwing knife target board should you spring for? Let’s take a look!

Our Throwing Knife Target Board Recommendations

Remember that you do not have to look for a throwing knife target board online. If you want, you can create one yourself. While we will not cover how you can create your own target board in this guide, it is not a complicated process, and anyone that is good with their hands (i.e, all knife throwers) should be able to figure it out.

Personally, I am someone who makes his own target boards. Purchasing a target board online can be an expensive endeavor, especially if you want one that is not complete trash. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone should make their own board. We cover the advantages and disadvantages of a DIY board compared to a pre-made board later.

As many advantages as creating your own knife-throwing target board has, nothing can ever beat the convenience of ordering a board online and having it delivered to your door ready for use. As such, here are four boards that you can order that will be great, sorted according to their category.

• Overall best: BIGSHOT Wooden Axe Throwing Target.
• Easiest to learn: Aimdor Archery Target Heavy Duty.
• Cheapest: Perfect Point PP-075-3BK with Target Board.

Target Board Choices

Overall Best: BIGSHOT Wooden Axe Throwing Target

The thing is that most of the target boards that you see online are not really equipped to handle throwing knives of high quality. This is because when you purchase a board, you want it to last for a long time. Most of the boards using low-quality materials may be great for knife throwing for the first few weeks, but they will soon be in a condition that would render them useless.

This is not a problem that I have had with BIGSHOT boards. BIGSHOT is by far my favorite manufacturer of target boards, and the main reason for this is its durability. It is built to withstand throwing axes, which means that handling knives is not a problem for it.

The board itself is backed by 2×10 plywood, which is strong enough for you to use for a few months, but also soft enough for pretty much all of your knives to stick to the board. The company claims that they designed the board to handle all kinds of knives, hatchets, and axes, and I can confirm this as a fact.

The target board is not that large, but it is still more than large enough for you to practice at a range of 10 meters or so. Lastly, the board comes with a chain mechanism that allows you to easily hang it anywhere you want. One of the problems with chain mechanism boards is that they are not stable, but the BIGSHOT target erases this problem by being heavy enough to stay stable when hung.

Personally, I have been using my BIGSHOT board for over a year. Although I have a heavy-duty model (covered later) that I tend to use more often, I find the standard board to be good enough for most people. The heavy-duty board is great if you are planning to mostly throw axes, but it may make it difficult to stick some of the cheaper knives that are not as sharp (or lightweight knives that do not pack as much of a punch). As such, I think the standard board from BIGSHOT is the best choice for most people.

Easiest to Learn: Aimdor Archery Target Heavy Duty

The Aimdor Archery Target Heavy Duty is not designed with throwing knives in mind, but that does not mean that it cannot be used for the activity.

Before we dive into the details, remember not to take the “Heavy Duty” in the name for granted. This is a target board that can be considered heavy-duty if you are an archery enthusiast, but throwing knives hit a board much harder than an arrow. As such, you should not expect this board to last you as long as the BIGSHOT model above.

Still, it is a lot cheaper than BIGSHOT models, and it is more than serviceable for most beginners. Sticking even the cheapest knife is very easy, as the board is made of forage as opposed to wood.

However, one thing to remember is that the board is not durable enough. If you are someone that uses sharper throwing knives, then you will probably break the board in a few days. On top of that, there is a lot of debris that falls off the board due to the material being used.

While the Aimdor board may seem cheap compared to models from the BIGSHOT, remember that it will not last you nearly as long. As such, you would be saving money by going for the BIGSHOT models.

That said, this is a great board for kids that are using lightweight knives or beginners that need a board to practice on. One of the advantages of using forage as the target material is that it will be very difficult to break your knives, whereas the BIGSHOT model can easily break the cheaper throwing knives if they are thrown incorrectly.

Cheapest: Perfect Point PP-075-3BK with Target Board

Perfect Point is a household name when it comes to throwing knives, but it does not manufacture a lot of boards. That said, when the company does manufacture a board, you can be assured that it is was built with throwing knives in mind.

We have one such set here, and it is the cheapest board on the list. It may not be the cheapest board out there, but it comes with a set of three knives (and a protective nylon sheath).

The board is rather small, and I would not recommend using it for longer distances because the knives may hit the area around the board and get damaged. And if it wasn’t obvious considering the price, the board is not made of real wood. In fact, it is difficult to tell what the board is exactly made of, I am guessing some kind of laminated material, but I cannot be sure.

