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.
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KA-BAR Throwing Knife First Impressions
Right away, I can tell you this. While you very rarely want to sharpen a throwing knife, I would suggest sharpening the tip on the KA-BAR. They seem to ship fairly blunt, and your stick rate will be a lot better with just a little sharpening.
The knife immediately stands out with both its black finish and the stainless steel construction. The KA-BAR skull logo glares at you from the very beginning, and it is placed at a point where it will not rub off following extended use (I am looking at you, Perfect Point).
The sheath is also of good quality, and it seems a little bit more sturdy and dependable than other knives in this price range. This is because it is made of Polyester as opposed to Nylon. However, most of the nylon sheaths that I see are still good enough to do the job, so it is not really a huge advantage.
The overall length is just shy of 10 inches, with the blade being 4 inches in length. There are a total of three holes on the handle, so you can tie a rope to carry the knife however you want. I am in love with the finish but not with the overall design.
It’s not the worst throwing knife we’ve ever looked at. But it’s not the best. The construction is fair but certainly not world-class.
How I Reviewed the KA-BAR Throwing Knife Throwing Knife Set
I used the same testing process that I usually use for throwing knives. I took the set out to my backyard and tested it over the course of three days.
The main comparison that I drew was against a few Perfect Point models in the same price bracket. I tested all the knives in a similar setting and at multiple ranges. I also tried the set using various techniques to ascertain if there were any glaring flaws or problems with durability. Here is what I found:
How the KA-BAR Throwing Knife Compares
Decent for All Styles
The KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set performs quite well, no matter what throwing techniques you use. I thought the three holes on the handle might make for some weird throwing, but it did not affect it at all.
However, I did find that the simpler you keep your throws, the better this knife performs. As such, this is an ideal knife for half-spin throws from short distances. It is still not a bad purchase for other styles, but beware that there are better knives out there for those.
A Versatile Sheath
The sheath is made of polyester instead of nylon. This is better, as polyester can be more durable and will last you longer.
What’s great about the sheath is that, coupled with the knife size (a little less than 10 inches), the sheath can be used for almost every single knife in your collection. Anything from 8 to 12 inches will be able to fit in the sheath, making it a great one-size-fits-all solution.
A Little Too Thick
While I did not measure exactly how thick the knife actually is, it does feel a little too unergonomic. The experience of holding it in your hands is a little different from almost any other knife that I have tested, and not in a good way.
As such, if you are someone with smaller hands, this knife may not be ideal for you. There are numerous other knives of a similar size that handle a lot better.
The Steel Used is Not of a Good Quality
The knife is made of 3Cr13 steel, which is a very common steel used in cheaper knives. It is made in China, and it is not of particularly good quality.
My experience with 3Cr13 has been quite terrible, and almost all of the knives that I have used have had durability issues. The KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set was no different, although it managed to hold up a little bit better than others. During testing, only one of the knives broke, and another one experienced a slight bending of the tips. This was at a harder target board, so using the knife on a softer board may solve this problem.
Is KA-BAR a Good Knife Brand?
This is the first KA-BAR knife that I have tested, and my experience has been a positive one overall. Going through the online reviews and the general sentiment that people have towards the brand, I would say KA-BAR is a decent budget brand.
I would not advise serious knife throwers that want to get better at the art of knife throwing to go for the brand, but those looking to get a decent knife without having to spend a lot should consider it.
Common Alternatives
KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set vs Perfect Point Thunder Bolt Throwing Knife Set
While the Perfect Point Thunder Bolt is only useful for soft targets, it is an incredibly fun throwing knife set that can be thrown at fast speeds. While it is a little small, I have found its quality to be much better than the KA-BAR set overall.
You get a similar set of small knives and a sheath so it’s a pretty good comparison around the same price point.
Unless you find the Thunder Bolt to be too small for you (it is 6 inches in size), you should go for it. It is much better in overall quality, and it is also a lot more durable. Lastly, it is a lot more fun, and that is what makes it perfect.
KA-BAR Throwing Knife Set vs Perfect Point PP-060-9 Throwing Knife Set
The Perfect Point PP-060-9 is another decent knife from Perfect Point, and I found it to be slightly better than the KA-BAR set reviewed here. Overall, both of the knives are quite similar in performance. What makes the PP-060-9 better is that it can also be used as a makeshift pocket knife due to its sharp edge.
If you only have money for a single set, I would advise that you go for the PP-060-9 or the Thunder Bolt if you are looking for a fun set to throw fast.
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