Top 10 Best Throwing Knives for the Money in 2023

While not so popular worldwide, knife-throwing does have a solid fan base. There are many types of throwing knives and their uses vary from sports to combat skills to entertainment purposes or for collection. However, most of us enthusiasts take this as a hobby to spend some quality time with friends and family.

In your bid to master the art of knife throwing, you need to arm yourself with the best throwing knives out there as per your skill level. We reviewed the top contenders for beginner, intermediate, and advanced knife throwers, and shared how well they performed when used.

A Quick View of Our Favorites Throwing Knives

Pick Name	Thumbnail	Product Name	Price
1st		Smith & Wesson SWTK8BCP Three 8in Stainless Steel Set	$30 at Amazon
2nd		Perfect Point RC-595-3 Thunder Bolt Set with Three Knives	$11 at Amazon
3rd		Smith & Wesson SWTK8CP Six 8in Stainless Steel Set	$32 at Amazon
4th		Perfect Point PP-060-9 Set with Nine Knives	$15 at Amazon
5th		Smith & Wesson Throwing Knives and Axes Combo	$95 at Amazon
6th		MTECH USA MT-673 Fixed Stainless Steel Blade	$17 at Amazon
7th		Perfect Point RC-1793B Set with Three Knives	$14 at Amazon
8th		SOG Fling Classic Set with Sheath	$38 at Amazon
9th		ACEJET Set Stinger by World Champion Adam Celadin	$299 at Amazon
10th		SZCO Supplies 10” Heavy Balanced Full-Tang Stainless-Steel 3 Piece Set	$23 at Amazon

Our Reviewed Throwing Knives

01 Smith & Wesson SWTK8BCP Three 8in Stainless Steel Set

Why It Stands Out To Us

The Smith & Wesson throwing knives are well-balanced throwers with single-piece stainless steel construction, blunt edges, and enhanced durability.

The spike-like tip is hard and sticks well in targets. The knives also come with a durable nylon sheath, making it very easy to carry them around safely. Moreover, the blunt edges make sure that your hands don’t get cut.

This set of three knives is built mainly for practicing. They are a great option for both beginners and experts because they come at a fairly cheap price. Overall, these knives offer a phenomenal user experience, which is why they’re at the top spot of our list.

Our Experience with the Smith & Wesson SWTK8BCP

• We have used and abused these knives a lot while practicing and they stood strong even after the ridiculous amount of beating we put them through.
• The handles were easy to grab and the laser cuts on the handles were smooth. We could use them without attaching electric tapes or ribbons.
• We could throw these knives very easily at the targets. They were suitable for both blade and handle throwing because the balance point on these knives seemed to be at the center of the body.
• The blades weren’t sharp at all, which is perfect for a throwing knife. This makes this set a solid pick for beginners.
• We tested these throwers on multiple types of targets and noticed that they were suitable for most of them. They surprisingly did well against hard wooden targets alongside the soft foam and cardboard ones.
• These things were solid. We ended up missing the targets pretty often, so the knives were prone to bouncing off and landing on hard concrete. But to our pleasant surprise, they withstood all that abuse with ease.
• From our experience, we can confirm that these knives were made with safety in mind.
• We absolutely loved the sheath that came with the set. It offered secure and organized transportation for our knives. We could attach it with belts and on the exterior of our tactical backpacks.

Things We Didn’t Like

• We lost two so far while practicing in the woods because of the black color
• The black color finish started wearing off after two weeks of use

What could be improved

• The knives could be made available in bright colors so they are easier to find while practicing in the woods.

Our Recommendation

• You may be tempted to tie paracords around the handle but don’t do that because Smith & Wesson kept the front heavier for a reason.

Specifications

Pros

• Durable
• Well balanced
• Lightweight
• Nylon sheath included
• Great value for money

Cons

• The Black color makes the knives prone to getting lost easily

02 Perfect Point RC-595-3 Thunder Bolt Set with Three Knives

Why It Stands Out To Us

The ThunderBolt throwing knife set is a great pick for enhancing your knife-throwing abilities. These knives are well-balanced, durable, and sharp, with a single-piece two-toned construction made of stainless steel.

Despite being small in size, they have great piercing power. They can penetrate both hard and soft targets with ease. The set also comes with a black nylon sheath that ensures safety while carrying.

All in all, these knives offer great looks and performance despite coming at a cheap and affordable price. They are probably the best set of knives that you can get within this price range.

