Hope Me Buy Some Throwing Knives as a Graduation Present!
July 30, 2021 11:46 AM Subscribe
So I have this friend who's graduating from nursing school in a couple weeks ...
... and a set of throwing knives would make a perfect gift (I already asked her)!
Any recommendations in the $0 - 125/set range?
... and a set of throwing knives would make a perfect gift (I already asked her)!
Any recommendations in the $0 - 125/set range?
(I’m kinda wondering how much overlap there is in the MeFite/knife-thrower Venn diagram, but y’all have surprised me before, so…)
posted by box at 4:00 PM on July 30, 2021
posted by box at 4:00 PM on July 30, 2021
This ask reminded me there is now an axe throwing place near us so I signed us up to go tomorrow.
posted by biffa at 4:41 PM on July 30, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by biffa at 4:41 PM on July 30, 2021 [1 favorite]
The Bailey Ziel box mentioned has a decent profile, and at 13" is a decent general-use size. It's cheap stainless though. Prone to snapping/ chipping/ bending. You want untempered high carbon.
I'd go for something like the Condor Half Spin. It's a bit short and the center of gravity looks a bit too forward.
I dislike Cold Steel (mall ninja brand), but the Sure Flight 12 or True Flight Thrower are reasonable.
I'd go for something in the 14" - 16" range if I had a choice, though.
Has your friend thrown before? If not, either of these are decent starters. If you can afford it, a set of 6 is funner than a set of 3.
Do they have an outdoor space to throw? Do they have a target? A large ~1' thick slice from a softwood log ~2'+ dia) are reasonable. If there's enough space, it's nice to have a few of them at different distances. You can paint a bullseye on them.
Cedar planks will do, but don't last all that long, and you'll either have to butt 2 or 3 of them side-by side (screw in a couple of cross pieces on the back).
For indoor throwing, the Condor Dismissal 8" or 7" might be more suitable.
The length and center of gravity dictates optimal throwing distance (a combination of full and half spins, the distance to target will dictate whether throwing handle first (+/- 1/2 spin) or tip first (full spin) - the longer the longest "arm" from the CoG the longer the optimal distance is. Thrown knives spin around the CoG, and the angular momentum is important for transferring energy after a "stick."
There are lots of different throwing styles and forms.
Throw in a cheap coarse sharpening stone. Something for axes will work.
posted by porpoise at 7:22 PM on July 30, 2021
I'd go for something like the Condor Half Spin. It's a bit short and the center of gravity looks a bit too forward.
I dislike Cold Steel (mall ninja brand), but the Sure Flight 12 or True Flight Thrower are reasonable.
I'd go for something in the 14" - 16" range if I had a choice, though.
Has your friend thrown before? If not, either of these are decent starters. If you can afford it, a set of 6 is funner than a set of 3.
Do they have an outdoor space to throw? Do they have a target? A large ~1' thick slice from a softwood log ~2'+ dia) are reasonable. If there's enough space, it's nice to have a few of them at different distances. You can paint a bullseye on them.
Cedar planks will do, but don't last all that long, and you'll either have to butt 2 or 3 of them side-by side (screw in a couple of cross pieces on the back).
For indoor throwing, the Condor Dismissal 8" or 7" might be more suitable.
The length and center of gravity dictates optimal throwing distance (a combination of full and half spins, the distance to target will dictate whether throwing handle first (+/- 1/2 spin) or tip first (full spin) - the longer the longest "arm" from the CoG the longer the optimal distance is. Thrown knives spin around the CoG, and the angular momentum is important for transferring energy after a "stick."
There are lots of different throwing styles and forms.
Throw in a cheap coarse sharpening stone. Something for axes will work.
posted by porpoise at 7:22 PM on July 30, 2021
Maybe you don't even need to go. A house around the corner threw a party last weekend. Sitting in the driveway was a "mobile axe-throwing venue"--essentially a chain link cage mounted on a trailer with some targets at one end.
(Sorry to for the derailment. But thanks for posting the link to those knives--very cool.)
posted by sardonyx at 7:43 PM on July 30, 2021
(Sorry to for the derailment. But thanks for posting the link to those knives--very cool.)
posted by sardonyx at 7:43 PM on July 30, 2021
I like these Smith and Wesson knives. Well balanced, sharp, and made by a reputable company. I'd go with the 8" for a beginner. The holes make it easy to replicate grip position, which is important when you're just starting out.
I use an old hot tub cover with paper targets to throw at. its easier to sink a blade in than wood, and they are large enough to last for a long time if you change the target location.
I love throwing knives. Very cathartic :)
posted by ananci at 9:36 AM on July 31, 2021 [1 favorite]
I use an old hot tub cover with paper targets to throw at. its easier to sink a blade in than wood, and they are large enough to last for a long time if you change the target location.
I love throwing knives. Very cathartic :)
posted by ananci at 9:36 AM on July 31, 2021 [1 favorite]
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(I have had other Boker knives, and they're good quality for the price.)
posted by box at 1:31 PM on July 30, 2021 [1 favorite]