Throwing Knives – Knife & Axe Throwing https://ikthof.com International Knife & Axe Throwers Hall of Fame Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:41:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://ikthof.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-IKTHOF-1-32x32.png Throwing Knives – Knife & Axe Throwing https://ikthof.com 32 32 Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Throwing Knife Review and Alternatives https://ikthof.com/magnum-bailey-bo-kri-throwing-knife-review-and-alternatives/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:41:41 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=374

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

Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri KnifeOpening 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

Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Throwing Knife SetOne 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

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.

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Perfect Point RC-1793B Throwing Knife Review (And Better Alternatives) https://ikthof.com/perfect-point-rc-1793b-throwing-knife/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:27:20 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=379

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

Perfect Point RC-1793B Throwing Knife SetOpening 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.

Perfect Point RC-1793BStill, 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

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.

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Best Gil Hibben Throwing Knife (Professional Opinion) https://ikthof.com/best-gil-hibben-throwing-knife/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 12:56:57 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=381

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.

Are Gil Hibben Knives Good?

Gil Hibben Competition Throwing KnifeIn 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

Gil Hibben Throwing Knife Choices

Overall Best: Gil Hibben Tanto Thrower

Gil Hibben Tanto ReviewIt 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

United Cutlery Gil Hibben Knife SetWhile 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

Gil Hibben Competition Throwing KnivesRemember 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.

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United Cutlery Gil Hibben Gen. 2 Review and Alternatives https://ikthof.com/united-cutlery-gh2011-gil-hibben-gen-2/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 12:32:20 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=376

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

United Cutlery Gil Hibben Throwing KnifeWhen 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 holsterbut considering the price point, the nylon one will do the job.

How I Reviewed the Gil Hibben Gen. 2 Throwing Knife

United Cutlery Gil Hibben Knife SetI 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

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.

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KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set Review (And Better Alternatives) https://ikthof.com/ka-bar-throwing-knife-set/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:51:26 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=384

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

KA-BAR Throwing Knife BoxRight 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

KA-BAR vs Perfect Point PP-060-9

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.

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The 3 Best Throwing Knife Target Boards https://ikthof.com/best-throwing-knife-target-board/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:00:37 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=372

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.

Target Board Choices

Overall Best: BIGSHOT Wooden Axe Throwing Target

BIGSHOT Wooden Knife Throwing TargetThe 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

Aimdor Knife Target Heavy DutyThe 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


Usually, I do not use premade boards. This is because I do not find it that difficult to source local wood and make a target of my own. That said, I understand this may not be for everyone. If you are someone that would not like to go through the process of acquiring wood, cutting and shaping it to your liking, and joining the layers together, then a premade board would be better for you.

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.

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Best Throwing Knives for Beginners to The Discipline https://ikthof.com/best-throwing-knives-for-beginners/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:56:08 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=370 When it comes to the best throwing knives for beginners, the metrics that gauge whether a knife is good or not are very different. For example, we may rate a knife (such as a model by Gil Hibben) as absolutely amazing in every way, but it may not be the correct knife for a beginner due to its price, learning curve, and other intricacies.

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.

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.

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.

Cold Steel Sure Flight Sport

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

Perfect Point RC-595-3 Throwing Knife

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

Whetstone Cutlery Throwing Knives

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

uzi throwing knives

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

Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwing Knife Holster

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.

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Best Folding Throwing Knife https://ikthof.com/best-folding-throwing-knife/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:14:29 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=361

Folding knives are not traditionally known as throwing knives. For one, a throwing knife is supposed to be a single slab of metal built in a streamlined shape, and even the best folding throwing knives have trouble addressing that problem. Secondly, while there are some throwing knives that have plastic handles, we have recommended in the past that you remove those handles and use the knife without them (or replace it with a cord grip).

Knife throwing depends as much on the knife as they do on the thrower. In fact, even a professional knife thrower will have trouble throwing a pocket knife, as the pocket knife comes under the section of utility knives as opposed to sport knives. Our list of best folding throwing knives should help address that.

