First Impressions of China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah
The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah. The name itself conjures images of sleek, fast, and deadly projectiles slicing through the air with pinpoint accuracy. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen a lot of throwing knives, from high-end competition models to budget-friendly starter sets. This particular set piqued my interest for one reason: sheer affordability. At $12.95, it’s undeniably cheap, prompting the questions of whether it’s a viable entry point for beginners or simply a waste of money.
I was looking for an inexpensive set to introduce a few friends to the art of knife throwing. I needed something safe enough to handle, yet durable enough to withstand repeated impacts.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the finish. The “Cheetah finish,” described as a feature, seemed more like a thin, somewhat haphazard coat of paint that I suspect will chip off quickly. The knives felt surprisingly light, almost too light, which raised concerns about their ability to penetrate targets effectively. Compared to my usual set of well-balanced, full-tang throwing knives, these felt almost toy-like.
I considered a set from Cold Steel or SOG, known for their entry-level throwing knives, but the price point of the China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah was the deciding factor. I hoped that even if the quality wasn’t stellar, they’d serve as a decent introduction to the sport.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism. I was excited by the low price, but also apprehensive about the overall build quality. Only real-world testing would reveal if these knives were worth their weight, or if they would become another cheap item relegated to the back of the gear closet.
Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my backyard range, a safe and controlled environment with a sturdy wooden target. The day was dry with a slight breeze, typical conditions for an afternoon of throwing. The first few throws were… enlightening. The lightness of the knives made it difficult to get a consistent rotation, and they tended to wobble in the air.
Performance in terms of penetration was subpar. The knives bounced off the target more often than sticking, especially at distances beyond 10 feet. After several throws, one of the knives developed a slight bend in the tip.
It took a considerable amount of time to adjust to the knives’ weight and balance. Even then, accuracy was inconsistent. I quickly realized that these knives required a very specific throwing style to achieve any semblance of accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of occasional use, the knives’ initial flaws only worsened. The Cheetah finish has indeed started to chip off, revealing the bare metal underneath, which is now beginning to rust. Several of the tips have bent slightly, despite my best efforts to straighten them.
The durability is a major concern. These knives are not designed for anything beyond very light use. I attempted to sharpen them, but the metal seemed soft and didn’t hold an edge well.
Compared to my previous experiences with higher-quality throwing knives, the China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah are a significant disappointment. While my go-to throwing knives still perform admirably after years of use, these feel like they’re on their last legs after just a few weeks.
Breaking Down the Features of China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah
Specifications
- The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah boasts a “Cheetah finish.” This finish appears to be a painted coating, providing a cosmetic look rather than functional benefit.
- The product description indicates sharp edge materials. However, the actual sharpness of the knives out of the box is underwhelming.
- The knives are designed to be suitable for throwers of most sizes and shapes. The light weight may make them suitable for smaller individuals but negatively affects penetration power.
- The handles claim to offer an outstanding grip in virtually any weather condition. In practice, the smooth metal handles provide a decent grip when dry but become slippery when wet.
Performance & Functionality
The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah struggles to perform its primary function: sticking into a target reliably. The light weight and poor balance make accurate throws difficult to achieve, and the lack of penetration power often results in bounces. The overall performance is below average, even for a budget-friendly set.
The primary weakness is the inconsistent flight and lack of sticking power. There is a need for major improvement in both balance and blade geometry to make these knives more effective. They do not meet expectations for a usable throwing knife set.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is questionable. The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah features very basic materials and a simple construction. The light weight, while potentially appealing to some beginners, ultimately detracts from the overall feel and throwing experience.
There’s a significant learning curve. The odd weight distribution and balance mean it will take a considerable amount of practice to throw accurately.
Durability & Maintenance
Longevity is a major concern. The thin metal and the poor finish suggest these knives will not withstand regular use for an extended period. They may only last a few months with even moderate use.
Maintenance is simple enough, as there isn’t much to them. However, the metal is prone to rust and the tips are easily bent, requiring frequent straightening and oiling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah comes with no accessories, only the knives themselves in a simple box. There are no customization options available for these knives.
The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah is not compatible with any aftermarket grips or accessories. This is due to their simple, non-standard design.
Pros and Cons of China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah
Pros
- Incredibly low price point makes it accessible to anyone.
- Lightweight design might be suitable for very young or small-statured beginners.
- Simple design is easy to understand.
Cons
- Extremely poor durability; prone to bending and rusting.
- Very difficult to throw accurately due to poor weight distribution and balance.
- Finish is cheap and wears off quickly.
Who Should Buy China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah?
The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah is potentially perfect for someone who has absolutely zero experience with throwing knives and wants to experiment without investing much money. However, even in this scenario, the low quality could lead to frustration and discourage them from pursuing the hobby further.
Anyone serious about learning knife throwing, or those looking for a reliable set for recreational use, should skip this product. There are better options available for a slightly higher price.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications that can salvage this set. Investing in a higher-quality set from the start is the better option.
Conclusion on China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah
The China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah is a prime example of getting what you pay for. While the low price is undeniably appealing, the poor quality, inconsistent performance, and questionable durability make it a poor investment.
The value proposition is questionable. The low price is attractive, but the knives’ shortcomings mean they are unlikely to provide a satisfying throwing experience.
I cannot personally recommend the China Made Throwing Knife Set Cheetah. The frustration caused by their poor performance outweighs the initial savings.
Instead, invest in a slightly more expensive, but significantly higher-quality set. Your throwing experience will be much more rewarding, and the knives will last much longer. Don’t be fooled by the low price. Look elsewhere for a set that will actually allow you to learn and enjoy the art of knife throwing.