First Impressions of Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives
Throwing knives. They evoke images of backwoods carnivals, ninja movies, and a certain primal satisfaction when the blade sticks true. When I first saw the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives, I was drawn in by the aggressive styling and the promise of a quality throwing experience. At $169.99 for a set of three, they sit at the higher end of the throwing knife spectrum, demanding a thorough examination to see if they deliver on that price tag.
My search for the perfect throwing knife set has been long. I wanted something durable, balanced, and capable of sticking consistently in various target mediums. Cheaper sets I’ve tried in the past were often made of inferior steel that bent or chipped easily, making them frustrating to use and ultimately unsafe.
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives arrived securely packaged. The black powder coating looked sleek and the fire dragon artwork was certainly eye-catching. The weight of each knife (1.4lbs) felt substantial, suggesting a robustness that cheaper knives lacked. The full tang construction was also immediately reassuring.
Compared to other throwing knives I’ve used – like the Cold Steel True Flight Thrower and the SOG Fling – the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives felt immediately more balanced and less “whippy”. The Cold Steel, while durable, felt a bit too light, and the SOG’s handle wrap always seemed to come loose. I chose the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives because of the full tang design and the promise of better weight distribution.
Initially, I was impressed. The weight and feel in hand suggested a quality product. My only slight reservation was the UV printed artwork; I wondered how well it would hold up to repeated impacts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives was at my backyard target range, which consists of various wooden targets including seasoned pine rounds and softer balsa wood. I tested them in relatively dry conditions, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
These knives felt surprisingly intuitive to use. The weight and balance made it easy to find the “sweet spot” for a consistent throw. I quickly dialed in my throwing technique and was sticking the knives consistently from about 10-12 feet.
The only initial issue was that the black powder coating showed some wear around the point of impact after repeated throws into the pine rounds. This was purely cosmetic and didn’t affect performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives have held up remarkably well. I’ve thrown them hundreds of times into various targets, and they haven’t bent or chipped.
The durability has been excellent. Despite the initial wear on the powder coating at the impact point, the knives themselves remain structurally sound. I’ve noticed no loosening of the tang or any other signs of weakness.
Maintenance is simple: I occasionally wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust. The 3Cr13 stainless steel is relatively easy to care for, and I haven’t had to sharpen them yet.
Compared to other throwing knives I’ve owned, the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives are significantly more durable and consistent. My previous knives often required frequent sharpening and were prone to bending, making them less enjoyable and less reliable. These are holding up great.
Breaking Down the Features of Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives
Specifications
- Blade Material: 3Cr13 stainless steel with black powder coating. The 3Cr13 steel offers a good balance of hardness and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for throwing knives that will be subjected to repeated impacts.
- Construction: Full tang construction. This means the blade extends through the entire length of the handle, providing maximum strength and durability.
- Weight: 1.4 lbs per knife. This weight is substantial and provides excellent throwing momentum.
- Overall Length: 14.25 inches (36.2 cm). This length provides a good balance between control and throwing distance.
- Blade Length: 7.62 cm (approximately 3 inches). The blade length is sufficient for sticking in targets without being overly large or unwieldy.
- Additional Features: Lanyard hole. The lanyard hole allows for the attachment of a lanyard or paracord for added grip or retrieval.
- Artwork: UV printed, fade-resistant fire dragon artwork. While aesthetically pleasing, this is primarily a cosmetic feature.
- Set: Set of three knives. This is ideal for practicing and allows for multiple throws without having to retrieve each knife individually.
- Manufacturer: Toro Knives.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the throwing knives’ performance and durability. The full tang construction and 3Cr13 stainless steel ensure the knives can withstand repeated impacts without bending or breaking. The weight and length provide the necessary momentum and control for accurate throwing.
Performance & Functionality
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives perform their job exceptionally well. The weight and balance make them easy to throw accurately, and the full tang construction ensures they can withstand repeated impacts.
The knives’ strengths lie in their durability, balance, and ease of use. The only area for potential improvement is the black powder coating, which shows wear at the point of impact.
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives meet and, in some cases, exceed my expectations. The knives’ durability and consistent performance make them a worthwhile investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives feature a sleek and aggressive design. The black powder coating and fire dragon artwork give them a distinctive look.
The build quality is excellent. The full tang construction and 3Cr13 stainless steel feel solid and durable. The weight (1.4lbs) provides a comfortable balance in hand.
The knives are user-friendly and require minimal learning curve. The balance and weight make them easy to throw accurately, even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives are built to last. The full tang construction and 3Cr13 stainless steel ensure they can withstand repeated impacts without bending or breaking.
Maintenance is simple: occasionally wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust. The 3Cr13 stainless steel is relatively easy to care for.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives come as a set of three knives. There are no other included accessories.
Due to the knives’ simple design, there are limited customization options. You could potentially wrap the handles with paracord for added grip, but there are no readily available aftermarket grips or blades. The lanyard hole allows for attaching a retention cord.
Pros and Cons of Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives
Pros
- Excellent Durability: The 3Cr13 stainless steel and full tang construction ensure the knives can withstand repeated impacts without bending or breaking.
- Balanced Weight: The 1.4lb weight provides excellent throwing momentum and control, making them easy to throw accurately.
- Ease of Use: The knives are intuitive to use and require minimal learning curve, making them suitable for beginners and experienced throwers alike.
- Aesthetically Pleasing Design: The black powder coating and fire dragon artwork give the knives a unique and eye-catching look.
- Reliable Performance: These consistently stick and hold up over time.
Cons
- Powder Coating Wear: The black powder coating shows wear at the point of impact after repeated throws, although this is purely cosmetic.
- Limited Customization Options: There are limited options for customizing the knives beyond wrapping the handles with paracord.
Who Should Buy Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives?
These knives are perfect for enthusiasts looking for a durable, balanced, and visually appealing throwing knife set. They are also a great option for intermediate throwers looking to upgrade from cheaper, less reliable knives.
Those who are primarily concerned with pure functionality over aesthetics, or who are on a very tight budget, might want to consider a less expensive set. Collectors might find the limited customization options disappointing.
A sharpening stone and a target made of soft wood or foam are must-have accessories. Paracord for wrapping the handles is a nice-to-have option.
Conclusion on Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives
The Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives are a solid investment for anyone serious about throwing knives. Their durability, balance, and ease of use make them a joy to throw.
The $169.99 price tag is justified by the quality of materials and construction. These are not cheap, flimsy knives; they are built to last.
I would absolutely recommend the Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable throwing knife set. If you want a set that looks good, feels great in hand, and can withstand years of use, look no further. Get your Toro Knives Grito Fire Throwing Knives today and experience the satisfaction of a perfectly thrown blade!