First Impressions of Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red
The Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red immediately screams “mall ninja” upon first glance, but as someone who’s spent a decade immersed in the world of edged weapons and tactical tools, I’m always willing to look past initial impressions. The set, manufactured by Rite Edge, includes a 27-inch “ninja sword” and two throwing knives, all sporting a black and red color scheme. This product aims to be a complete ninja-inspired throwing kit, but will it actually perform, or will it end up as wall decor?
My journey to this set began with a simple question: can a budget-friendly, mass-produced throwing set provide a decent entry point into the world of knife and sword throwing? I wanted to explore the potential for accessible backyard training, without the hefty price tag of custom-made blades. Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the weight; at 4 pounds, the set felt surprisingly substantial.
The black and red rubber handle of the “sword” felt comfortable enough, though the overall build quality seemed questionable. Compared to high-carbon steel throwing knives from brands like Cold Steel or SOG, which I’ve used extensively, the stainless steel of the Rite Edge set felt noticeably less robust. My initial impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
While I considered other options like the Perfect Point throwing knife sets, the allure of a “sword” alongside the knives, at this price point, was intriguing. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red would exceed my low expectations and prove to be a worthwhile training tool, despite its questionable aesthetics. Was I excited? Not exactly, but I was definitely interested to see what this budget set could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red in my backyard, focusing on distance and accuracy at plywood targets. The weather was dry and mild, providing ideal conditions for outdoor throwing. Using the “sword” was awkward at first.
The weight distribution felt off, making it difficult to achieve a smooth, consistent throw. The throwing knives, however, were easier to handle. After about an hour of throwing, I noticed the red TiNi coating on the throwing knives started to chip off, revealing the bare stainless steel underneath.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of sporadic use, the “sword” remains largely untouched. The throwing knives, however, have seen more action. The durability of the set has proven to be a major concern.
The tip of one throwing knife bent after hitting a knot in the plywood target. Cleaning the knives is relatively easy, but the chipping TiNi coating is a constant reminder of the set’s questionable quality. Compared to my experiences with higher-end throwing knives, the Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red is a clear disappointment in terms of longevity and performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red
Specifications
The Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red consists of a 27-inch “ninja sword” and two 6-inch throwing knives. The “sword” features a 19-inch stainless steel blade and a black and red rubber handle. This handle, while comfortable, offers limited grip in wet conditions.
The throwing knives have 3.25-inch red TiNi coated double-edged stainless steel blades, black cord-wrapped handles, and finger rings. The set weighs approximately 4 pounds and comes with a black nylon belt sheath. A lanyard hole is present on the “sword’s” handle. The red TiNi coating, as my testing revealed, is purely cosmetic and offers little to no functional benefit.
Performance & Functionality
The performance of the Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red is, frankly, underwhelming. The “sword” is poorly balanced and difficult to throw accurately, making it more of a novelty item than a functional training tool. The throwing knives fare slightly better, but their light weight and flexible blades make them prone to wobbling and inaccurate throws, especially at longer distances.
The set’s biggest weakness is its low-quality stainless steel, which lacks the strength and durability required for serious throwing practice. It barely meets minimal expectations. The throwing knives are functional for a beginner to learn the most basic techniques; however, the poor quality of materials limits the skill ceiling one can reach with this product.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red is clearly aimed at aesthetics rather than functionality. The black and red color scheme is visually appealing to some, but the rubber handle of the “sword” feels cheap and slippery. The throwing knives’ cord-wrapped handles provide a decent grip, but the finger rings are largely unnecessary and can actually hinder throwing technique.
The set is relatively lightweight, but the weight distribution of the “sword” is poorly designed. There is a learning curve involved in throwing the knives, but this is largely due to their inherent instability rather than any intentional design feature. The black nylon sheath is functional, but offers minimal protection and is unlikely to withstand heavy use.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red is a major concern. The stainless steel blades are prone to bending and chipping, and the red TiNi coating wears off quickly. The rubber handle of the “sword” is likely to crack or tear with prolonged use.
Maintenance is relatively simple; cleaning the blades with a cloth and applying a light coat of oil is sufficient to prevent rust. However, the set’s inherent lack of durability means that it is unlikely to last for more than a few months of regular use. The set is not designed to be repaired; once a blade breaks or bends, it is essentially unusable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red comes with a black nylon belt sheath for carrying the “sword” and throwing knives. There are no other included accessories or customization options. Given the set’s low quality, it is unlikely that aftermarket accessories would be worth the investment.
The “sword” and knives are not compatible with accessories from other brands. Any attempts at customization would likely void any warranty (if one exists) and could potentially damage the set further.
Pros and Cons of Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red
Pros
- Affordable entry point into throwing (at $45.99).
- Includes both a “sword” and throwing knives.
- Visually appealing to some (black and red color scheme).
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Knives are usable for basic training.
Cons
- Poorly balanced “sword” is difficult to throw.
- Low-quality stainless steel blades are prone to bending and chipping.
- Red TiNi coating wears off quickly.
- Rubber handle feels cheap and slippery.
- Lacks durability and long-term reliability.
Who Should Buy Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red?
The Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red is perfect for those who are curious about throwing knives and want to try it out without investing a lot of money, such as casual backyard enthusiasts. This is best suited as a toy, and should not be considered a serious training tool. It might be suitable for teenagers or young adults who are interested in ninja-themed activities and want a novelty item to play with.
This product should be avoided by serious martial artists, experienced knife throwers, and those looking for a durable and reliable training tool. Anyone who values quality and performance over aesthetics should look elsewhere. This is especially true for those who value quality and safety, since the blade steel is of questionable durability.
A must-have modification (if you still decide to purchase) would be a sharpening stone, as the edges are not particularly sharp out of the box. I would also highly recommend high-quality eye protection.
Conclusion on Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red
The Rite Edge Ninja Sword Thrower Set Red is a budget-friendly option that ultimately falls short of expectations. The “sword” is poorly designed and difficult to use, while the throwing knives suffer from low-quality materials and questionable durability. While the price is attractive, the set’s lack of performance and longevity make it a questionable investment.
The value proposition is weak; the low price is offset by the set’s inherent limitations and lack of durability. I would not personally recommend this product to anyone serious about knife and sword throwing. There are far better options available, even at a slightly higher price point.
Consider this set only as a novelty item or a cheap way to test the waters of knife throwing. For serious training, invest in higher-quality blades from reputable manufacturers. Don’t be fooled by the ninja aesthetic; this set is more mall ninja than master ninja.