So, while we won’t recommend that you throw a folding knife, it is still possible for you to do so. As such, I have gone ahead and listed some of my favorite folding knives that I have found to be adequate for throwing.

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.

Our Folding Throwing Knife Recommendations

Remember that before you purchase one of these knives, they are never going to be as great as dedicated throwing knives. For example, when we covered the best no spin throwing knives, those knives included everything from a well-rounded option to a serviceable no-spin throwing knife that you could get for the lowest price.

Here, these knives are going to be at best adequate for throwing. Still, if you have a penchant for folding knives and you would like to be able to throw them too, the following models should get the job done.

Here are four folding knives that you can use as throwers:

  • Overall Best: 556 Benchmade Pardue Mini-Griptilian
  • Easiest to learn: Spyderco Endura 4
  • Cheapest: SOG Flash II
  • Intermediate / Expert Choice: Spyderco Tenacious

Folding Throwing Knife Choices

Overall Best: 556 Benchmade Pardue Mini-Griptilian

556 Benchmade Pardue Mini-Griptilian folding throwing knife

There are two reasons why I think the Pardue Mini-Griptilian is the best folding throwing knife overall. For one, it is a great folding knife. And second, it is very durable.

Benchmade Griptilian series knives come with a limited lifetime warranty, although I doubt using the knife as a thrower would still allow you to claim it. More importantly, the knife was designed by Mel Pardue, a household name in the knifemaking industry known for making his own steel by hand. While I still won’t rate him in the same category as Gil Hibben, he is not that far behind.

WIth a glass-reinforced nylon handle, the Mini-Griptilian comes with an axis lock, allowing it to fold and unfold with ease. As for throwing, it managed to survive a day of rigorous testing, and that alone warrants it a special place in the world of folding throwing knives.

With a rating on Amazon of 4.6 out of 5 stars, I found the Mini-Griptilian to be the only knife that allowed me to perform somewhat close to how I do with standard throwing knives. However, it was almost impossible to hit the target at longer distances.

Still, if you want a utility knife that can also be hurled at targets from short distances, the 556 Benchmade  Pardue Mini-Griptilian is my recommendation.

Easy to Learn: Spyderco Endura 4

Spyderco Endura 4 folding throwing knife

Spyderco Endura 4 is the folding knife that I found the easiest to get accustomed to (while throwing). This is mainly because it has a longer handle than usual, giving you more control when throwing it. However, that can also be a problem when trying to perform advanced throwing techniques (such as those with multiple spins).

On top of that, while it is easy to pick up the knife, it is also easy to break it. I had to stop my testing a little bit early as the handle and the blade snapped in two.

The overall rating for this knife on Amazon is 4.7 out of 5, a testament to its quality as a folding knife. As such, I would suggest that if you are someone that only occasionally wants to throw their folding knife, you should get the Spyderco Endura 4.

Cheapest: SOG Flash II

SOG Flash II foldable throwing knife

I won’t say that the Flash II is the ideal option for a throwing knife. The main reason for that is that it is simply too lightweight for you to be very accurate. Still, it is durable enough to get the job done. Pretty much all of the other knives I found in this price range broke within the first few minutes of testing. This one lasted for almost two hours before snapping.

It may not be the best knife in the market, but this is the most affordable. It can be considered a good folding throwing knife option if you are on an extremely tight budget.

Expert Choice: Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife

Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife

I found the G10 laminate handle on the Syperco Tenacious to be very fun for throwing. It makes the knife extremely easy to grip and allowed me to practice all the throwing techniques with ease. Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge is a very durable folding throwing knife with a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon.

While it uses the 8CR13MOV stainless steel (known for being low-end), the Tenacious is perfect for throwing in terms of weight, and it didn’t break even after a full day of testing. If this was a single slab of steel, I get the feeling that it would be one of my favorite throwing knives.

Choosing a Folding Throwing Knife (Beyond Looks)

Since folding knives are not meant to be thrown, you need to be extra careful when purchasing them with the intention of throwing them. Here are some of the things that you need to be on the lookout for.