Our Experience with the Perfect Point RC-595-3 ThunderBolt

• We absolutely loved the design. The dual-tone gave it a premium look and the material was also quite sturdy.
• We tried a variety of targets from hard wooden ones to soft foam blocks and the knives could penetrate all of them. We also tested them on trees and they worked perfectly.
• The sheath seemed like the perfect storage for these kinds of knives. We were glad that it came with the set. We attached it with the molle lining of a tactical bag and it stayed like it was built for such arrangements.
• The knives withstood extended hours of rough use despite being so small.
• The laser cutouts made it easy to tie ribbons on the handle.
• The blades weren’t sharp out of the box, which is understandable for a throwing knife set. We sharpened the blades and tested their cutting ability. From our tests, we can confirm that these throwers can also come in handy while camping out in the woods.
• Considering how small they are, these throwers seemed to have a good amount of weight on them. This made the set even more appropriate for beginners.

What We didn’t Like

• The blade size can be too small for some people.
• We had to put a lot of power to penetrate targets because of the low weight of the knife.

Things That Could Be Improved

• The manufacturers could add more weight to the knives.

Our Recommendations

• To get the most out of these throwers, use a bag or a foam box-style target. You can also make a target by filling expanding foam into a pizza box.

Specifications

Pros

• Sharp points
• Laser cut-outs
• Comes with a black nylon sheath
• Affordable price

Cons

• Not very durable
• Small blades

03 Smith & Wesson SWTK8CP Six 8in Stainless Steel Set

Why It Stands Out to Us

This Smith & Wesson product comes in a set of six knives with a nylon belt sheath. The knives are well-balanced, easy to throw, and their small size makes them great for practicing. They have a single-piece construction made of high carbon steel that ensures durability.

The weight of these knives is enough to make them stick to the target most of the time. Sharp tips and blunt edges make them convenient for safe throwing as well.

With perfect balance and solid throwing control, these throwers feel good in your hands. Considering all the features and functionalities, they’re worth every penny.

Our Experience with the Smith & Wesson SWTK8CP

• The knives have a decent sharp point with the overall knife size being smaller than most professional ones.
• The set comes with a quality sheath, which ensures organized transportation of the throwers. We attached it with belts and tactical bags and they held onto them perfectly.
• We noticed that the knives had good balance. The weight distribution was nicely handled, which made it easy for beginners to throw them.
• We could throw these knives long distances as well due to their decent enough weight.
• We used these throwers on different types of targets and found out that they’re most suitable for soft ones.
• We tested these throwers to their limits and threw the set at least a thousand times on different targets. The knives surprisingly stood strong despite ricocheting off the targets hundreds of times.
• We liked the fact that the blades of these knives weren’t sharp. This made the set an even better choice for beginners.

What We Didn’t Like

• The handle edges are sharp and easy to get cuts and scrapes from while throwing the knives.
• The tips are about 1mm thick, so it took some effort to make them stick to the target contrary to other knives.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• The handles could be given a blunt edge so they can be held without getting scrapes and cuts on the hands.
• The tips could be made sharper so they stick to the target more easily.

Our Recommendations

• We suggest you use bag or foam block archery targets or make a target out of cardboards or sliding foams.
• Because the handles are sharp, a paracord wrapping is highly recommended. But do consider that the wrapping might ruin the balance of the weight. So, we suggest you go for the lightest cords you can find.

Specifications

Pros

• Durable
• Good balance
• Great for beginners
• Enough weight for long throws
• Good value for money

Cons

• Sharp-edged handles
• Tips prone to bending

04 Perfect Point PP-060-9 Set with Nine Knives

Why It Stands Out to Us

This throwing knife set comes with 9 small knives. Each of these knives has a great appearance with sleek black blades and comfortable handles wrapped with red strings that look like something out of a ninja movie. The construction is made of stainless steel, which guarantees sturdiness and durability.

Being well-balanced, these knives offer a steady throw every time. Moreover, the pointy tips ensure great penetration in the target, which means that they’ll undoubtedly stick to the target every time. The edges of the blades are semi-sharp and built with safety in mind as well. The set comes with a sheath big enough to carry all nine of the throwers.

They’re fun to use and come at an affordable price. If you’re starting out as a knife thrower and looking for a great budget-friendly set to practice with, then this is the one you should go for.

