Mastering the art of knife throwing requires patience, skill, and, most importantly, the right equipment. A quality throwing knife isn’t just a sharp piece of metal; it’s a precision tool designed for balance, durability, and consistent performance. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first target or a seasoned professional honing your technique, the foundation of a great throw starts with a well-crafted blade.
The market is flooded with options, making it challenging to identify which knives truly deliver on their promises. This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you a selection of the best throwing knives available. We’ve focused on sets known for their robust construction, excellent balance, and overall value to help you find the perfect match for your throwing style and goals.
Our Top Picks for Throwing Knives
- Perfect Point Throwing Knives – Set of 12
- Cold Steel 12 Inch Long Black Carbon Steel Throwing Knives
- BOKER Magnum Bailey Ziel II Throwing Knives
- Smith & Wesson SWTK8 Bullseye Thrower Knife
- United Cutlery HC495 M48 Cyclone Throwing Knife Set
- Gil Hibben The Outrider Throwing Knife Set
- SOG Fling Combo Edge Throwing Knives
- Condor Tool & Knife Dismissal Throwing Knives
Perfect Point Throwing Knives – Set of 12
For throwers who demand volume and variety, the Perfect Point set is an exceptional choice. This comprehensive 12-piece kit includes six satin finish and six black stainless steel knives, ensuring you have plenty of spares for extended practice sessions. The full tang construction means the metal runs the entire length of the knife, providing superior strength and a consistent feel that is crucial for developing a reliable throwing technique.
Each knife is engineered to be well-balanced, promoting a predictable rotation and improving accuracy over time. The inclusion of a lanyard hole adds a layer of convenience for transport or storage, and the bundled nylon sheath keeps everything organized and protected. This set is particularly well-suited for group practice or for individuals who want to minimize downtime retrieving knives from the target.
Cold Steel 12 Inch Long Black Carbon Steel Throwing Knives
Cold Steel is renowned for producing rugged, no-nonsense gear, and their 12-inch throwing knives are a testament to that reputation. These knives are substantial in size and weight, making them ideal for throwers who prefer a heavier blade that can deliver powerful impacts. The professional-grade carbon steel construction is built to withstand repeated throws into hard targets, developing a character and patina over time.
The extended 12-inch length provides a larger surface area for gripping and can make mastering the rotation easier for some throwing styles. Sold in a practical three-pack, this set is designed for serious practice. While the carbon steel requires a bit more maintenance to prevent rust compared to stainless options, many users find the superior heft and durability to be well worth the extra care.
BOKER Magnum Bailey Ziel II Throwing Knives
When a design is backed by a legendary professional, you can expect exceptional performance. The BOKER Magnum Bailey Ziel II throwing knives were created in collaboration with professional knife thrower John Bailey. Every groove and depression on these knives follows his precise pattern, resulting in a tool that is perfectly balanced for both spinning and non-spin throwing techniques.
Constructed from durable 420 stainless steel, these knives are built to last. Their substantial 13.35-inch length and weight (11.67 oz each) give them a confident feel in the hand and a satisfying impact on the target. This thoughtful design makes the set versatile for all skill levels, from beginners appreciating the forgiving balance to advanced throwers who can fully utilize the precision engineering.
Smith & Wesson SWTK8 Bullseye Thrower Knife
Smith & Wesson brings its trusted name in tactical gear to the throwing range with the SWTK8 Bullseye. This knife features a more compact 8-inch design, which can be easier to handle for those with smaller hands or for throwers who prefer a faster, quicker-rotating blade. Despite its smaller size, it is built with the robustness you would expect from the Smith & Wesson brand.
The balanced design helps ensure consistent flight paths, making it a great tool for practicing accuracy. Its straightforward, no-frills approach focuses purely on performance, offering a reliable and accessible option for someone looking to get started without a large initial investment in a multi-knife set.
United Cutlery HC495 M48 Cyclone Throwing Knife Set
The United Cutlery M48 Cyclone set stands out with its aggressive, tactical aesthetic. The knives feature a distinctive curved handle with finger grooves and a unique blade shape that is sure to appeal to throwers who value a bold look. Beyond the style, the design is intended to provide a secure and ergonomic grip, which can enhance control during the throw.
This set is constructed to be durable and well-balanced for its style. The striking appearance does not come at the cost of function, making it a popular choice for throwers who want their equipment to have a bit of visual flair while still performing reliably at the target range.
Gil Hibben The Outrider Throwing Knife Set
Designed by renowned knifemaker Gil Hibben, The Outrider set brings a touch of custom knife craftsmanship to the mass market. Hibben is famous for his creative and often iconic designs, and this throwing knife set reflects his expertise. The knives likely feature an ergonomic design focused on balance and a secure grip, hallmarks of a maker who understands how a tool should feel in the hand.
For enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry behind knife making as well as the sport of throwing, a set from a designer like Gil Hibben offers a unique appeal. You are not just buying a tool; you are acquiring a piece of design from a legendary figure in the industry.
SOG Fling Combo Edge Throwing Knives
SOG Specialty Knives is known for its innovative and high-quality tactical gear, and the Fling throwing knives continue that tradition. A notable feature of this set is the combo edge, which may incorporate a partially serrated section. This adds a layer of versatility, making the knives potentially useful for other outdoor tasks beyond just throwing.
Built with SOG’s attention to detail, these knives are crafted to be durable and balanced. The inclusion of a practical sheath is standard for SOG, ensuring your knives are stored safely and transported easily. This set is an excellent option for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a multi-purpose tool that excels at the throwing range.
Condor Tool & Knife Dismissal Throwing Knives
Condor Tool & Knife is recognized for producing robust, utilitarian blades that are both functional and affordable. The Dismissal throwing knives embody this philosophy with a simple, effective design focused on the core requirements of a good throwing knife: balance, durability, and consistency. They are built to be workhorses, able to take the repeated punishment of missing the target or striking hard surfaces.
This set is an ideal choice for the practical thrower who prioritizes function over flashy aesthetics. You get a no-nonsense tool that performs its intended job very well without unnecessary features or a high price tag, making it a solid value for regular practice.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Throwing Knives
Choosing your first set of the best throwing knives can feel overwhelming. I remember staring at a wall of options, completely unsure where to start. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve learned that it really comes down to a few key factors. Getting this right makes learning so much easier and a whole lot more fun.
The first thing I look at is the balance. You’ll hear about handle-heavy, blade-heavy, and perfectly balanced knives. For beginners, I always recommend a perfectly balanced knife. This means the center of gravity is right in the middle of the knife. Why does this matter? It gives you consistency. Whether you throw it by the blade or the handle, the rotation feels similar, which simplifies the learning process. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with different balances to see what suits your style.
Next up is durability, and this is non-negotiable. These tools are going to take a beating. They’ll slam into wood, bounce off, hit the ground, and generally get abused. You need a knife that can handle it. I look for one-piece, full-tang construction made from a high-carbon steel or a good stainless steel. High-carbon steel is often tougher and easier to re-sharpen, but it can rust if you don’t take care of it. Stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant but can sometimes be a bit more brittle. A good heat treatment is what makes the steel able to withstand the impact without chipping or breaking.
Then there’s the size and weight. This is partly personal preference, but there are some good guidelines. A knife that’s too light won’t stick well, and one that’s too heavy is exhausting to throw and can be dangerous if it bounces back aggressively. I found that a set of knives around 10 to 13 inches in length and weighing between 12 to 16 ounces for the set is a great starting point. This gives you enough mass for a solid stick without being unwieldy.
Finally, think about the finish. A shiny, polished finish looks great, but it can create a blinding glare in the sun. A matte, powder-coated, or black-oxide finish is much more practical. It reduces glare and also helps hide scratches and wear over time. The grip is also part of this. Some knives have textured handles for a better hold, but I prefer a smooth handle for a consistent release. Remember, you’re not gripping it like a kitchen knife; you want it to slide cleanly out of your hand.
FAQ
What is the best throwing method for a beginner?
For someone just starting out, I strongly suggest learning the half-spin or hammer grip method. It’s the simplest to get consistent results with. You hold the knife by the handle like you’re shaking hands, and throw it so it makes half a rotation before the point hits the target. The distance is usually close, around 8 to 10 feet. It’s much easier to control the rotation this way than trying to learn a full-spin throw right away.
Can I use any old knife for throwing?
I highly advise against it. Regular knives, like pocket knives or survival knives, are not designed for the repeated high-impact stress of throwing. They can snap at the handle, the blade can chip, and you risk serious injury. A proper set of the best throwing knives are built as a single piece of hardened steel to survive the punishment. It’s a matter of safety and not ruining a good knife.
What kind of target should I use?
The best target is a soft, end-grain wood. I use a large round from a tree trunk or a thick stack of laminated wood. Avoid hardwoods like oak at first, as they are very difficult to stick. Softwoods like pine, cottonwood, or spruce are perfect. Never throw at anything made of metal, stone, or concrete. The knife will bounce back dangerously, and you will damage the tip.
How do I maintain my throwing knives?
Maintenance is pretty straightforward. After a throwing session, especially if it’s humid or your hands are sweaty, just wipe the knives down with a lightly oiled cloth. This prevents rust. The tips will eventually get dull from hitting the wood, so I keep a simple file or sharpening stone handy to touch them up every now and then. You don’t need a razor edge, just a decent point.
Is it better to buy a set or individual knives?
For your first set, always buy a matched set of three or more identical knives. This is crucial for building muscle memory. If every knife has a different weight, balance, and feel, you’ll never develop a consistent throw. Having three allows you to practice a rhythm—throw, retrieve, throw—without constantly walking back and forth.