As for the board itself, it is just about sturdy enough to get the job done. The paint begins to wear off on the first day of use, but that is to be expected considering that it is pummelled with knives at a high speed. Still, if you are someone on a budget or a beginner that is looking to solve all their knife-throwing needs with a single purchase, I would recommend going for this set by Perfect Point.

Lastly, the knives provided in the package are not of good quality and will probably break within a few days of use. Still, it is better to have a set of subpar throwing knives than not have any throwing knives at all, right?

Expert Choice: BIGSHOT Heavy Duty Wooden Axe Target

If you are an experienced knife thrower looking for a new board to try your craft on, I would recommend the BIGSHOT Heavy Duty Wooden Axe Target. It is essentially the same board as the previous BIGSHOT item that I covered, but it uses wood of a slightly higher quality. It is thus more durable.

The Heavy Duty version of the BIGSHOT board is not that much more expensive than the standard model, so I would advise you to go for it if you can afford the slight price bump. Just like the other model, it was designed with throwing axes in mind. This means that as long as you use it only for throwing knives, it should last you for at least a few months (or even years) before you break it.

That said, it is important to remember that this uses the hardest material for the board than any of the items on this list. This means that unless you are using a knife of the appropriate sharpness, you may have trouble getting your equipment to stick to the target.

If you are someone that throws both knives and axes, then I would highly recommend that you go for this board. All the others on this list would not be able to withstand the constant abuse of having two sharp weapons hurled at them for hours per day (or for however long you decide to practice).

Just like the previous model, the Heavy Duty Wooden Axe Target uses stable wood slabs and is perfect for carrying with you. Overall, this is the best throwing knife target board that I have ever bought online. The only reason I would recommend the standard model for most people is because of its lower cost and the fact that most people would not be able to take advantage of the increased durability of the heavy-duty model.

Throwing Knife Target Buying Guide

If you can’t pick from our options (or you’ve found another we’ve not reviewed), there are some things you can look out for.

The Type of Wood

Ideally, we want a hardwood like a maple, oak or Poplar. Something heavy and sturdy enough to withstand a whole lot of knife throws.

A lot of cheaper target boards are made from plywood or cheaper materials that won’t really survive knives constantly hitting them. You don’t want a target that splinters quickly or warps.

We know that a target won’t last forever. But a cheaper target will fall apart far too quickly.

Choosing the Best Target for You

If you are restricted by your budget, then the choice is simple: Simply go for the best board that you can find that is within your price range. If you are a beginner, then you have the option between the Perfect Point and the Aimdor model. While I found the Aimdor to be better in almost every respect, it really is an extremely flimsy piece of equipment, and it is entirely possible that you will not be able to use it for more than a few days,

Types of Boards

Throwing knife target boards are usually made of wood. This is because wood is the only material that is hard enough to provide the durability required but yet soft enough that it can easily allow the knife to stick to it. Of course, you may see other boards being made of plastic, paper, or forage. However, remember that they will always have some kind of durability issues.

As such, unless you simply cannot afford to own a wooden target board, I would recommend that you stick with something like plywood.

Durability and Size

As stated previously, wooden boards are usually the most durable. The type of wood used can greatly affect durability. As such, plywood is always a safe bet as it is cheap (or at least relatively cheap) and of sufficient strength to withstand the force of throwing knives.

As for the size, it is best to go for as large a board as you can find. This is so that even if you miss the target, you can still at least hit the board. This will elongate the life of your knives and may also prevent damage to the surrounding environment (especially if you are throwing them indoors).

That said, if portability is a factor, then a smaller board may be better for you. To be honest, I found the BIGSHOT models to be a perfect blend of portability and size, and I would recommend you try them out.

DIY vs Premade

Still, remember that making your own board is a very inexpensive process. I can make a board that is of a higher quality than the BIGSHOT models listed above for about half the price once you count in the shipping costs. So, if you think you can handle the task of making your own target board, then you should go for it.

Lastly, remember that you may not need a target board, to begin with. If you want, you can go all Adam Celadin and head to the nearest woods (or just a random bunch of trees) and throw your knives at them. Contrary to popular belief, throwing knives will not damage the structural integrity of the wood. However, throwing axes might, and you may want to be a bit more careful with those.

