First Impressions of Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives
The art of knife throwing is a skill steeped in history, from ancient warriors to modern-day competitive throwers. When I first saw the Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives, I was immediately drawn to their unique aesthetic and claimed durability. Toro Knives promises a blend of performance and eye-catching design, and I was eager to see if they delivered.
For years, I’ve sharpened my skills with various throwing knives, always searching for that perfect balance of weight, feel, and durability. I needed a set of knives that could withstand repeated impacts and offer consistent throwing characteristics for training and recreation. Could these knives be the answer?
Unboxing the set revealed three impressively sized knives, each showcasing a vibrant and unique graffiti-style design. The weight felt substantial at 1.32 lbs per knife, giving an immediate impression of robustness. The full tang construction and lanyard hole added to the feeling of quality.
I have previously used sets from Cold Steel and SOG, known for their more utilitarian designs. I was looking for something a bit different visually, without sacrificing performance. The Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives stood out due to their artistic flair and promise of fade-resistant artwork.
Initial excitement was definitely my prevailing emotion. The combination of the eye-catching design and the solid feel in hand sparked my curiosity to see how they would perform in a real-world throwing scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives to my usual throwing practice spot in the woods behind my property. My target was a seasoned oak log, ready to receive countless throws. The weather was dry and mild, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The knives felt comfortable in my hand, and the weight provided a satisfying heft during the throwing motion. Initially, I needed some minor adjustments to my technique to account for the longer length of these knives. Even after just a short time throwing, I managed to consistently stick the knives from about 10 feet away.
After the first hour of throwing, I noticed some minor chipping in the UV-printed artwork near the impact points. This was a little disappointing, but didn’t affect the knife’s functionality. No other issues arose.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives have proven to be reasonably durable, although the artwork shows more wear than I initially hoped. The blades themselves haven’t suffered any significant damage beyond minor scratches. They still stick reliably in my target.
I’ve found that a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use keeps them in good condition. The 3Cr13 stainless steel resists rust well, even after being left out in damp conditions overnight. I only perform light sharpening about once a month.
Compared to other throwing knives I’ve used, these are on par in terms of durability, but the unique graffiti design makes them stand out. However, the chipping in the artwork is a minor point of concern that I haven’t encountered with more basic, non-printed knives.
Breaking Down the Features of Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives
Specifications
The Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives boast the following specifications:
- Blade Material: 3Cr13 Stainless Steel. This steel offers a decent balance of hardness and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for throwing knives.
- Construction: Full Tang. The full tang construction extends the blade throughout the entire handle, providing superior strength and balance for throwing.
- Overall Length: 15.63 inches (39.7 cm). This length provides a good balance between control and momentum for accurate throws.
- Blade Length: 9.25 inches. The blade length contributes to the overall weight and balance, influencing the knife’s rotation in the air.
- Weight: 1.32 lb. This weight is substantial, providing ample momentum for effective target penetration.
- Additional Features: Lanyard Hole, UV Printed Graffiti Artwork. The lanyard hole allows for attaching a cord for retrieval, while the UV-printed artwork adds a unique aesthetic appeal.
Performance & Functionality
The Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives perform their primary function – sticking into a target – adequately. They are accurate when thrown with a consistent technique. These knives are well-balanced for rotational throwing styles.
The knives are easy to grip, even with gloves, and the weight provides a satisfying impact when they hit the target. However, the artwork can be prone to chipping with repeated use. This degrades the look, but doesn’t affect the throwing capability.
The knives meet my expectations for a recreational throwing set. They are not professional-grade competition knives, but offer a fun and visually appealing experience for casual throwing. I find they suit my needs well.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives is decent, with the full tang construction providing a solid feel. The weight is substantial, but well-distributed. The handles are smooth and comfortable to grip.
The UV-printed graffiti artwork is a standout design feature, making these knives visually distinct from other throwing sets. However, the artwork’s susceptibility to chipping detracts somewhat from the overall aesthetic appeal. The lanyard hole is a practical addition that allows for easy retrieval.
There is virtually no learning curve. The Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives are easy to pick up and use, even for beginners. It took only a few throws to get a feel for their weight and balance.
Durability & Maintenance
The 3Cr13 stainless steel offers reasonable durability, resisting rust and corrosion with minimal maintenance. The full tang construction adds to their overall strength. However, the UV-printed artwork is the weak point in terms of long-term durability.
Maintenance is simple. Wiping them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is usually sufficient to prevent rust. Light sharpening can be performed as needed to maintain a sharp point for target penetration.
With proper care, these knives should last for a reasonable amount of time, although the artwork may show significant wear with consistent use. However, I don’t expect to be replacing these knives for some time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives come as a set of three with no additional accessories included. There are no specific customization options offered by Toro Knives for this particular model. The lanyard hole allows for the addition of a paracord or other type of cord for enhanced retrieval.
These knives are compatible with generic knife sharpening tools. However, due to the unique artwork, refinishing or customizing the handles might be difficult without damaging the design. Otherwise, there aren’t further viable customization options available.
Pros and Cons of Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives
Pros
- Visually Striking Graffiti Artwork: The unique UV-printed designs make these knives stand out from the crowd.
- Full Tang Construction: Provides excellent strength and balance for throwing.
- Reasonable Durability: 3Cr13 stainless steel resists rust and corrosion.
- Comfortable Grip: Smooth handles offer a comfortable and secure hold.
- Substantial Weight: Provides ample momentum for effective target penetration.
Cons
- Artwork Prone to Chipping: The UV-printed design is susceptible to wear and tear with repeated use.
- No Sheath or Case Included: Lacking a sheath or case makes storage and transport less convenient.
Who Should Buy Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives?
The Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives are perfect for recreational knife throwers who appreciate unique designs and a solid feel. They would also be a good fit for beginner throwers looking for an affordable and visually appealing set to learn with. Casual campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a fun and challenging activity would also find these knives suitable.
Competitive throwers seeking professional-grade knives or those prioritizing pure durability over aesthetics should skip this product. Anyone who demands long-lasting artwork on their knives may also be disappointed. Also, those prioritizing light weight should consider knives made from other materials.
A must-have accessory would be a dedicated knife sheath or carrying case for safe storage and transport. Regular sharpening tools are also essential for maintaining the blades. If I were to modify them, I would consider applying a clear coat over the artwork to help protect it from chipping.
Conclusion on Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives
Overall, the Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives offer a decent balance of performance, durability, and unique design. While the artwork’s susceptibility to chipping is a drawback, the full tang construction, comfortable grip, and satisfying weight make them a fun and functional throwing set. They offer a satisfactory recreational experience.
At $159.99, the price is justified for those who value the unique aesthetic and are willing to accept some wear on the artwork. However, throwers prioritizing pure performance and durability may find better value elsewhere. They are worth their price point.
I would personally recommend the Toro Knives Barbaro Throwing Knives to anyone looking for a visually striking and enjoyable throwing experience. Grab a set, find a safe throwing spot, and unleash your inner knife-throwing artist.