Our Experience with the Perfect Point PP-060-9 Throwing Knife Set

• Well-balanced and easy to throw.
• The black coated blade, red cord-wrapped handle, and the Chinese characters on the base of the blade made the daggers look very attractive.
• Because they were light and thin, they were suitable for close-range throwing.
• We tested them on different soft and hard targets. We found out that they’re suitable for softer targets like foam and cardboard.
• The sharp tips penetrated targets every time with great efficiency.
• We were glad that the manufacturers added a sheath. It offered organized and safe transportation of the knives. We attached it to the exterior of a tactical backpack and it held onto it really well.
• The edges of the blades were razor sharp. We could easily cut paper and some other similar items with it.

What We Didn’t Like

• Could bend upon impact with hard targets.
• The wrap on the handles started coming off after one month of use.

Things That Could Be Improved

• The quality of the material needs to be improved for better performance and durability.
• The manufacturers could add a little weight to the knives.

Our Recommendations

• Simply apply a little amount of super glue on the handles to stop the cords from coming off. Make sure to use only a few drops of glue so that it doesn’t mess up the balance of the weight.

Specifications

Pros

• Affordable price
• Lightweight
• Great design
• Good for beginners
• Quality sheath

Cons

• Not Durable
• Not for hard targets
• Prone to bending

05 Smith & Wesson Throwing Knives and Axes Combo

Why It Stands Out to Us

The key highlight of this knife set is the axes. Throwing these well-constructed axes/knives is really fun. The design is ergonomic, so it is very comfortable to use. The package also includes a black nylon sheath to carry and protect your tools. If you’re a novice, this can be a good place to start.

However, the knives have a lot of room for improvement. The blades tend to break if it doesn’t get suitable condition for flexing. The blades are also sharp enough to cause accidents if you’re careless. The lightweight knives feel good in hand, but lag behind in penetration power.

Our experience with Smith & Wesson Throwing Knives and Axes Combo

• The minimalist design quickly caught our eyes
• The axes and knives are lightweight and feels comfortable in hand
• The blades are sharp enough to cut you if you’re not careful
• The design is ergonomic
• The axes are superior in quality and performance
• The blades are easy to throw
• A black nylon sheath is provided in the packaging

What we didn’t like

• The knives tend to break easily
• The steel needs constant maintenance
• The knives are too light

What could be improved

• The steel quality needs improvement
• The knives should be a little heavier

Pros

• Ergonomic design
• Highly portable
• Convenient to use
• Easy to throw
• The axes are sturdy
• Elegant outlook
• beginner-friendly

Cons

• The knives are a bit fragile
• Can create splinters upon impact with other metal
• The handle isn’t very sturdy
• The steel quality needs to be upgraded

06 MTECH USA MT-673 Fixed Stainless Steel Blade, 5″

Why It Stands Out to Us

The MTECH can function as an impressive full tang buck knife and a pocket multi-tools blade simultaneously. This tiny knife surprisingly has a good weight to it, and despite being so small, the handle is quite easy to grab. These are designed mainly for self-defense and small everyday tasks. However, they do a pretty decent job as a throwing knife as well.

The MT-673 hangs securely on your neck and can be easily deployed. You can take it out of the sheath and throw it onto the target in less than 3 seconds. Also, this is one of the cheapest neck knives you can find on the market.

It comes in handy in different situations and it works great as a multi-purpose survival tool. The multiple functionalities make this a great knife overall. If you’re looking for a throwing knife that can do more than just hitting the target, you should definitely go for this one.

Our Experience with the MTECH USA MT-673

• It was the sturdiest among all the throwing knives that we reviewed.
• We loved the design and the finish on it as well.
• The knife had a good amount of weight despite being so tiny. This made throwing very easy.
• The knife was suitable for hard targets. This was surprising because most of the throwers of this size don’t stand up well against rigid targets.
• The tip was fairly strong and it withstood the hard targets like a champ.
• We found the sheath to be very handy. The knife fit perfectly into it and didn’t fall off while running. It was also easy to pull out of the carrier. The chain was coated black and offered a sleek look.
• The handle had a better grip for scraping compared to the other clunky big knives we tested. Despite being small, it never slipped out of our hands.
• Being full tang, this knife could take on a considerable amount of abuse. We also sharpened it later.
• From our experience with it, we can confirm that this one can also be a very good EDC knife considering the compact size, the sturdiness of the material, and portability.

Things We Didn’t Like

• The knife is a bit small for some people with big hands.
• It came in a bit dull and we needed to sharpen it ourselves.