Size and Weight

Size is very essential when buying a folding throwing knife since how you will throw the knife also depends on the size of the knife. To be honest, the size is a personal preference, and you should purchase one that feels right in the hand. If you have knives laying around, then you will know what you prefer and what you don’t. I usually prefer smaller knives when it comes to throwing knives, and I found that this preference still existed when picking folding knives.

For the weight, I usually found folding knives between 4-5 ounces to be perfect for throwing. Still, once again, this is a personal preference, and you should test various knives to form your own conclusion.

Quality & Durability

Folding knives break very easily when thrown. They usually snap in the area that connects the blade to the handle. As such, durability should be your first priority when considering which knife you should purchase.

As you will have read above, two of the knives we recommend still broke under testing. Even the two that didn’t will probably break if I use them for a little while. As such, make sure that you get the most durable option available (if you can afford it), and be prepared to replace it as it will still probably break at some point.

Style and Shape

Having tested an assortment of knives, I found the four choices mentioned above to be streamlined enough to be thrown accurately (although to varying degrees).

Overall, the things you need to watch out for are whether or not the knife has a shape that would allow it to travel through the air and spin, and whether or not the knife has a tip sharp enough to make it stick to the target.

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Best Throwing Knife Holster https://ikthof.com/best-throwing-knife-holster/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:55:48 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=349

Throwing knives are not that complex a piece of equipment. However, as a reviewer who has tested hundreds of throwing knives, I can guarantee that getting the basics right is a lot harder than it seems. The times I have seen really great knives fall short of being perfect due to one fatal flaw, well, let’s just say they are too many to count. One such area where knife makers often mess up is the included holster, and finding the best throwing knife holster can be a difficult task.

There are a total of four types of throwing knife holsters. They include belt-loop, shoulder, leg strap, and wrist. It is rare to find standalone holsters, and you usually need to purchase a knife along with them. That said, there are a few knives out there with amazing holsters, and I have gone ahead and made a list of some of the best throwing knife holsters you can purchase.

Remember that while finding standalone holsters is difficult, it is still possible for you to use a holster that came with one set of knives on another set of knives (as long as they are of the same size). So, what are some of the best holsters you can use for your throwing knives? Let’s figure it out!

Note: Throwing knife holsters and sheaths are the same things. The terms are used interchangeably in the guide.

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.

Our Throwing Knife Holster Recommendations

Most cheap knives come with a nylon sheath. Nylon is a great material for a holster as it is easy and cheap to manufacture yet durable enough for the sharp blades to not pierce the material. Some of the more expensive knives may include a leather sheath for a premium feel. However, in my experience, even some of the most premium knives often use low-quality leather, and the sheath usually tears after use.

Also, remember that some of the really low-end knives (I mean the cheapest that you can get) do not come with a sheath. Similarly, if you are purchasing a single knife as opposed to a set, chances are that you will not get a sheath.

The sheath is not only used for transportation, but also as a place from where you can quickly draw the knife, take aim, and throw. Being able to hit the target consistently while throwing the knives at a rapid pace is one of the hallmarks of expert knife throwing.

Here, we have listed four sets of knives that come with a great holster. Remember that this is not a review of the knife. If you want a quality knife, there are numerous reviews on our website that you can view (or you can ask an expert knife thrower that you know). Here, we will only be reviewing the sheath.

  • Overall best: Snake Eye Tactical Throwing Knife Set 6 inch
  • Best Shoulder Holster: United Cutlery UC2904 Lightning Bolt
  • Cheapest: Smith & Wesson Bullseye
  • Intermediate /expert choice: Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Knife

Throwing Knife Holster Choices

Overall Best: Snake Eye Tactical Throwing Knife Set 6 inch

Snake Eye Tactical Throwing Knife Holster

I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t a 6-inch holster not feasible. After all, most throwing knives are eight inches or more. Yes, you would be right, except this is the most comfortable leg strap holster that I have ever used for its price.

Also, the holster is designed in such a way that you can easily fit 8-inch knives in it. Personally, my favorite size for a throwing knife is 8 inches, and I have no problem using it for all the knives in my collection.

