Best Throwing Knives: 7 REAT Sets by Length and Piece Count

Best throwing knives for beginnersREAT Throwing Knives - 3 PieceBest large set for groupsREAT Throwing Knives - 12 PieceBest coated mid-size setREAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece,7.5" 440 Stainless Steel with Black CoatingBest set with a target includedREAT Throwing Knives Set - 6 Piece

The best throwing knives for backyard target practice are balanced, simple to grip and sized for your throwing distance. Recreational knife throwing is a lot like darts or archery: the fun comes from repeatable form and hearing a clean stick in the target.

REAT makes throwing knife sets from 6.5 to 15 inches in 440 stainless steel, sold in 3, 6 and 12 piece sets. This guide compares seven of them by length, piece count, handle and case, using only what the listings state. See every set on the throwing knives page.

Our picks

1

Best throwing knives for beginners

REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece

This 3 piece set uses 6.5-inch knives in 440 stainless steel with cord-wrapped handles. The listing says the weight distribution is designed for a stable flight path and suits both beginners and experienced throwers. A nylon carrying case for belt or backpack is included.

Best forFirst-time throwers who want a simple, compact set

Skip it ifYou want more knives per round before walking to the target

Pros

• Cord-wrapped grip
• Nylon carrying case
• Compact 6.5-inch size

Cons

• Only three knives per round

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2

Best large set for groups

REAT Throwing Knives - 12 Piece

With 12 knives, this is the biggest set in the REAT lineup, so you can throw more before each walk to the target. Each 6.5-inch knife is 440 stainless steel with a cord-wrapped handle, and this version has red cord. The listing includes a nylon carrying case.

Best forFamilies and friends sharing one practice session

Skip it ifYou only throw solo and want longer knives

Pros

• 12 pieces
• Red cord-wrapped handles
• Nylon carrying case

Cons

• Shortest length in the group

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3

Best coated mid-size set

REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece,7.5" 440 Stainless Steel with Black Coating

These 7.5-inch knives sit between the small and long sets. The listing names 440 steel with a black coating for corrosion protection, and a sheath that fits a belt or backpack. It is a 3 piece set aimed at competition and recreation.

Best forThrowers stepping up from 6.5 inches

Skip it ifYou prefer a cord-wrapped handle

Pros

• Black protective coating
• Mid-size 7.5-inch length
• Belt or backpack sheath

Cons

• Handle wrap is not mentioned in the listing

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4

Best set with a target included

REAT Throwing Knives Set - 6 Piece

This 6 piece set uses 9-inch kunai-style throwers in 440 stainless steel, three in tan and three in black. The listing describes a triple-edge design, cord-wrapped handles with looped ends, a themed paper target and a custom folding nylon carrying case. The maker notes the 9-inch length is longer than many throwing knives.

Best forAnyone who wants a ready-to-go kit with a target

Skip it ifYou want a plain single-edge throwing knife

Pros

• Paper target included
• 6 pieces in two colors
• Folding nylon case

Cons

• Paper target still needs a solid wood backing behind it

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5

Best 9-inch 3 piece set

REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece

If you want 9-inch knives without the six-piece kit, this 3 piece set lists 440 stainless steel, a full tang design and a nylon carrying case. The maker describes balanced weight for consistent throws.

Best forSolo throwers who want a longer knife in a small set

Skip it ifYou want a target included

Pros

• Full tang per the listing
• 9-inch length
• Nylon carrying case

Cons

• Listing gives no weight

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6

Best heavy duty set

REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece

REAT calls these 9.5-inch knives heavy duty, made from 440 steel with a gray titanium anti-rust coating. The listing describes even weight distribution for smooth flight and a protective sheath for storage. It is a 3 piece set for practice and performance throwing.

Best forThrowers who want a heavier-feeling knife and a rust-resistant finish

Skip it ifYou are buying for a group and want more pieces

Pros

• Gray anti-rust coating
• Heavy duty build per the maker
• Sheath included

Cons

• Exact weight is not listed

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7

Best long throwing knives

REAT Throwing Products - 3 Piece

At 12 inches, these are the longest knives in this list. The 3 piece set uses 440 stainless steel with a gray coating and includes a sheath. Longer knives turn more slowly in flight, which many throwers find more forgiving at longer distances.

Best forExperienced throwers working from farther back

Skip it ifYour practice area is short

Pros

• 12-inch length
• Gray coating
• Sheath included

Cons

• Needs more room and a sturdier target

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How we picked these throwing knife sets

REAT lists about ten throwing knife sets. To find the best throwing knives for different throwers, we kept distinct combinations of length and piece count and compared:

• Length: from the title or size field, 6.5 to 12 inches here.
• Piece count: 3, 6 or 12 knives per set.
• Handle and finish: cord wrap, black coating or gray coating.
• Storage: nylon case or sheath, plus any extras such as a target.

None of the listings give a weight per knife, so we could not compare weight. No prices or ratings are used.

Best throwing knives compared by length and set size

Most sets come in threes. The 12 piece and 6 piece sets are the ones to look at if several people will throw together.

REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece

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REAT Throwing Knives Set - 6 Piece

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REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece

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REAT also lists a 10.5-inch 3 piece heavy duty set and a 15-inch kunai; the 15-inch listing does not state a piece count.

REAT Throwing Knives - 3 Piece

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REAT Throwing Knives with Sheath

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How to choose throwing knives

Shorter knives of 6.5 to 7.5 inches are compact and easy to carry. Longer knives of 9 inches and up rotate more slowly, which many throwers find easier to time. There is no single set of best throwing knives for everyone; match length to your space and distance.

Shorter knives of 6.5 to 7.5 inches are compact and easy to carry. Longer knives of 9 inches and up rotate more slowly, which many throwers find easier to time at a set distance.

Piece count

Three knives is fine for solo practice. Six or twelve means more throws per round and fewer trips to the target, handy when friends take turns.

Grip and finish

Cord wrap adds grip and a little cushioning. Bare or coated handles release cleanly. Black and gray coatings help with corrosion, per the listings.

Storage

Every set here includes a case or sheath. Use it every time you carry the knives to and from the range.

How to set up a safe backyard throwing range

1. Use a thick wooden target, such as end-grain log rounds or stacked softwood boards. The included paper target goes on top of wood, never on a wall.
2. Leave a wide, empty area behind and around the target to catch misses and bounces.
3. Throw only when nobody is downrange, and retrieve knives together after everyone has thrown.
4. Start close and step back slowly as your release gets consistent.
5. Wear closed-toe shoes; a bounced knife can land near your feet.

Our pick for the best throwing knives

For a first set, the 3 piece 6.5-inch kit with cord-wrapped handles is the easy start. For family or group sessions, the 12 piece set means more throwing and less walking. If you want everything in one box, the 6 piece 9-inch kit with a paper target is the best throwing knives package in the lineup on paper.

Want more detail? Read our REAT throwing knives set review. Curious about axes? See the best throwing axe guide and the axes and hatchets range.

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