Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives Review

First Impressions of Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives

The Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives promise a lot in a small package: throwing fun and potential utility as a boot knife, all at a ridiculously low price. As someone who’s spent years testing tactical gear, I’m always intrigued by affordable options that might over-deliver. Could these tiny throwers actually be worth the hype, or would they end up as another cheap gimmick?

I was initially looking for a lightweight, easily packable throwing knife set for camping trips. My goal was to have something fun to do around the campsite that didn’t take up a ton of space. The Micro Flight seemed like it might fit the bill, though I was admittedly skeptical about the quality given the price.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was their diminutive size. They were surprisingly light, almost toy-like, but the black finish gave them a somewhat serious appearance. The all-stainless steel construction seemed solid enough, and the spear point blade design looked functional.

I had been considering a few other options, including some slightly larger, more established throwing knife brands. However, the low price point of the Cold Steel set was a major factor, especially since I wasn’t sure how much I’d actually use them. Also, the potential to convert them into boot knives (as Cold Steel suggests) was an interesting bonus.

My initial reaction was a mix of curiosity and apprehension. I was definitely intrigued by the potential for a fun, cheap throwing knife set. However, I remained concerned about the durability and overall performance of the Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Micro Flight Throwers to a local patch of woods behind my property for their first test. I set up a simple target consisting of a few stacked cardboard boxes. The conditions were dry and mild, perfect for a throwing session.

The first thing I realized was that these knives required a very different throwing technique than larger, heavier models. Their light weight demanded a quick, wrist-snapping motion, which took some getting used to. After about an hour, I was starting to get the hang of it, landing consistent throws from about 10 feet.

My initial throwing session revealed a few minor issues. One of the knives developed a slight wobble in the blade, suggesting that the tang wasn’t perfectly secured. Also, the thin blade profile made them prone to bouncing off the target if the throw wasn’t perfectly aligned.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of occasional use, the Micro Flight knives have held up reasonably well, considering their price. I’ve thrown them into a variety of targets, including wood, cardboard, and even a few old tires. The black finish has shown some wear and tear, with scratches and scrapes accumulating over time.

Durability has been a mixed bag. The blade that initially wobbled has become slightly looser, but hasn’t completely failed. The other knives remain relatively solid. Cleaning is simple, usually just wiping them down with a cloth.

Compared to my experience with higher-end throwing knives, the Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives certainly don’t measure up in terms of precision or durability. However, for casual backyard fun, they’re surprisingly adequate. They are a great tool for learning the basics.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives

Specifications

• Blade Length: 8 inches. This compact size makes them easy to carry and conceal, but requires a different throwing technique.
• Overall Length: 8 inches. The full tang construction extending to the end of the handle adds some durability, but the overall length is still quite short for a throwing knife.
• Blade Shape: Spear Point. The spear point allows for good penetration of softer targets.
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel is easy to maintain and resists corrosion, though its strength may not match that of higher carbon steels.
• Serrated: Plain. The plain edge simplifies sharpening and reduces the chance of catching on targets.
• Knife Application: Fixed Blade. The fixed blade design is necessary for throwing knives, providing strength and preventing folding during impact.
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel handle contributes to the knife’s overall durability but can be slippery when wet.
• Blade Finish: Black. The black finish provides a tactical look and helps to reduce glare.
• Handle Color: Black. The black handle maintains a consistent aesthetic.
• Blade Thickness: 2 mm. The thin blade profile makes them lightweight but more prone to bending or breaking.
• Weight: 2.7 oz. Their light weight makes them easy to carry and throw for extended periods.

These specifications are key because they dictate the throwing style and target compatibility. The light weight and thin blade necessitate a faster, more precise throw.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives perform adequately for casual throwing practice. They’re not precision instruments, but they can be fun for backyard target practice. Their accuracy is decent at short ranges (10-15 feet), but they tend to wobble at longer distances.

Their biggest weakness is their durability. The thin blade is prone to bending, and the handle can feel a bit flimsy after repeated throws. The small size also makes them less forgiving of imperfect throws. They are beginner friendly, but not very high performance.

Despite their limitations, they do meet expectations for a budget-friendly throwing knife set. They are certainly not a product for competitive throwers.

Design & Ergonomics

The all-steel construction gives the Micro Flight Throwers a sleek, minimalist look. The handle is simple and functional, although it lacks any texturing for improved grip. The lightweight design makes them easy to handle, but the lack of substantial weight can make them feel less controllable.

The design is fairly user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve for basic throwing techniques. The balance point is slightly forward, which aids in sticking the target when thrown correctly.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their thin blade and all-steel construction, the Micro Flight Throwers are unlikely to last for years of heavy use. However, with proper care and occasional sharpening, they should hold up for a reasonable amount of time. Maintenance is straightforward.

Sharpening the blade is simple with a basic sharpening stone, and cleaning involves just wiping them down with a cloth after each use. Preventing rust on the stainless steel is important.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives don’t come with any specific accessories, such as a sheath or carrying case. They are a bare-bones product. There are no official customization options offered by Cold Steel.

However, given their simple design, users could potentially add aftermarket grip tape or cord wraps to improve the handle. Compatible with basic sharpening tools, a user could further customize the edge.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives

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Who Should Buy Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives?

The Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives are perfect for casual backyard throwers, beginners looking to learn the basics, and campers or hikers seeking a lightweight and affordable throwing knife set. They are also suitable for those interested in experimenting with a potential boot knife conversion.

Those seeking professional-grade throwing knives, competitive throwers, or individuals who require extreme durability should skip this product. The low price point reflects compromises in material quality and construction.

A must-have modification would be adding grip tape or cord wrap to the handle to improve grip and control. A basic sharpening stone is also recommended for maintaining the blade edge.

Conclusion on Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives

The Cold Steel Micro Flight MINI Blades/Throwing Knives are a surprisingly decent option for casual throwing enthusiasts on a tight budget. They’re not perfect, and their durability is a concern, but they offer a fun and affordable way to get started with throwing knives. The $9.99 price is definitely justified for the level of functionality they provide.

I would personally recommend them to anyone looking for a cheap and cheerful throwing knife set for occasional backyard fun. Just don’t expect them to perform like a $50 set! Get them, give them a shot, and see if you enjoy the hobby before making a more serious investment.