Here, we have made a list of some of the best throwing knives for beginners. While all of the knives on our list are inexpensive, it does not mean that they are lacking in quality. Additionally, we also cover a few basic tips that beginners should be aware of when purchasing a knife set for themselves.

There’s not a lot much money in knife throwing, so IKTHOF is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links so we get a small advertising fee for any purchases.

• Overall best: Cold Steel Sure Flight
• Easiest to learn: Perfect Point RC-595-3 Thunder Bolt
• Cheapest: Whetstone Cutlery Throwing Knife Set
• Intermediate /expert choice: Uzi Throwing Knife Triple Set

So, which knives should you be looking to get as a beginner? Let’s take a look at my recommendations.

Avoid Cheap Knives

Remember that there are two types of knives at the lower end. Those that are made for display, and those that are made for throwing. The knives made for display look absolutely amazing, sometimes even better than premium models. However, they do not throw well. Not only will you have trouble hitting the target with them, but you will also break them easily. In fact, I had major trouble differentiating between the two when covering the best rainbow throwing knives.

Knives made for throwing, on the other hand, use stainless steel of slightly higher quality (although still one that is cheap). On top of that, they are usually designed to help you get accustomed to the basics of the art of knife throwing.

One way to differentiate between knives made for display and those made for throwing is that the ones made for throwing tend to cost slightly more. A top-quality knife may set you back a lot of money, but you can still find great deals at the lower end that should help you get started.

Best Beginner Throwing Knives Overview

Let’s take a look at four knives that any beginner should have no problem with. I have tried my best to rate them according to their skill levels, but remember that every single knife thrower (including you) has a unique style and instinct. As such, it is possible that your experience may be slightly different from mine. That said, any of the following knives should be great for someone just getting into knife throwing.

• Overall best: Cold Steel Sure Flight
• Easiest to learn: Perfect Point RC-595-3 Thunder Bolt
• Cheapest: Whetstone Cutlery Throwing Knife Set
• Intermediate /expert choice: Uzi Throwing Knife Triple Set

Throwing Knife Choices

Overall Best: Cold Steel Sure Flight

One of my favorite throwing knives. A solid choice to get you into the sport. You can find the knife on Amazon here or read the full IKTHOF review here.

To be honest, while it was obvious to me which four knives would make this list, deciding which one of them would be above the rest a notch was quite difficult. The main reason I think the Sure Flight by Cold Steel is the best is due to the fact that it is not only great for beginners, but also for intermediate throwers. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon, I don’t think a lot needs to be said about its quality.

The knife particularly excels in no spin throwing, but it is great for other techniques as well. The only drawback of using the Sure Flight is that it is a little prone to breaking. As such, you need to be careful with it. I would recommend that you use a soft target rather than a hard one.

Lastly, the belt sheath provided with the knife is also of good quality. Of course, you should not expect a leather sheath at this price point, but the nylon one does the job. There is no paracord-wrapped handle, but that did not seem to be a hindrance in my experience.

This is my usual suggestion when someone asks for a ‘good throwing knife’. It looks a little plain, but it’s probably the best throwing knife in terms of simple performance for the price. Most professional knife throwers have at least tried this model.

Durable enough for repeated throwing, balanced enough to actually practice with and the knife sticks surprisingly well to a target, even for beginners.

Easy to Learn (or for Kids): Perfect Point RC-595-3 Thunder Bolt

This small set is cheap and cheerful and a great way to get into the sport if you don’t want to take it too seriously. You can find the throwing knife set on Amazon here or read our full review here.

The Perfect Point RC-595-3 was the most difficult one to put on this list, and a star rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon only added to that problem. It is not a great knife by any stretch of the imagination, and there are far better alternatives in this price range. However, there is one thing that makes it extremely beginner-friendly: It is great for kids.

Everything from the small size to the RC-595-3 being a lightweight knife makes it perfect for children. Another advantage is that the edge is not that sharp, so it is not a safety hazard. Sadly, this does make using it on a hard target a problem. Apart from kids, teens and adults can also use this as their first knife, and the best part is that it is quite a bit durable considering its small size.

Lastly, this is also an incredibly fun piece of kit because you can throw it at blazing-fast speeds. Any knife with the name “Thunder Bolt” is designed to be thrown quickly, and the RC-595-3 by Perfect Point is no exception. Just one thing: If you are someone with really large hands (I mean really large), then you may find the knife to be too small for use.