Of course, if you are someone who is accustomed to knives of larger sizes, then this holster isn’t for you. In my experience, I have found that larger sizes work well with shoulder or belt holsters. Having such a large sheath on your leg can be a hindrance to the throwing experience.

As for the sheath itself, I found no problems with comfort or with the sheath staying in place. The knives that come with the sheath are nothing special, but you can easily replace them with something that you like. Sadly, heavier knives would not work well with the sheath, so make sure that the knives you place in the sheath are low in their individual weight.

Throwing Knife Shoulder Holster: United Cutlery UC2904 Lightning Bolt

Throwing Knife Shoulder Holster

To be honest, I had a lot of trouble deciding between the UC2094 Lightning Bolt sheath and the Snake Eye sheath for the best overall choice. What tipped the scales in the Snake Eye’s favor was not the features or the quality, but the price.

If you can afford the knife set, then this is one of the best sheaths available on the market. It is not made of nylon or leather, but ABS plastic. This means that sharp edges and heavier knives should have no problem fitting in, and won’t cause you even the slightest discomfort. The ABS plastic is held to the shoulder through nylon straps, which are more than sufficient.

The best thing about the knife set is that the knives themselves are also of decent quality. If you want a lighter knife that you can throw at breakneck speeds, then you can kill two birds with one knife if you purchase this set. With a beautiful stainless steel construction and multiple lanyard holes, the knives are great fun even if you do not usually use smaller knives.

The only negative, once again, is that the sheath is of a smaller size. It houses knives with an overall length of 5.5 inches, and unlike the Snake Eye, it cannot house knives any larger than six inches. As such, if you are someone that is used to larger knives, the next sheath on our list may be perfect for you.

Cheapest: Smith & Wesson Bullseye

Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwing Knife Holster

When I reviewed the Smith & Wesson Bullseye, I mentioned that it is one of the best budget knives that you can purchase due to its performance and durability. The sheath that comes with the set is just as good when it comes to value for money.

Black nylon sheaths are a dime a dozen, and it can be very difficult to differentiate between them. However, the nylon belt sheath that comes with the Bullseye feels better in the hand and instantly feels a lot more durable than others in a similar price range.

What’s more, since the Bullseye comes in both an 8-inch and a 10-inch size, you will be able to get a sheath that is perfect for your needs. Just like the Snake Eye, you can use the sheath for a larger-sized knife, although it feels a little more uncomfortable around your waist. I tried using the sheath with a set of 12-inch throwers, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was more than serviceable.

I know that there are knives out there that are around half the price of the Bullseye and still come with a nylon belt sheath. However, I have found most of those sheaths (and the knives) to be of extremely low quality. When it comes to affordable knives, the Bullseye has to be one of the best options on the market.

Expert Choice: Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Knife

Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri Knife Holster

The Magnum Bailey Bo-Kri knife is a great choice for people that are serious about knife throwing and want a holster that shows it. For one, the holster is made of leather, and while I won’t say the leather is of the same quality as the one on my watch strap, it is still more than serviceable.

The knives themselves are designed with competition in mind, and meet the requirements for throwing clubs. As for the sheath, it is pretty standard apart from the fact that the leather finishing (unique on every knife as it is made of leather) makes it appear and feel a lot more premium.

The sheath attaches to your belt. In the beginning, I found it to be a little tight and drawing the knives to be a bit troublesome. However, with enough use, the leather loosened and using the sheath was a breeze after that.

You can get the knife and the sheath in two sizes. The standard size is almost 11 inches, and should not have a lot of trouble accommodating 12-inch knives either. The mini knife, on the other hand, is 6 inches and a lot lighter. Both of them are of equal quality, and there are multiple variants in both sizes that have additional features.

Choosing a Throwing Knife Holster

Now that you know what the four best knife holsters are, how do you choose between them? Well, you have two choices. The first one is to go for the best option by Magnum Bailey. However, that can be quite expensive, especially if you go for one of the better variants. On top of that, the sheath can only hold three knives, which might be a problem for people who like to throw a lot of knives without picking them up.