Things That Could be Improved

• The handle could be a little bigger.
• Though the knife doesn’t fall off the sheath, it makes a rattling noise while in the carrier that could be fixed.

Our Recommendations

• If you’re going to wear this knife around your neck for a long time, we’d suggest you remove the chain and use a paracord or a good nylon that provides more comfort.
• If you’re buying this one as a thrower, then do consider buying more than one. Because unlike the other knives on our list, this one doesn’t come in a set.

Specifications

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Good design
• Well-designed sheath
• Sturdy material
• Good grip
• Multifunctional
• Good value for money
• Full tang

Cons

• Too small

07 Perfect Point RC-1793B Set with Three Knives

Why It Stands Out to Us

This set comes with three well-built knives that offer a balanced throw. Each knife has a single-piece construction made of stainless steel that ensures great strength and durability. The black coating all over the body and the printed spider for decoration gives it a premium appearance.

With a pointy tip and a single edge blade, each knife provides great efficiency. The set also comes with a nylon sheath big enough to carry all three of the knives. The sheath looks great and ensures a safe and organized transportation of the knives at the same time.

Despite offering such quality and strength, this knife set comes at an affordable price. It’s a solid pick for anyone who is into knife throwing, no matter if they’re an amateur or a pro.

Our Experience with the Perfect Point RC-1793B

• We loved the design of the knives. The black color and the single-piece construction made it look like a premium product.
• The material was sturdy enough to withstand severe impacts. The knives didn’t break even upon landing on rocks and other hard surfaces.
• The weight distribution was nicely managed. This offered a balanced throw every time.
• The blade seemed to be sharpened perfectly and offered a clean cut on multiple objects.
• Sharp tips stuck to targets easily. We tested the knives on targets made of different materials (paper, cardboard, and wood) and found that the knives stood out well against all of them.
• The blades didn’t lose their sharpness even after hundreds of throws.
• We were glad that the manufacturers added a sheath. It was made of good quality nylon and felt premium to the touch.
• They work great as a safety weapon.

Things We Didn’t Like

• The knives weren’t suitable for long-range throws.
• In some of the knives, the tips weren’t durable enough. They started bending and breaking after 2 weeks.
• The paint started coming off after a few weeks.

Things That Could be Improved

• The knives could be made available in bright colors to make them easier to find in the woods.
• The knives could have a bit more weight.

Our Recommendations

• These knives have a balanced weight to them, which means they don’t need paracord wrapping on the handle. If you still want to wrap cords around the handle, make sure you use the lightest ones you can find. Also, choose a bright color for the wrapping because it’ll make it easier to retrieve them after every missed throw.

Specifications

Pros

• Sturdy build material
• Durable sharpness
• Value for money
• Nylon sheath
• Well-balanced knife

Cons

• Not suitable for long-range

08 SOG Fling Classic Set with Sheath

Why It Stands Out to Us

SOG is known for the quality and reliability of their products and the Fling Classic throwing knives never disappoint. This set is not for beginners and so don’t expect to learn something with it. But if you have mastered the art, be ready to fall in love with the Fling Classic Throwing Knives.

Our Experience with the SOG Fling Classic

• Nicely packed without any nick or scratch.  The paracord wrap is so tight that you won’t have to worry about any fall off.
• These knives are solid and real sturdy. The length, weight, and balance are just perfect. They held up well without breaking the tip or bending.
• We found them a bit tough to stick in the wooden target but that won’t be an issue if you’re a hard thrower. There is some nice weight that could cause damage.
• If you’re into no spin or half spin throws, there is no better choice for you than these SOG knives. The weight forces you to throw them hard to drive their wide point into your target that ultimately helps increase your range.
• A great choice for advanced throwers to improve their precision and accuracy

What We Didn’t Like

• The paracord handle may require replacement sooner than your expectation
• The camo grip may make them hard to locate in the woods if you lose one, especially in low-light conditions

Our Recommendation

• These are not for newbies. If you somehow end up with these as a beginner knife thrower, take the nylon paracord off. This will help reduce the weight and you’ll also be able to throw them from the tip and the handle.

Specifications

Pros

• Super sturdy
• Nice length, weight & balance
• Durable
• Good value for money

Cons

• Some users didn’t like the paracord but it didn’t hamper our performance level

09 ACEJET Set Stinger by World Champion Adam Celadin

Why It Stands Out to Us

If you’ve been into knife throwing for some time, you surely have heard of Adam Celadin – a 5-time world champion knife thrower and a member of the International Knife Throwing Hall of Fame. The brand AceJet is his brainchild and Adam himself designs all of the products.