The other advantage to a small knife throwing set like this (compared to a single throwing knife) is you can save a lot of time going back and forth to your target). You get a small set of three throwing knives and a sheath to hold them all together. A perfect start for beginner knife throwers who just want to get a taste of the sport before making a commitment to carbon steel or higher price knives.

Of course, these are not going to be of the same quality as cold steel throwing knives, and they’re probably going to break if you put too much force into the throw, but they’re stainless steel and pretty well balanced for the price.

Cheapest: Whetstone Cutlery Throwing Knife Set

For sheer bang for the buck, you can find these throwing knives here on Amazon. Or read our full review here.

When it comes to value for money, there is no better deal in the entire world of knife throwing than this set from Whetstone Cutlery. As I mentioned in our full review of the knife, you think the knife is appropriately priced when you look at its store page, but only when you see that it is for a set of twelve knives as opposed to three do you realize what a steal this really is.

Just like the Perfect Point above, it is a great knife for kids. Not only is the edge not that sharp, but the shape and the cord grip make it incredibly easy to grip and throw. However, the cord grip is of a color that makes you want to throw up, and the knives look ugly in general. Still, if you prefer quantity over quality, this is it! These are lighter knives compared to others, but that doesn’t mean that they are unusable, and that is all that matters at this price point.

There are only two things to be aware of before you purchase the Whetstone Cutlery Throwing Knife Set. The first is that the ringed pommel on top of the knife will make it problematic to perform no spin throws. If that is something that you plan on doing, then you should avoid this knife. The second is that these knives are quite feeble and break a lot. Still, at this price, who cares?

With a star rating on Amazon of 4.4 out of 5, I found the set to be a reasonable choice for those that are on an extremely tight budget. You even get a black nylon sheath (well, it isn’t technically a sheath, but a case with a belt loop).

Expert Choice: Uzi Throwing Knife Triple Set

It may seem ironic that we have an ‘Expert Choice’ knife in our best throwing knives for beginners guide, but hear me out. The Uzi Throwing Knife Triple Set is not only great for beginners but also for experts. On top of that, it is much more than a throwing knife. For all of this, you do not have to pay a lot more than you would for a barebones entry-level knife.

Take a look at our full review of the Uzi Throwing Knife Triple Set here.

Not only is the Uzi very easy to pick up, but it is one of the most durable knives that I have used in its price bracket. It is simply impossible to break when you are throwing properly. Even when thrown improperly, it can take quite a beating before it becomes unusable. As such, it may be the perfect knife for beginners that know absolutely nothing about knife throwing and will need a lot of time to learn everything properly.

On top of that, the knife is still a great purchase if you are an intermediate thrower. I won’t recommend taking it to competitions, but it is still more than serviceable for a few rounds of backyard throwing with your experienced knife-throwing friends.

Things that you need to watch out for with the Uzi Throwing Knife Triple Set include the fact that its all-black stainless steel construction finish may make it difficult to locate in a muddy field, so choose your practice arena accordingly. Lastly, the knife shows signs of aesthetic wear and tear after use, especially due to the monogram wearing off.

Honorable Mention: Smith and Wesson Throwing Knives for Beginners

You can find our Smith and Wesson pick here on Amazon or read our full review here.

A known name in household knives but… perhaps less so a classic throwing knives brand. Less popular for knife throwers than people tend to expect. You do get multiple throwing knives with most of their sets which are great for practice but… they’re just a little lacking in performance.

Overall, we have to say that the Smith and Wesson throwing knives are good enough to be the perfect knife for beginners. However, experienced throwers should look elsewhere unless they are looking for a cheap knife for backyard targets.

They’re a popular choice, but you’re probably not going to find a professional knife thrower using one in a competition. They’re better than some of the cheap throwing knife brands that are just trying to appeal based on the design – but the quality is lacking compared to some of the best throwing knives.

No Spin or Rotational Throwing for Beginners

While there is a lot of throwing knife techniques that you can master over time, they broadly fall into two major categories. The first one is rotational throwing, where the knife spins on its way to the target. It can be a half-spin, a full-spin, or more. However, beginners tend to stick to the full spin at most. Beyond that can be a bit tough to figure out when you are new.

The no-spin throwing technique is a bit more complicated relative to the half-spin, but still doable for a beginner. If you are someone who is interested in no-spin throwing, then you can use our best no spin throwing knives guide to purchase your second knife set (use this guide for your first).

