Let’s Talk About Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set
The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set is an entry-level set designed for aspiring knife throwers. Gil Hibben, a name synonymous with impressive blade designs, aims to deliver an accessible option for those looking to get into the sport. These knives boast a simple, one-piece stainless steel construction and come with a nylon sheath for easy carry.
I’ve been around knives my whole life, but throwing knives are a different beast. I’ve always admired the skill and precision of expert throwers, and wanted to test that skillset myself. After searching for a beginner-friendly set, the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set seemed like a good starting point due to its affordability and the Gil Hibben name.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the knives felt lighter than I expected. The satin finish was decent, but the overall construction felt a bit basic. Compared to some heavier, more robust throwing knives I’ve handled, these felt almost delicate.
I considered the Cold Steel True Flight Thrower and the SOG Fling throwing knives. I chose the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set due to its lower price and because I was curious to see what the Gil Hibben name offered at this price point. I picked these over others as a starting point without committing a large amount of money.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t expecting a premium experience, but I hoped for a set that could withstand some serious throwing sessions. My initial thought was, I hope the steel holds up.
Real-World Testing: Putting Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a simple target setup in my backyard. I used a thick piece of seasoned softwood as my target, the kind recommended for beginners. The first few throws were…uneven, to say the least.
The knives felt light in the hand and took some getting used to in terms of throwing technique. It took a couple of hours to get any kind of reliable rotation, and it was more luck than skill. Wet grass made retrieving the knives a bit slippery, but didn’t affect the knives themselves.
The edge of one knife chipped slightly after hitting a knot in the wood. This raised a concern about the long-term durability of the 3Cr13 stainless steel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of semi-regular use (2-3 times a week for an hour each time), the knives showed more signs of wear. The satin finish started to scratch easily. The edge of one knife took another chip.
The nylon sheath held up okay, but the stitching seemed a little weak in places. I tried oiling the blades to prevent rust, which helped maintain their appearance, but I’m still seeing wear and tear. I have knives that are 10 years old that have held up better than these.
Compared to some other throwing knives I’ve tried in the past (more expensive ones, admittedly), these definitely felt less durable. They require more frequent sharpening and seem more prone to damage. At the end of the day, the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set did not meet expectations in long term usability.
Breaking Down the Features of Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set
Specifications
- Overall Length: 11 inches – This provides a decent length for achieving proper rotation, but might be a bit long for some beginners.
- Blade Length: 6 inches – The blade length contributes to the overall balance of the knife.
- Steel Type: 3Cr13 Stainless Steel – This is an entry-level stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance, but it sacrifices edge retention and durability compared to higher-end steels.
- Construction: One-piece – This simplifies the design and reduces potential points of failure, but can also impact the knife’s overall balance and feel.
- Sheath Material: Black nylon – Nylon is a lightweight and affordable material, but it’s not as durable as leather or Kydex.
- Lanyard Hole: Included – Useful for attaching a lanyard for added grip and control.
These specifications are pretty basic, reflecting the knife’s entry-level status. The 3Cr13 stainless steel, in particular, is a compromise.
Performance & Functionality
The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set can be made to stick, but it requires consistent technique. Accuracy is achievable with practice. It takes time to adjust to the weight and balance.
The knives are prone to chipping and bending if thrown improperly or against hard targets. The edge retention is not great, requiring frequent sharpening. Overall it is a low end set of throwing knives.
These knives barely met expectations, falling short on durability, but they did allow me to learn to throw.
Design & Ergonomics
The one-piece construction is simple, but it makes the knives feel handle-heavy. The lack of a proper handle makes the grip less comfortable during extended use. The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set feels awkward at times.
There’s no significant learning curve, but mastering the throwing technique takes time and effort. The handle ergonomics could be better, but its acceptable for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The 3Cr13 stainless steel is prone to chipping and scratching. With proper care, the blades can last a decent amount of time, but it requires frequent sharpening and oiling. The nylon sheath will likely need replacing sooner rather than later.
Maintaining the knives is relatively straightforward, but the 3Cr13 stainless steel requires more attention than higher-end steels. Frequent sharpening is a must. It’s not a long lasting knife set.
Accessories and Customization Options
The set comes with a basic black nylon sheath. There are no real customization options for these knives. You can wrap the handles with paracord for a better grip.
The sheath is pretty generic. There are no aftermarket sheaths specifically designed for this model. There are not many options to improve the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set.
Pros and Cons of Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set
Pros
- Affordable entry point into knife throwing.
- Simple, one-piece construction.
- Decent balance for learning basic techniques.
- Includes a sheath for convenient carrying.
- Lanyard hole provides added grip options.
Cons
- Low-grade 3Cr13 stainless steel is prone to chipping and bending.
- Uncomfortable handle for extended use.
- Sheath is not very durable.
Who Should Buy Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set?
The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set is perfect for absolute beginners who want to try knife throwing without spending much money. This set will work well for casual backyard practice. These will work well as novelty or recreational practice.
Anyone serious about knife throwing, or those looking for a durable and reliable set, should skip this product. They should look at higher end knives made of better steel, with better grip options.
A sharpening stone and some paracord are must-have accessories. Someone buying this knife set will need those as well as a new target.
Conclusion on Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set
The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set is a budget-friendly option for those curious about knife throwing. It’s not a high-performance set, but it offers a starting point for learning the basics. For $34.93, it’s hard to expect premium quality.
I personally wouldn’t recommend it for serious practitioners, but for someone just starting out, it’s a decent introduction. If you’re looking to dip your toes into knife throwing without breaking the bank, give this set a try, but be prepared for its limitations. Buy the set and start your knife throwing journey!