Coming from a pro knife thrower, you are guaranteed to enjoy quality time with the Stinger Set. The well-thought-out arrow shape makes these some of the best throwing knives for all throwing styles, from no spin to recreational freestyle to combative rotation.

Our Experience with the ACEJET Throwing Knives Set Stinger

• When you pay around $300 for three knives, you expect something extraordinary for the peace of mind. The Stringer gives you that and even more!
• Whether you’re talking about balance, strength, point or weight, these knives tick all the boxes. You will feel the quality of the workmanship as soon as you’ll have them in your hand.
• The best part is that they are great for all skill levels. For beginners, the nice weight facilitates fast improvement while advanced throwers can get to the next level.
• Amazing build quality with no breaking points. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take good care of them. Remove the dirt and grooves with a wire sponge after every session.
• If you’re learning no spin throwing, these are your best companion. Punish them anyway you want and they will take it like a champ.

What We Didn’t Like

• Quite expensive but that’s expected from knives with proper parameters for the various official competitions

Our Recommendation

• Although this set is beginner-friendly, we suggest that you learn and practice with cheaper models and then switch to the Swinger Set when you think you’re ready to handle some really good stuff.

Specifications

Pros

• Great design & build quality
• Value for money
• Lifetime warranty
• Competition-ready

Cons

• Pricey

10 SZCO Supplies 10” Heavy Balanced Full-Tang Stainless-Steel 3 Piece Set

Why It Stands Out to Us

Founded in 1983, SZCO Supplies is one of the leading manufacturers of knives, swords, hand tools, self-defense, and medieval re-enactment products in the US. With over 35 years of industry-experience, they have developed some top-notch knives and these 10” Heavy Balanced knives are one of their best knives for throwing for beginners.

Our Experience with the SZCO Supplies 10” Full-Tang Throwing Knives

• A nice choice for those into no spin throw with a bit heavy knives, especially if you’re progressing from lightweight knives
• Since on the heavier side, you don’t want them for beginners
• Advanced throwers know a very pointy tip isn’t really necessary to stick to the target. However, if you still prefer sharp throwing knives, this set won’t disappoint you in that department either
• Considering the price point, they sink deep (only if you can do that) without any damage. This means you can go hard without worrying about their durability and they held up well because they’re made of one thick piece of metal
• Some found the shape a bit awkward but we actually liked the symmetrical design that ruled out most practices
• The throwing experience is pretty consistent once you get the hang of them

What We Didn’t Like

• The sheath didn’t held the set securely and might fall out if you hold upside down

Our Recommendation

Many complained about the tips breaking or getting dented after being thrown at plywood or wood planks or even concrete or metal. We suggest that you use an end grain target since it’s easier to stick.

Specifications

Pros

• Nice balance and weight
• Super durable
• Real value for money product
• Great for beginner to intermediate throwers

Cons

• The nylon sheath is kind of useless

Benefits of Throwing Knives

Self defense

According to the mainstream media, the primary use of throwing knives are …. throwing them (sigh). Well, thank you Captain Obvious, right?

Well, that’s partially true. A good number of throwing knives are used in throwing. We even have championships about it. However, that’s not all these little nifty tools can do. The primary use of throwing knives is seen in the military. Troops all over the globe use these in self-defense.

Outdoor use

Quality throwing knives serves multiple purposes. Alongside self defense and attacking from a distance, throwing knives can also be used in normal indoor and outdoor activities. Having just one of them in your next trip can make a huge difference.

Throwing knives have both short and medium range uses. Just like the way you cut your apples with throwing knives, you can also throw them from a long distance. Whether you’re hunting or trimming, throwing knives will come in handy.

Cutting

Like any other knives, throwing knives also does one basic job, and that is to cut through things. However, throwing knives aren’t usually razor sharp. However, they are sharp enough to cause trouble. That’s why regular maintenance is essential for them to retain their edge for a long time.

Though you can cut a wide variety of things, you need to be careful about cutting harder things as it can chip or break your blade.  The knives are more than capable to handle your everyday cutting needs.

Entertainment

The most common use of throwing knives isn’t cutting your apple or helping you with bushcraft. It’s to be used as a form of sports. Many people master many tricks using throwing knives that can be a great form of entertainment.