As such, you can use the following guide to select the knife holster that is right for you.

Size and Weight

The weight of the sheath is irrelevant, as all of them are extremely lightweight. However, the size of the knife is one of the most important things when it comes to picking a sheath.

Since your sheath is going to come with a set of knives that will fit perfectly into it, you will get some use out of it at the very least. However, if you want to use the sheath with other knives, then you should take a look at all the knives that you have and see which size you prefer to use the most.

Personally, as someone that prefers to use 8-inch knives, I have multiple sheaths lying around that can fit anything from 6-inch knives to 10-inch knives. Whether or not the sheath can fit knives of sizes that are slightly bigger or smaller will depend on the shape and the style of the sheath.

Quality & Durability

This one is easy. Durability is one of the most important aspects of picking a throwing knife holster. There is no point in spending your hard-earned money and purchasing a sheath that falls apart within a few weeks. Luckily, while cheap throwing knives are often susceptible to breaking, this is not true for the sheaths.

Remember that if you do not have a lot of money to spend, it is best to go for sheaths made up of nylon. Leather sheaths at a lower price point are almost always of poor quality. They don’t use real leather, and even regular knives can cause wear and tear with ease. Nylon, on the other hand, is cheap but strong, allowing you to both protect your knives and your body from coming into contact with the blade.

If you have a bit more money, then you can go for better material. ABS plastic and leather can both be good choices if you understand their uses. From a utility standpoint, ABS plastic is much better, as it is more durable and will last longer as a result. Leather, on the other hand, feels a lot more premium and will look very good strapped to your belt.

Style and Shape

There are a total of four different styles of knife holsters. The belt loop sheath is the most common, and it attaches to your belt. However, if you are someone who does not normally wear belts, then you can opt for another style.

The leg strap sheath will be strapped to your thigh. This can be a little uncomfortable if you use knives of a larger size, but it also allows you to easily hold up to 6 knives, whereas you may have trouble doing that if the sheath was on your shoulder or belt.

Shoulder sheaths usually use nylon straps to attach to your upper body. Drawing out knives from this type of sheath is very easy. However, attaching and removing the sheath from your body can be a cumbersome process. Also, although this is just my personal opinion, I think people look very dorky with a shoulder sheath.

The last type of sheath is the wrist sheath. Unless you are someone with gigantic arms, it can be difficult to throw knives and move around comfortably with a wrist sheath of a large size. I have very rarely seen wrist sheaths that house knives longer than 6 inches. In general, wrist sheaths are the least common type of sheath, and with good reason. They are uncomfortable and they get in the way. As such, I would recommend that you avoid them.

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Best Rainbow Throwing Knife https://ikthof.com/best-rainbow-throwing-knife/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:41:52 +0000 https://ikthof.com/?p=342

We’ve tried to look at both style and actual use for our rundown of the best rainbow throwing knife.

Let’s face it, throwing knives are fantastic. However, you know what’s more awesome? A knife that looks beautiful when in motion before it sticks dead center to the target. Okay, rainbow knives are a bit controversial, with purists arguing that they do not add any value to the art of knife throwing. Still, they can be incredibly fun to use, and they are exactly like your average throwing knife (except they have a colorful pattern).

Here, we have a list containing some of the best rainbow throwing knives that you can use. To be clear, we are not ranking the knives based on the patterns but rather on their utility. As long as the knife has a colorful pattern of some kind and functions better than others as a throwing knife, it will be on the list.

So, regardless of whether you are a beginner looking to impress your friends or a pro looking for a way to have fun, you must be wondering what are some of the best throwing knives that you can use if you clicked on this post. Without further ado, Let’s find out!

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.

Our Rainbow Throwing Knife Recommendations

Before we tell you about the best rainbow throwing knives, remember that your first priority must be that the knife that you are purchasing is a functional throwing knife. If you base your decisions only on the pattern or the color, then you may have trouble using it.

