First Impressions of Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE immediately caught my eye with its incredibly low price point and interesting design. Produced by Cold Steel, these little throwers promised a lot of fun for very little investment. Could such a budget-friendly blade deliver on its claim of being a “ferocious bite” in a small package?
I’ve always been a fan of throwing knives, finding it a relaxing and challenging way to spend time outdoors. My initial interest was piqued by the potential for practicing knife throwing without the fear of damaging more expensive blades. I needed an affordable option for honing my skills and introducing friends to the sport.
Upon unboxing, the Black Fly SPIKE felt surprisingly solid for its size and weight. The black finish gave it a tactical appearance, and the single-piece construction seemed robust. I appreciated the slim profile, which suggested easy handling and target penetration.
Compared to my usual throwing knives, like the larger Cold Steel True Flight Thrower and a set of perfectly balanced SOG Fling throwing knives, the Black Fly SPIKE was significantly smaller and lighter. I chose the Black Fly SPIKE primarily for its affordability and portability, hoping it would serve as a great practice tool. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – intrigued by the value proposition but skeptical about the performance of such a small and inexpensive blade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE at my usual backyard throwing range, consisting of a large, seasoned oak log. I was eager to see how these lightweight knives would perform against a tough target.
The initial throws were a bit wobbly, due to the knife’s light weight and small size. It required a different throwing style than my larger knives, focusing on a quicker wrist flick. After a few adjustments, I started landing consistent throws.
The thin blade penetrated surprisingly well into the wood, even with less-than-perfect throws. There were no immediate signs of damage, even after repeated impacts. My first impression was that these little knives were more capable than their size suggested.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE has held up surprisingly well. I’ve thrown them hundreds of times, and they’ve proven to be fairly durable.
While the black finish has started to wear off in places, especially around the point, the knives themselves remain structurally sound. I did notice a slight bend in one of the blades after hitting a particularly hard knot in the wood, but it was easily straightened. Cleaning and maintenance are simple – a quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional oiling keeps them in good condition.
Compared to some of my higher-end throwing knives, the Black Fly SPIKE clearly isn’t as robust. However, given its price point, it far exceeded my expectations for durability and performance. It’s a great little thrower for practice and casual use.
Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE
Specifications
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE features a simple, but effective design. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
- Blade Length: 8 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry and throw.
- Overall Length: 8 inches. The overall size matches the blade length, indicating a full tang design.
- Blade Material: 1055 Carbon Steel. This material offers a good balance of strength and toughness for throwing.
- Serrated: Plain. The blade features a plain edge, optimal for throwing.
- Knife Application: Fixed Blade. It is a one-piece fixed blade knife, designed for throwing.
- Handle Material: Carbon Steel. The handle is made of the same carbon steel as the blade for durability.
- Blade Finish: Black. The black finish offers some rust resistance.
- Handle Color: Black. The handle color matches the blade finish.
- Blade Thickness: 2 mm. This thin profile allows for good penetration.
- Weight: 2.4 oz. The light weight makes it easy to throw for extended periods.
- Color: Black. The knife comes in black color.
These specifications highlight a knife designed for affordability and ease of use, rather than extreme durability. The light weight and thin profile are ideal for beginners. The carbon steel construction offers decent strength for the price.
Performance & Functionality
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE performs its primary job – throwing – surprisingly well, considering its size and price. Its lightweight design requires some getting used to, but once you find the right technique, it’s easy to stick into targets.
The knife excels at target penetration thanks to its thin blade and sharp point. It’s not designed for heavy-duty use and is primarily intended for throwing at soft targets like wood. The main strength of this knife is its affordability and ease of use, while a major weakness is its overall durability compared to more expensive options.
The knife meets my expectations as a fun, affordable practice tool. It’s not going to replace my competition-grade throwers, but it’s perfect for casual throwing sessions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Black Fly SPIKE has a minimalist, functional design. The one-piece carbon steel construction feels solid in hand.
The slim profile makes it comfortable to grip and throw. There’s no handle wrapping or scales, which might be a downside for some, but it keeps the design simple and lightweight.
The learning curve for throwing this knife is relatively short. The light weight and slim design make it easy to get a feel for the throw.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE isn’t built for extreme abuse, but it’s reasonably durable for its price. The carbon steel is susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to keep it in good condition. Minor bends can be straightened with pliers, but excessive force could break the blade. With proper care, the knife should last for a decent amount of throwing sessions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE comes with no included accessories, which is understandable given its low price point.
There are limited customization options, as the knife is a single piece of steel. You could potentially wrap the handle with paracord for a better grip.
However, this is not necessary for most users. It’s designed to be a simple, ready-to-throw knife without any frills.
Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE
Pros
- Extremely Affordable: The low price makes it accessible to anyone interested in trying knife throwing.
- Lightweight and Easy to Throw: Ideal for beginners and extended practice sessions.
- Good Penetration: The thin blade and sharp point penetrate targets effectively.
- Durable Enough for Casual Use: Holds up well with proper care and moderate use.
- Compact and Portable: Easy to carry in a backpack or throwing kit.
Cons
- Susceptible to Rust: Requires regular cleaning and oiling.
- Not for Heavy-Duty Use: Designed primarily for throwing at soft targets.
Who Should Buy Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE?
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE is perfect for beginners looking to get into knife throwing. It’s also a great option for casual backyard practice.
Anyone looking for a cheap and portable throwing knife should consider it. Those who need a heavy-duty, competition-grade throwing knife should skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a sharpening stone and gun oil to properly maintain the blade. Paracord could be used to customize the handle grip.
Conclusion on Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE
The Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE is an excellent value for the money. It provides an affordable entry point into the world of knife throwing.
The low price is more than justified by its performance and durability, given its intended use. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and inexpensive way to practice their throwing skills.
If you’re curious about knife throwing, grab a Cold Steel Black Fly MINI Blades/Throwing Knives SPIKE and give it a shot – you might be surprised by how much fun you have!