Many show off their skills by throwing them at a target, some flex with the knives just like a nunchaku, and some others show off their cutting skills. Throwing knives can entertain you in multiple ways and that’s for sure.

Collection

Collecting knives have become an obsession for many people. To cope up with the increasing demand, many manufacturers release a limited edition knife every once in a while and fuels the “knife-collection” craze.

Throwing knives can also be used as a perfect gift item for knife enthusiasts. Showing off your knife collection or trading them can also be included in the list of benefits throwing knives offer.

Best Throwing Knives for Beginners & Pros – Buying Guide

1. Sharpness

Throwing knives don’t need to be sharp at all!  They run the risk of cutting your hand. A pointy tip is all it takes to stick properly to a target. Blunt knives also reduce the chance of ugly dents upon impact.

2. Weight & Length

The length to weight ratio is most important for a perfect throwing knife. A ratio of around 1 ounce per inch of total length works best.

Having a longer throwing knife gives you an advantage because it turns slower as it spins as it approaches the target. A longer blade also increases the chances of finding the infamous sweet spot.

A lighter file would also need to be thrown very hard. A little weight helps you control the knife, keeping it afloat in the direction you want.It also reduces the chance of a bounceback.

3. Material

Usually made with a single piece of steel or high carbon steel, throwing knives are corrosion-resistance and carved into shape, without handles, contrary to other types of knives. The blade part of the knife is sharpened while the other half or the “grip” is not. The pointy, sharp and sturdy blade tips are prone to bending or breaking.

Some manufacturers use more durable material such as high carbon steel which is best for the blade of a throwing knife.The grip allows the knife to be safely used and also for balancing the blade’s weight.

4. Safety

An ideal throwing knife just has a sharp point but no sharp edges. Its corners are all rounded for safety as well.

When throwing hard shoes must be worn, and it should also be ensured that the throwing space is far away from people and animals. It is also wise to alert people nearby that it is dangerous and proceed with caution.

5. Handles

i) Cord Cover Grip 

This helps your hand to have a firmer grip and is usually made of nylon or similar materials.

ii) Plastic or Rubber Handles 

A rubber handle provides better grip on the knife than plastic handles. A better grip translates to better control of the throwing knife, hence making it easier to hit the target.

6. Aerodynamics

The aerodynamics of a throwing knife matter as well. A symmetrical shape knife works best. Although there are different designs and shapes available which make them look cool, including folding throwing knives it hinders the practicality and your grip on the knife. Better aerodynamics and a good spin when flying towards the target is best achieved by a sleek slim knife.

Why Throwing Knives are Different from Regular Knives

Throwing blades or knives are specifically designed to be thrown at targets. On the contrary, regular knives are intended to be used commonly as utensils for cutting and other household purposes safely.

Usually, both types are made from steel mostly. The regular knife is mainly sharpened on one edge and attached to a wooden/plastic handle, while the throwing knife is designed without a handle. In this design, the knife has two parts, the blade and grip, the difference between the components is that the blade comes sharpened but not the grip. It is designed for safety of the user and for proper balance of the tool.

These knives are some sort of unbalanced blades. As the name suggests, they have more weight on their blade compared to the grip. You can use these knives by gripping their handle.

Most Popular Types of Throwing Knives

1. Blade Heavy Knife

As the name suggests, these knives have more mass on their blade compared to the grip. These knives can be used by gripping their handle.

2. Handle-Heavy Throwing Knife

The Handle-Heavy Knives have more mass on their handles and thrown by gripping their blades

3. Balanced Throwing Knife

Balanced knives have their mass balanced at the center of their blades. When thrown, they travel through the air in an almost circular manner.

4. Kunai Knife

Japanese use Kunai tools for farming purposes. Made from soft iron, these are unsharpened and typically used by throwers as excellent throwing knives.

The Effects of Length and Weight on a Throwing Knife

a) Length

A longer knife turns more slowly than a comparatively shorter knife . This works to the thrower’s advantage because it means that the knife will move horizontally more with every turn it makes. Practically speaking, it implies that during a throw, the knife will hit the target through a longer distance.

That is, the significance of the throwing distance grows as the length of the knife gets longer.

b) Weight

Other important factors, such as the control and momentum, are affected by the weight. The longer the knife, the more affected it is by air pressure.

