Basic Throwing Knife Care
When getting into the hobby of knife throwing or collecting, it's important to learn how to perform basic knife care. Just like any other knives, a throwing knife will need resharpening and maintenance.
In addition, the tip of the knife actually gets damaged as you progressively throw. While manufacturers engineer a throwing knife in with durability and performance in mind, a little bit of knife care is still vital to prolong its use.
How to Clean your Throwing Knives
After you have finished with your knife throwing sessions, give the knives a good clean by taking a wet cloth and firmly rubbing it on to your knife to get rid of any smudges and messy marks. Dry it off afterwards with a dry cloth. It’s important to clean your throwing knives dry to avoid oxidation. Oxidation leads to a throwing knife’s dullness and intense damage.
Then, lightly oil the surface of the knife and gently clean until spotless. The oil acts as a protective layer to further avoid rust build up. Be sure to get a high quality oil.
Don't Use Soap
Do not wash your knives with detergent or any other kind of soap. Detergent can greatly damage the knife’s coating and may cause it to become dull and damaged. Limit your cleaning to only by hand, not with the aid of a machine. (such as a dishwasher, for instance) To avoid further damage, do not leave your throwing knife in a hot and humid environment.
Leather Sheath
If you have a leather sheath that comes with your throwing knife, make sure to store it separately. Leather absorbs moisture and may cause both the knife and the sheath some serious damage. Store your leather sheath with leather preservative or mink oil, and your throwing knives in a safe, dry place. If you live in a humid area, silica gel or desiccants work wonders.
Dents or Dings
Does your knife have a dent? Use a knife sharpener or a whetstone to carefully carve them out. In addition, you must regularly sharpen your knives. Having a dull knife takes a certain amount of effort just to cut through a target. If you aren't confident sharpening a knife on your own, there are professionals you can reach out and approach for help.
Your throwing knives deserve all the care and maintenance they can get. Practicing these tips and tricks will leave you enjoying your throwing knives for many years. Perform these basic knife care tips at least once a month. Don't take your knives for granted; preserve them well so they last for a lifetime.
If you have any more questions regarding throwing knives, our staff at Full Force Hunting would be more than happy to assist you. If you’re a beginner ready to get started on this adrenaline-rich hobby, we have a full guide on the knife throwing hobby, as well as provide a free printable target for you to use. Our website is also filled with great throwing knives to start with. Check them out here.
