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Humans represent the only species in the world that can throw something with lots of accuracy and power. Of course, monkeys can throw banana peels at you now and then, but there is a difference between flinging peels and throwing a knife. Now, when you think about the best throwing knife out there, you might face an old misconception – real life is not a kung fu movie.
The truth is you do not have to be a warrior, a soldier, or a killer to learn how to throw a knife. Doing it right can be a good workout, but it will also boost certain skills that will reflect over everyday activities as well. To learn how to do it, you need a good knife. Sure, you can learn with a worthless piece too, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Now, what should you know before getting yourself a throwing knife?
A brief overview of throwing knives
Not every knife can be thrown. Well, you can try throwing your chef knife, and you may get it stuck into a board, but this is not what throwing knives are about. They are specifically designed to be thrown with maximum efficiency. At first glance, they look similar to your kitchen knives, but small details make the difference.
Apart from the slightly different design, the secret stays in their weight and balance. A classic kitchen knife is balanced for cutting and chopping operations. The best throwing knife out there will be more balanced in the attempt to fly efficiently when thrown. Also, as a general rule of thumb, throwing knives are heavier for extra balance.
Throwing knives may seem a bit ancient, but they are still widely used in many cultures out there. As a result, different cultures rely on different tactics and throwing techniques. Furthermore, throwing knives now have various shapes and designs to support these techniques. They are widely used in sports too, yet they are not so popular.
Throwing knives are more commonly made of one piece of metal – stainless steel or other materials. There are no handles involved. Some of them are balanced, while others are not. The blade is the only part that is sharpened – the grip is safe to hold and maneuver. Balanced knives have the center of gravity in the middle.
2024’s 3 Best Throwing Knives
SMITH & WESSON Three 8in Stainless Steel Throwing Knives Set
Smith & Wesson’s best throwing knife set consists of three different units. They are all identical – great for momentum. They measure eight inches in length, and each of them weighs 4.1 ounces. They are more suitable for small hands. The blade is made of 2Cr13 stainless steel – durable, flexible, and sharp, but also easy to keep sharp over time. Each knife consists of one piece only.
The set also features a nylon belt sheath. It will hold all the knives, so it is quite convenient when you practice. Knives are sturdy and well balanced. Only the tip is sharp, so the handle is safe and will not cut you. It is also worth noting that each knife comes with dual-edged spear points, meaning sticking it to the target should not be that difficult.
Pros
- Durable and flexible stainless steel
- Protective sheath
- One-piece knives
- Same size knives
Cons
- Too small for large hands
SOG Throwing Knives
SOG’s best throwing knife set features three classic designs – identical units in sizing and design. The set is designed for both beginners and professional competition goers. Each knife measures 10 inches in length and is made of 420 stainless steel. Knives are also balanced. The blade measures 4.4 inches in length.
Knives come with paracord, so you can slightly adjust the balance by removing it. Furthermore, the set comes with a nylon sheath. Whether you train or attend a competition, the sheath can hold all three knives by your belt. Knives are quite sharp and can be maintained without too much hassle. Besides, SOG provides a good warranty for maintenance.
Pros
- Good sizing
- Adjustable balance
- Sheath to hold all knives
- Durable stainless steel
Cons
- Could have been a bit heavier for more professional uses
Perfect Point PAK-712-12 Throwing Knife Set
Perfect Point has designed the best throwing knife set if you are after reliability and variety. The set comes in multiple options – the 12 knife set is the most common one, yet you can only buy two, three, four, or five knives too. Each knife measures 8.5 inches – suitable for training and small hands, but not great for large hands.
With 12 pieces, six of them are made of stainless steel and feature a raw design, while the others are black. All knives are well balanced and feature a lanyard hole. The set has a black nylon sheath, too – easy transportation and safe storage.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Protective sheath included
- Well balanced knives
- Available in more sizes
Cons
- No technical differences between knives, yet they come in two colors
Why get a throwing knife
There are more reasons wherefore discovering the best throwing knife can be a good idea. More importantly, for lots of people, it is just cool. You meet someone new, and they ask you what you do for fun. You throw knives – a jaw-dropping hobby for lots of people. But boosting your masculinity is not everything, as women are just as good at throwing knives. It is not a gender-related activity.