There is no point in having a knife that looks good but can never hit the target. Even worse, the chances are that a low-quality knife will break quite easily. When I tested knives for this list, I was absolutely shocked to discover that most of the rainbow knives on the market were by obscure brands and broke within a couple of hours of use. Just to be clear, I am someone that has extensive experience in knife throwing, and I know how to properly and safely throw a knife. If you are a beginner, the chances are that you will be unable to throw the knife properly anyway and will break it much faster than I did.

If the only reason you are purchasing the knife is that you think it’s an excellent item to collect and you have no intention of throwing it, then don’t bother with my advice. In fact, simply going on Amazon, searching for rainbow throwing knives, and picking the one that looks the best will be fine. However, if the rainbow pattern is only meant to be an additional nice-to-have for you, choosing a knife from the following list would be a smart decision.

  • Overall best: Perfect Point PP-110-3RB
  • Easiest to learn: DamaskerUS 9″ 6pc
  • Cheapest: Perfect Point PP-595-6MC
  • Intermediate /expert choice: ProTactical’US Rainbow Stainless 6″ Throwers

Rainbow Throwing Knife Choices

Perfect Point PP-110-3RB

Overall Best: Perfect Point PP-110-3RB

Perfect Point has long been one of my favorite knife-throwing brands, especially when it comes to budget offerings. However, while they make quality knives for the price, it cannot be said that they make beautiful knives, too, unless you count their rainbow and multicolor collection.

The problem with rainbow knives is that almost none of the throwing knife companies manufacture their high-end knives in the rainbow pattern, which is why you have no choice but to pick a knife from their budget offerings. Overall, I have found the PP-110-3RB (rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon) to be the best rainbow throwing knife for its price, one that can be enjoyed both by knife enthusiasts and those who just want to have a cool item to play around with.

At a total length of 7.5″, I have found the PP-110-3RB to handle quite well, and the cord grip also makes it easier to hold the knife in a hammer grip (as the knife itself is quite thin, I believe removing the cord grip would make gripping the knife a bit difficult).

The only problem is that due to the shape of the blade, it is very difficult to hold the knife from the blade end. That said, the titanium-coated blades ensure that the rainbow pattern does not chip away after use, and the knife is durable enough to withstand proper throwing for a long time. However, considering its price and other Perfect Point knives at this price range, I cannot promise that it would survive improper throwing for a long time.

Easy to Learn: DamaskerUS 9″ 6pc

DamaskerUS 6pc rainbow throwing knife

DamaskerUS is not a brand that I have mentioned excessively in my reviews, and I must admit that it tends to slip under the radar when it comes to throwing knives. However, the 6pc 9″ rainbow set by the company offers the most basic throwing knife you can think of, albeit with a rainbow pattern. What this means is that the set is by far the easiest to learn, and you should be hitting the target with it very quickly.

The only problem for me was that its edge was not sharp enough for it to stick to harder surfaces. Also, the knives are not as strong as the PP-110-3RB. The company claims that it is using high-quality alloy steel, but we all know that you only get the cheapest steel at these prices. Still, you get six throwing knives in the box, and it will be a while before you are able to break all of them.

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this Damasker set is not only extremely popular, but it is also cheaper than the Perfect Point mentioned above once you count that you get twice as many knives in the set (along with a larger nylon sheath).

If you are looking for an extremely simple knife that will handle great and work well for short distances, the DamaskerUS 6pc set is your best bet. However, just remember that it can be difficult to use the knives at longer distances due to the lightweight build.

Cheapest: Perfect Point PP-595-6MC

Perfect Point PP-595-6MC rainbow throwing knife

Just to be clear, the Perfect Point PP-595-6MC is not a rainbow knife but rather a multi-colored one. Still, it effectively does the same job (which is looking great while spinning in the air), and considering that it is the best knife that I could find at such a low price point, I thought it best to include it on this list.

You get a total of six knives in the box, each of 5.5″ overall length. Each knife is of a different color, with the blade edge and the grinding line being of bright color and the rest of the knife is black stainless steel. Even at this price, you still get a nylon sheath to carry all the knives.

