How do you feel about sharp knives for throwing?

W

Windwhistler

Joined
Aug 18, 2013
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I keep reading that sharp throwing knives are not a good idea. On the other hand after a couple of hundred throws I either sharpen them or have to pick them up off the ground which is harder than pulling them out of the targets. How do the rest of you feel about sharpened knives? What are the pros and cons?
 
I like knives sharp with a single edge. But ya better know what you're doing, or it could end badly.

I've used a perfect balance thrower for camping also; then you have something that can process kindling and throw.
 
There are the throwing knives you use intending to stick in a target, these are usually sharp.
Then there are the knives that get thrown because you messed up the scales or pins. These may or may not be sharp depending on what stage of the finishing process you were on when you made the mistake.
 
Being a spin thrower that likes it around the blade, I usually tell people that knives don't need to be sharp, just pointy.

However, keeping a knife sharp doesn't make it impossible to throw, just a little bit more of a challenge of form. So I'd say it's just personal preference. That is, unless you're really new to the hobby, in which case, I'd advocate dull blades for your first couple of sessions.
 
I prefer dull throwing knives.
I like to throw like 5 to 10 knives at single target.
Sharp knives striking each other create lots of burrs and damage.

For single throwing - sharp is totally fine.
 
Interesting thought Idaho, I never really thought about sharper knives damaging each other more. I mostly throw at different target faces to avoid this but this makes great sense!
 
Sharp knives do increase the risk of the sport. The first time you have a shaving sharp knife with a 10" blade come back at you, you do start to rethink the decision. I have dedicated throwers that are not sharp, and occasionally toss a sharp one. My hawks are often sharp. I don't dull them, because they often get used on camping trips.
 
sharp or dull is not important for throwing knives , robust(tough steel & thick point ) is more important .
 
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