Top 15 Best Throwing Knives of 2020 – Kunai Knives Included

Throwing knives are a simple and elegant solution to the problem of really wanting to stab something that’s far away.

Smaller and easier to carry than a gun in most circumstances, they’re a very user-friendly weapon that’s somewhat easy to learn.

But throwing is only half the equation; you also need a knife to do it with.

You typically can’t just grab something out of your kitchen and call it a day, though, so what’s the ideal type of knife to use when you’re wanting a throwing knife? 

There are several, actually.

Our Top 15 Best Throwing Knives

The question of the “best” throwing knives is a lot like the “best” guns in that there are many different weapons that suit many different needs.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve collected a list of the fifteen best throwing knives based on a variety of different criteria, and we’re counting them down so you have an idea of what to buy if you’re in the market for a new set.

Let’s get things started at #1.

1. United Cutlery UC2772 Expendables Kunai Knives

The kunai is a type of knife from Japan popularized by the ninja and the various media that include them.

If a weapon is the signature of one of history’s greatest assassins, you’ve probably got a good idea as to what to expect from these babies.

Made of a whole foot worth of black anodized AUS-6 stainless steel, each double-edged knife is perfectly weighted for sailing a good distance before hitting the target.

The handles are wrapped in matching black cord just below the tapered end of the blade and before the traditional ring at the pommel, letting you spin the knife on your finger if you ever wanted to do something like that.

Sets of three typically come with a nylon sheath with a leg strap and belt loop. Buy Here!

2. SOG Fling 9.5″ Throwing Knives

SOG’s “stab” at the throwing knife game has resulted in their own trio of SOG 9.5 inch blades.

Designed in the style of daggers, they’re a hearty set of knives great for beginners or those looking to practice up with something a bit less deadly.

Made from stainless steel, their double-edged blades are actually fairly unsharpened, so you’ll need to fix that if you’re planning to use them for applications like hunting.

Even so, the points are plenty deadly already and can pierce your target with ease.

Each handle is wrapped in seven feet of paracord which can be undone if you’re ever in a situation where you might be in need of some rope.

3. Perfect Point PAK-712-12 Throwing Knife

Perfect Point’s PAK-712-12 throwing knife set is a change of pace compared to many of the others on the list.

For one, these knives can be bought in a set of twelve instead of the typical trio, half being anodized black with the other half being a polished silver.

That already puts it ahead in terms of style and sheer volume.

More substantially, though, both the curved blade and handle make for a very naturalistic feel while holding, having the added benefit of perfectly weighting it for throwing without any spin.

A bit shorter than average at only 8 and a half inches, these single-edge knives are a good starter set for those who are just learning but will definitely have their utility for more experienced throwers.

4. Cold Steel 80STK12 Sure Flight Sport Knife

Cold Steel’s 80STK12 Sure Flight Sport Knife is an alluring and infinitely usable throwing knife that beginners and pros can both covet in equal measure.

Twelve inches in length and entirely black in color, it’s as attractive as it is deadly (that being quite a lot).

The Sure Flight is crafted from 80STK12 steel, making it both surprisingly lightweight and extremely durable.

Its sleek, unassuming figure and width of only 3.5 millimeters make it easy to conceal and give it an edge when it comes to flying over longer distances.

With a distinct tip moving into a double-edge, you can tell from just a glance that this weapon means business.

5. United Gil Hibben Original Large 3 Piece Throwing Knife

United Cutlery’s 8.5" inch Gil Hibben Throwing Knife is a solidly constructed and lightweight option especially for those who are somewhat new to throwing knives around.

Even for veterans, though, these are still some quality knives worth taking a look at.

Made from 420 stainless steel, these knives are strong to survive repeated use and retain a great edge through all of it.

An extra sharp tip is matched only by its single-edge blade being nearly razor-like, helping you to stick into your target with little resistance.

For added help, the handle is wrapped in a length of non-slip black cord, assisting you in keeping a grip and reducing the possibility of things slipping before you release your throw.

6. Cold Steel 9733 80PGTK GI Tanto Throwing Knife

The 9733 80PGTK GI Tanto from Cold Steel is a fairly unusual example of a throwing knife, but its overall utility definitely earns it a spot on this list.

That being said, this is less of a strict throwing knife and more of a tactical knife that also happens to be perfectly weighted for throwing.

Measuring 7 inches from tip to tail, this single-edge blade is made from 1055 carbon steel blade and coated with rust- and glare-resistant black finish, constructed in such a way as to give users the option of throwing the knife from the blade if desired.

Given its tanto design, it’s perfectly accustomed to things like cutting, chopping or stabbing in addition to throwing, working admirably as a survival or hunting knife.

The polypropylene handle provides a secure grip when using up close and fits naturally in the fingers for throwing, as well.

7. Boker Magnum Bailey Mini Bo-Kri Knife

For those who are truly serious about the art of knife throwing, this might just be the knife for you.

The Boker Magnum Bailey Mini Bo-Kri Knife is shaped in a way that newcomers might find fairly unaccommodating but pros will relish for the huge amount of power it helps you generate in each throw.

Measuring a decent 10 and 3/4 inches from end to end, the Magnum Bailey’s curved blade is made from polished stainless steel.

Being only single-edged, you’ll need good aim to make sure you hit your target, but making each throw feels all the more rewarding.

Best of all, each set of three is packaged with a handsome leather sheath for both ease of carrying and an increase in style.