There are only two things that you need to be aware of before you purchase the PP-595-6MC. The first is that this is an extremely small knife. As someone who actually prefers smaller throwing knives, I still found the PP-595-6MC to be a little too small for my hands. The second is that the knife is designed in such a way that the area between the blade and the handle can break quite easily. Even a single improper throw may be all that is needed to break the knife into two pieces.

That said, the finish seems to hold up well, and it isn’t too difficult to hit the target with the set either. However, just like the DamaskerUS set above, the knives are extremely difficult to use at long range due to the lightweight build.

Expert Choice: ProTactical’US Rainbow Stainless 6″ Throwers

Just to be clear, there really isn’t an expert choice when it comes to rainbow throwing knives. As I stated at the beginning, most of the manufacturers do not manufacture high-end rainbow throwing knives as there isn’t a lot of demand for them among professional knife throwers.

The Rainbow Stainless 6″ Throwers by ProTactical’US is as close as you can get to an expert choice rainbow throwing knife. First of all, the blade edge is sharp enough for the knife to stick to any surface. More importantly, the knife is larger than all others on this list and thus a bit heavier. This allows it to be used for long-range throws with relative ease.

This is not a very popular knife, and I was a bit apprehensive when I bought it to review it for this list. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance and its durability. The only negative is that the paint begins to chip off after use. As such, you may want to be a bit careful if you want to preserve its rainbow finish. Lastly, the company claims that you can use the throwers as a utility knife, but you can’t. The blade is not nearly sharp enough for that particular use case. Still, if you want a rainbow knife but are also serious about throwing it, this is the knife to get.

Choosing a Rainbow Throwing Knife (Beyond Looks)

Here, we will look at some of the characteristics of rainbow throwing knives that you need to watch out for. Once again, we will not be discussing the looks or the pattern on the knives, as that is subjective.

It is important to remember that at its core, a rainbow knife is just like an ordinary knife. As such, any knife that would be great for use as a standard throwing knife would also be good as a rainbow throwing knife.

Size and Weight

One of my major gripes with rainbow throwing knives is the fact that most of them are extremely small. If you are a kid or a parent that wants to buy knives for their kids, then this is a great thing. However, if you are a grown-up that also wants to throw these knives in a proper fashion, then it may be a problem.

If you have thrown knives before, then you will know what size you prefer. Personally, I prefer knives with an overall length of about 8″. As such, I had trouble using some of the knives on this list. Your experience may vary, and the only way to determine which size you find to be the most ergonomic is by testing the knife yourself.

Quality & Durability

Here lies another huge problem with rainbow throwing knives. Since rainbow knives are not usually bought by professionals, most of them are quite cheap. This means that finding a rainbow knife that is constructed from quality steel and holds up under heavy use is like trying to find a needle in a haystack or a black throwing knife in a muddy forest.

While the four knives mentioned above are more durable than their counterparts, I still would not consider them to be anything special when it comes to the build quality. Only the ProTactical’US Rainbow Stainless 6″ Throwers did not break even once during my testing. All of the other knives had at least one knife from the set break after a couple of hours.

If you are going to opt for a cheap rainbow knife, then I would recommend getting a pack of 6. This way, you will get to spend a little more time with the set before you have to spring for a new one.

Style and Shape

Once again, there are two problems that you need to watch out for when it comes to the style and the shape. The first one is the blade, and the second is the handle.

When it comes to the blade, just remember that if the blade has a lot of pointy edges i.e. it is a serrated blade, then you will have trouble holding it. Throwing knives are usually designed with a single pointy edge, and that is how they are meant to be used. A lot of techniques mandate that you hold the knife from the blade, and a serrated edge will make it difficult to do that. That said, it still looks very cool, and if you are okay with only doing the throws that require you to hold the knife from the handle, then you should be fine.

For the handle, make sure that it is wide enough for your hands. Some of the cheaper rainbow throwing knives are too thin and may cause trouble for people with large hands. Alternatively, you can use a grip to make it easier for you to hold the knife.

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