Without the right amount of weight, the knife will “wobble” or “float.” At the lighter end, knives perform well at 1/2 or 1 turn but at 1 and 1/2 to 2 turns air pressure begins to affect them visibly. A lighter knife needs to be thrown harder for a stable flight to the target. This may strain the arm, similar to throwing a pebble as hard as possible.

c) Ratio

The ideal ratio of the weight to length is about 1 ounce per inch. This means that the length of a knife should equal its weight. However, with increasing knife length, a slightly higher ratio is better, around 1.25 ounces per inch, whereas a shorter knife of about 8 to 11 inches, performs well at a ratio of about 0.80 ounces per inch.

Even smaller knives in the range of 6 to 8 inches may perform better at a ratio down to 0.6 or 0.7 ounces per inch. However, while throwing such knives are fun, they are quite useless from a survival point of view.

How to Throw a Knife?

Choosing a Knife

• There should be no sharp edges, a sharp point does the job well enough
• Ideally, rounded corners are the best for safety reasons
• It should be thick enough so that the tip doesn’t deform
• The weight needs to be about 200 grams . Any less will make it more difficult to throw the knife
• Fancy grips on the handle don’t help enhance your sporting performance. Ideally it is better to get a knife that doesn’t require much maintenance
• Find a knife with no or minimal perforation as knives with holes break more easily than a solid blade knife

Knowing the Basics

Even the best throwing knives will be rendered useless if you don’t have the know-how’s of how to use them right. 

The distance between the thrower and the target is key to a successful knife throw. Take about five steps from the target and draw a line. This gives you a good distance to allow the knife  to make a full rotation in the air before hitting the target.

Throwing Stance and Grip

Throwing Stance

Knife throwing might look as simple as throwing a pebble except it’s not!

The right throwing posture and grip are important to ensure a good throw while ensuring one’s own safety.

• If you’re right-handed, stand with your left shoulder facing the target and vice versa. Put your back foot a bit forward.
• Step your front foot towards the throw line just like getting ready to throw a baseball pitch, stretching towards the line.
• Now, throw the knife as hard as you can. You should throw the knife horizontally towards the target throughout the throw. When your arm is extending fully towards the target, let go of the knife.

Knife Grip

While most people tend to hold the knife so that their thumb and the other fingers are on opposite sides of the knife and release it vertical towards the target, experts suggest a bit different approach as below:

• Assuming a blade-heavy knife, put your middle, index, and ring fingers on the center of the handle. Rest your little finger below at the end of the handle.
• On the opposite side place your thumb at the center of the handle as well.

While releasing the knife, open your hand without causing any interference with the handle.

Safety Tips

• Wear hard shoes
• Make sure to choose an area clear of people and animals where you can see at least 10 meters in each direction. Notify those who are nearby about your activity and proceed with caution
• Immediately stop throwing knives if anyone comes near your throwing area
• Knives have a tendency to sometimes bounce back after hitting the target often injuring people. So, always keep a careful eye on the knives
• Only allow other people in the area after ensuring they are 3 to 4 meters behind from where you’re standing. You better draw a line 3 meters behind from your spot that no one should cross
• Never aim or throw knives at people or animals, not even as a joke!

Wrapping It Up

In our in-depth throwing knife reviews, we shared our experience with some of the best throwing knives available today.

If you’re just starting out, you’ll have to learn how to pick the right knife set for yourself and how to grip it securely. Then there is the learning curve with a lot of practice.

We hope this amazing sport will soon be your most-favorite pastime activity and you’ll get to the pro level sooner than your expectations!

FAQs

1. Can throwing knives kill?

Ans. Yes, there have been several cases where people who were nearby the throwing area and even the thrower themselves were hit accidentally by the knives, resulting in their death. It is therefore strongly advised to practice in a clear area and always keep an eye on the knives.

2. What are throwing knives used for?

Ans. Throwing knives are used in a sport called Knife Throwing where people throw knives at a target usually made of wood.

3. What knives do Navy SEALs use?

Ans. The Navy SEALs use the Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife as a standard issue. With a 6-inch steel blade, it’s a nice compact weapon.

4. What are the best throwing knife brands?

Ans. As per our findings, Gil Hibbens and Cold Steel for budget-friendly knives and Flying Steel and Broken Feather for premium choices.

5. How sharp should throwing knives be?

Ans. Your throwing knives should be sharp enough to stick into the target, but not so sharp that they cut through it or bounce off. A good rule of thumb is to have a sharp edge that can penetrate the target, but with a slightly blunted tip to prevent damage to the target.