8. Boker Magnum Bailey Ziel Throwing Knives

Similar to their last entry, Boker’s Magnum Bailey Ziel Throwing Knives are a slightly more traditional take on the weapon that still retains plenty of style.

Marketed as a tournament-grade throwing knife measuring in at 13 and a quarter inches, it’s a great piece for the experienced thrower.

The polished double-edge steel blade on the Ziel is accented by a deep groove down the middle, both improving how it’s weighted and the aerodynamics.

Along the handle are several small indents spaced equally from each other, helping those less experienced get the hang of throwing from a certain point along the handle, though even the more knowledgeable can use them to get a feel on where the best place to toss is for these knives.

The whole package is capped off with an attractive leather sheath, as well.

9. Smith & Wesson SWTK10CP Throwing Knives

As they continually prove with their vast array of products, Smith & Wesson’s skills aren’t limited exclusively to firearms.

Their skills are on full display with the creation of their SWTK10CP Throwing Knives, designed for the perfect throw every time while looking good as they do it.

10 inches overall and crafted from 2Cr13 high carbon steel, the double-edge and tip retain a razor’s edge even without consistent sharpening.

Sinking deep into targets with even a weak throw, they work great as both an introductory blade as well as something for a professional.

As for its design, these knives feature several cutouts along both the blade and handle, helping to reduce the overall weight for further flying and more consistent throwing.

10. Perfect Point RC-179 Throwing Knives

Perfect Point’s RC-179 Throwing Knife is a small (8 inch) but powerful addition to their knife repertoire.

Their blades are available in your choice of either a black or a polished silver look with an opposite color black widow spider design painted at the top of the handles, giving you a bit of variety in your knives that are shared by the customization you can make at the ends with the small handle cutout.

There is also a black variant with a silver edge just for the sake of even more choice.

As for the more functional aspects of the knives, the RC-179 blades are single-edge stainless steel, retaining a good edge even after heavy use.

A straight edge is added to with a slight curve in the handle, helping to give each throw a bit of spin for better piercing.

11. Avias Knife Supply 9 Inch Silver Wing Throwing Knives

At 9 inches overall, the Avias Knife Supply Silver Wing Throwing Knives are a durable and consistent weapon that leverages their wing-like shape for further flying and better cutting.

While there are a few variations on this basic knife design available from the company, this one is probably the best thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness.

With a double-edge stainless steel blade and expert weight distribution, this knife will feel both exciting and familiar at once in your hand.

Great for beginners and experts alike, it’s a good pick for anyone looking for a new set of blades that aren’t overly complicated but still retain a bit of style.

This is helped by the holes drilled along the handle to cut down on overall weight as well as the etched “Silver Wings” along the length of each blade.

12. Perfect Point PP-028-3BK Throwing Knives

Perfect Point merges style and functionality in their PP-028-3BK model throwing knives.

Reminiscent of the kunai, these knives are balanced for accurate throwing, so much so that they even have little targets etched into them to show they mean business.

Each of these double-edged knives is made from polished stainless steel and measures six and a half inches long.

For those who like to put a bit of spin on things, the blades are made in such a way as to help accommodate this, being both long and staying incredibly sharp to stick in your target from more than just a dead-on toss.

The handles are wrapped in black cord for a better grip if you’re using them close up while the ends feature a large hole mostly for decoration.

13. United Cutlery GH2033 Gil Hibben Throwing Knives

United Cutlery has designed another unique piece that deserves a place in any serious knife expert’s collection.

Almost more of a dart than a knife, the GH2033 Gil Hibben is an almost symmetrical weapon that lends itself well to distance throwing due to its impeccably aerodynamic design.

Being just over a foot long, these knives are both competition ready and applicable for things like hunting or simple training in the backyard.

Suitable for various experimental throwing styles, their double-edge blade made from hearty 420 stainless steel can stand up to just about anything you might be able to throw at it and keep going.

Just make sure you can keep a strong grip before you throw, as the lack of a traditional guard or handle can make these blades just a bit slippery if you’re not paying attention.

14. Perfect Point RC-595-3 ThunderBolt Throwing Knife

The RC-595-3 ThunderBolt from Perfect Point might be a bit small for some people’s taste given it’s only 5 and a half inches long, but it still packs quite a punch.

Designed with speed in mind, you’ll get more than your money’s worth with these blades just based on how efficiently you’ll be able to use them.

Made from two-tone black and polished stainless steel, the double-edge blade on the ThunderBolts is good at retaining its edge and cutting deep into whatever you throw them at.

Thanks to its handy design elements like a finger grip and ridges near the end on one side of the blade, they’re also surprisingly effective in close-quarters despite how short they are.

15. SOG F041TN Throwing Knife

SOG’s F041TN Throwing Knives might take some getting used to because of their unusual shape, but they’re no less effective than a more traditional blade once you get the hang of it.

Once you do, you may never want to go back to your old set.

Thanks to the single-edge blade’s 420 hard cased black stainless steel construction, these knives are both extra sharp as well as corrosion- and rust-resistant, making them a benefit for more survivalist uses that might see them splashed with water or other substances.

This in and of itself is more possible than with many other throwing knives, as the full-tang handle is wrapped in several feet of nylon-reinforced paracord, able to be unwound for use in emergencies.

This, as well as its foot and a half total length, make it an extremely useful weapon for just about any situation. Buy it!

In Conclusion

For both the experienced and those new to the skill, these fifteen throwing knife choices are some of the best of the best.

Look over each to give yourself an idea as to which might suit your needs, then get out there and practice.

You’ll be a pro in no time at all if you’ve got the right equipment by your side.