Mostly, beginners tend to begin with the half-spin, and then transition to the other techniques. This is how you should begin as well.

Beginner Throwing Knife Buying Guide

Now that we have gone through some of the best throwing knives for beginners, here is how you can choose between them.

Choosing the Throwing Knife for You

If you are not restricted by your budget, I would suggest that you try all four of the models mentioned here. This way, you will be able to see which one is suited for your throwing style the best.

If you are, then there are three things that you need to worry about: The type, the length, and the weight.

Throwing Knife Type for Beginners

We will not get technical about the types here, as there is no reason for you to learn about them as a beginner. More importantly, the type of knife does not matter as much as some people would like you to believe.

Simply put, you need to make sure that the knife can perform all the throwing techniques that you plan to make use of. For example, a knife with a ringed pommel can be quite difficult (although not impossible) to use for the no-spin throwing technique.

Apart from the United Cutlery model mentioned above, all the throwing knives in this guide can be used for all of the throwing techniques.

Throwing Knife Length for Beginners

This is almost completely subjective. The most important factor to consider when deciding on the length of the knife is the size of your hands. If you are someone with larger hands, then the total length of your knife should be ten inches or above. If like me, you have small or average-sized hands, then knives of six to ten inches will be great.

If possible, I would recommend that you try out knives of various sizes before you purchase your first one. This way, you would have a pretty good idea of what to expect before you make your purchase.

Throwing Knife Weight for Beginners

The last thing that you need to consider before you make your purchase is the weight of the knife. The important thing to remember is that the lighter the knife, the faster it will throw. When I test knives that are extremely lightweight, I am usually quite surprised by how quickly I can throw them. Usually, I prefer to utilize heavier knives, as I find that I am more accurate with them.

However, this will depend on each individual thrower, and you should once again try out knives of various weights, if possible, to determine which ones you prefer. Even if you are someone that gravitates towards heavier knives, I would recommend that you at least try lighter knives at some point for the recreational value.

If you are someone who prefers lighter knives, then you will probably not find a lot of enjoyment in heavier knives. Sadly, in this case, most of the higher-end knives tend to have a hefty gravitational pull, so you will have to sacrifice some comfort if you want to enjoy premium-quality stainless steel construction.

Even the heavier blade for throwing is going to be lighter than your average knife.

Throwing Knife Sharpness

This is an area where a lot of knife throwing beginners make a mistake. Throwing knives, unlike traditional knives, do not need a sharpened blade. In fact, most quality throwing knives will have a sharpened point, but the rest of the knife will not have a sharpened edge.

You want a balanced knife designed to be thrown. You don’t need a sharp edge. Some will have a doubled-edged blade, while most will have a flat spine, but you should be able to run your finger along the blade itself.

Bonus: The Design

Most professional throwers tend to have a collection of different knives, and all of them will admit that sometimes the look and feel of a knife will matter. A cool-looking knife might not help you hit the bullseye, but that doesn’t mean you need to completely ignore how a knife looks.

Just be cautious here. There are a lot of affordable knives on the market that style themselves for throwing and look great, but the reality is they’re going to snap super quickly. Don’t get too much into the design that you forego quality design.

Epic Axe

Our #1 choice for Raleigh for either a casual day of fun or an experienced axe thrower for the competitive leagues and events. Not the biggest place but it has everything you need.

Price Range: $$

Address: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603

More reviews here.

Our taste buds led us down the delicious food hall when we stumbled across something a little more thrilling – Epic Axe! We roped in Alex as our instructor, who gifted us with his unparalleled knowledge and encouraging spirit. With one minor hiccup (no bodily harm involved), he had us hitting bullseyes like it was nothing! If you want an adventure that won’t leave a dent on your wallet, axe throwing is definitely worth trying out! – M

Stephen was an amazing coach – he showed us how to make our ace stick, no matter where we were throwing it! But that wasn’t all; when we visited the front desk and encountered Kaleb, who treated us with a warm smile. It’s something special in this day-and-age to find people still capable of manners like his — definitely worth coming back for more! – A

Crazy Axe

Pretty bog standard but has everything you need really.

Price Range: $$

Address: 3141 Capital Blvd Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27604

More reviews here.