Throwing knives is a matter of coordination. You will learn to coordinate your movement and throwing capabilities, but you will also strengthen this skill and can use it in other daily activities as well. Coordination can be a useful skill in work or when involved in various chores around your household, so it is worth it.
Other than that, throwing knives will boost your concentration. It is just part of the game. Pretty much every activity or sport that requires coordination and attention will involve lots of concentration, and throwing knives makes no exception. Spatial perception is another helpful skill you will develop. You have to foresee the movement of the knife to ensure it gets there with the blade first.
From a physical point of view, using the best throwing knife to exercise and relax makes a good workout as well. Depending on the hand you throw with, that arm will get a good tricep workout. The associated shoulder will also get a good workout. Ideally, you should throw with both hands or at least push to get there at some point.
The exercise is moderate and not too intense. You also have to count the cardio associated with it. Keep in mind that you will have to walk back and forth over and over again. You will need to lounge, not to mention bending over to pick up the knife when you miss. Getting there takes, indeed, many hours of training.
Last but not least, throwing knives can be a relaxing activity. It sounds primitive, but you will love throwing something and getting it to stick in a target. You do not need too much for this activity anyway – one or more good knives, a target, and a bit of space.
How to Choose the Best Throwing Knife
Choosing the best throwing knife can be challenging if you have no idea where to start.
Weight is one of the main considerations in the process. The general rule is fairly simple – the lighter a knife is, the harder it is to stick to the target, as it will not penetrate it. It is hard to determine the ideal weight for a throwing knife, but professionals stick to a basic rule – for every inch in length, you need an ounce in weight. You can also go up to 1.25 ounces in weight for an inch – up to you.
If your throwing knife measures 10 inches (suitable for smaller hands), it should weigh anything between 10 and 10.25 ounces. It is a simple rule that anyone can follow.
On another note, it is important to keep it simple. You will find lots of different styles and designs – unusual shapes, dangerous protrusions, bells, and whistles that no one needs. These knives may look good for a display, but if you also want to throw them, you risk failing miserably. Generally speaking, a good throwing knife should be shaped like a triangle or a simple leaf. Anything else will affect the aerodynamics and the grip.
As for the actual size, bigger means better. The longer a knife is, the more it will weigh, and the easier it is to penetrate the target. If your knife is smaller than 10 inches, it becomes dangerous – even if you have small hands. Some of the best pros out there rely on 13-inch knives, for example.
The idea is fairly simple. A lightweight or small knife does not have the momentum and mass required to penetrate the target. It is more likely to ricochet due to its size, so you risk hitting anything that is around the target.
When it comes to health and safety, make sure your knife has a sharp point only. You only need the point to be sharp to penetrate the target, but this is it. Some knives come with both sides sharp – a terrible risk to cut yourself. The double point knife is never recommended – regardless of the grip or knife design.
Believe it or not, some professionals will even grind down the point a little. You do not need the point to be super sharp to stick to the target. You just need it sharp enough to penetrate it, but this is it. It does not have to be razor-sharp.
Now, you probably ask yourself? Can you do with a knife? Do you need two or more knives? As a newbie, you should invest in a set. If you lose a few of them, you can still make some throws. Besides, you do not have to walk back to the target after each throw – something that will kill the momentum.
Finding the best throwing knife will most likely give you one quality knife, but when it comes to training, a secondary set of a few extra knives will help.
Uses of a throwing knife
So, what would you need a throwing knife for? What are the most common uses for one?
- Recreational uses
- Moderate workout for your arms
- Competition training
- Various competitions
Where to use a throwing knife
When it comes to throwing knives, the best part is that you can do it pretty much anywhere, as long as it is safe. You need a few things – one or more throwing knives, a target, and a bit of space. There should be no fragile items around the target, just in case you miss it. And you will miss it while practicing. Therefore, make sure there are no breakable things, cushions, or other things that are easy to cut.
Not sure where to practice? Here are a few ideas:
- Basement
- A clear room
- Backyard
- Attic
Again, safety comes first, so there should be no people around the target, not to mention things that a knife can cut easily. The back of the target should also be clear, as there is a decent chance to miss the target at times.
Conclusion
The bottom line, choosing the best throwing knife, is entirely up to you. These are the top-rated options on the market, and they make good options for both amateurs and professionals. Make sure you know what to expect from such an activity. Other than that, purchase the ideal throwing knife with your personal needs and skills in mind.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
