Throwing knife costruction?

G

Guy Thomas

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Feb 1, 2000
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I was going to use the search feature to find out a few things about throwing knife construction but it's not working. I'm going to forge a few but I wanted some input when I realized I know nothing about what makes a throwing knife a thowing knife. I will be using 5160 steel but what is a good size, thickness for the blade? Do they need to be weighted toward the tip or evenly balanced between blade and handle? What's a good weight and width of blade? You guys can speak from experience and maybe add some insight on things you'd like to see in a thrower. Thanks for the help!

Guy Thomas
 
Here is what the competitive throwers generally use to compete:

knives of high carbon steel such as 5160 and the 10xx series steels.

usual thickness is 3/16 inch

usual length is 14 inches

half will have handles, half will not

most have a beveled false edge but not sharp

most will weigh 13 to 16 ounces

most will be less than two inches wide

lawnmower blades, chainsaw blades and car leaf springs are all used as starting stock for the do-it-yourself crowd.

hope this is some insight
 
Patte , did you mean large circular or straight saw blades ?
I'm curious how a chainsaw blade could be used to make a knife .

Regards , Cameron .
 
I am not an educated person on the particular qualities of the different steels in recycled steel. I do have friends that use the stock removal method with chainsaw blades and lawnmower blades.

I will defer the particulars to Bobby as he is a formally qualified expert on these matters.
 
I'm betting Patte meant the bar from a chainsaw...the bit that the chain actually circulates around.
 
You are correct. I was making assumptions that it would be understood that the flat metal apparatus that supports and guides the cutting chain is what was referred to.

More specifically, it is the inside piece of metal as there is usually thin pieces attached to the outside of the bar that form a channel for guiding the chain and mounting the end sprocket.

My friend tells me this is some terribly tough stuff to work with a grinder and file.
 
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