Grab your axes and get ready for a competition! Nine of us gathered together over food (my favorite part) to have some good ol’ fashioned axe-throwing fun. No fear, there were safety coaches on each lane who showed our group the ropes so we could throw with confidence. After an hour spent perfecting our throws – friendly rivalry included – it nearly felt like pros had landed in town… though if you’re gunning for glory, more than one lane may be necessary. All that’s left is to challenge some friends because yes, I’d definitely come back again! – T

On a date night, my wife and I decided to take an axe-throwing lesson. We had Will as our coach – let’s just say he was A+ with his humor (and throwing)! Our experience was so awesome that we actually came back AND bought some axes! Seriously can’t get enough of this place; Kelly is the best instructor around town! – T

Crazy Axe

They have two locations and both are pretty much the same.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1531 Garner Station Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603

More reviews here.

Looking for a place to take the kiddos where they can have plenty of fun? Look no further! This super-fun spot had our son and his friends laughing with glee during his birthday party – not only due to its awesome atmosphere, but also because it offers good prices. But what we love most is that amazing staff: their enthusiasm made us feel like family immediately after stepping foot in the door. If you’re considering this destination… just do yourself a favor and go already!! – D

Our team building event was an absolute blast, thanks to the coaching prowess of Kari and Rachel! Even though we were a bunch of beginners, these pros ensured that everyone had fun while also providing world-class service. – M

Flying Timber Axe Throwing

One of the more modern venues, Flying Timber combined some unique technology to make things a little more fun. Plus they do something that more axe throwing venues should include and that’s allowing you to throw more than just axes. From throwing knives to ninja stars.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1507 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102

More reviews here.

Want a thrill like no other? Visit this awesome spot and fling an axe or two! Whether you’re trying to stick the bullseye—or just stay safe while getting your three-drink limit—the helpful staff will give you all the tips needed for optimal fun. Plus, be sure to pick up something special from their range of beers and souvenirs as a reminder that throwing axes is totally normal behavior! – D

We had a blast! We played all sorts of target games: tic tac toe, connect 4 and even zombie slaying. Our instructor was outstanding and the server couldn’t have been better – plus that cashier at register made us feel like royalty! It was definitely an awesome night to remember with my honeybee… or our friends when we brought them along too; they seemed to be having just as much fun. Big thanks for this amazing place you got here – top-notch service is what makes it special! – J

Craft Axe Throwing- Omaha

Plenty of throwing lanes and a good bar. The axe selection isn’t my favorite here but they include some fun events like zombie nights. Craft Axe Throwing also included knife throwing too (always a bonus here on IKTHOF).

This one would be my pick if you want to take your axe throwing seriously as they have WATL leagues and standard targets.

Price Range: $$

Address: 2562 Leavenworth St #100, Omaha, NE 68105

More reviews here.

Get ready to have the time of your life! Book ahead on line and prepare yourself for all kinds of fun options, like becoming a ninja master at throwing stars or trying out some impressive archery skills. Don’t forget to grab drinks while you’re there – nothing makes corn hole more competitive than when it’s fueled by refreshments. They explain everything well so don’t worry about not understanding what’s going on, plus they’ve got awesome photo ops and wall messages waiting for you too. Just make sure those toes are covered ;). – A

We hit the birthday jackpot! My dad’s 61st celebration was nothing short of amazing. The staff really pulled out all the stops for this one, donning my old man with a party hat and beads – what more could you ask for? They even hooked him up by letting him throw axes totally free of charge- talk about generous! Needless to say, we’ll be back soon as it was such an awesome atmosphere. Hats off (or maybe secretly on?) to these incredible folks at our fave axe throwing spot! – M

Axe Games | Axe Throwing

Not a whole lot to say for this one. Tailored more for the activity day out and while it lacks some of the features of the other two it does have indoor archery as well which is kind of fun.

Price Range: $$

Address: 11106 Q St, Omaha, NE 68137

More reviews here.

Six brave souls ventured in last night on a mission to hit the bullseye and they were not disappointed! Thanks to some friendly advice from helpful staff members, all six emerged triumphant with their prize. It was a cleanly entertaining evening for everyone involved. – A

We had an awesome evening with the team at Archery & Axe Games where our instructors cheered us on and helped make sure we perfected our aim! They even opened up after hours for us, so it was almost like their way of saying ‘Thanks!’ We definitely won’t forget this fun first time experience – hats off to Archery & Axe Games. – K