Introduction
It is time to discuss my experiences with the The Spike DC from TacticalEdgedDojo—or TeDojo, as the name is often abbreviated. It is a Chinese brand that now boasts a very extensive catalog, featuring everything from throwing stars to knives and swords.
However, for those interested in throwing knives, the company is best known for introducing traditional Chinese models to a wider market—or at least making them known here in the West. This segment includes models such as the Storm, ZauChi, and Duanhong. They differ significantly in appearance; for instance, the Storm is recognizable as a classic throwing knife, whereas the ZauChi is a typical Chinese dart derived from spearhead designs.
TacticalEdgedDojo The Spike DC
The Spike DC, however, isn't really either. Sure, it is a type of knife, but since it is narrower and more slender than almost anything—except perhaps an 18th-century stiletto—the term "knife" doesn't feel quite right. At the same time, it is larger than most *bo-shuriken*. I therefore view it as a fusion of a dagger and a *bo-shuriken*. Apparently, TeDojo sees it the same way, as it is listed under throwing knives rather than "throwing spikes."
Then again, the definition may not be as important as how it performs in use.
Appearance and Dimensions
In terms of appearance, a few things characterize the Spike DC. The shape itself is, of course, the primary feature, but there are a couple of distinctive elements that enhance the look while also serving a functional purpose.
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| Spike DC is quite large for its type. |
I am referring to the distinct channel milled along the centerline, running the entire length of the knife. Then there is the cube pattern found on the handle; this adds visual interest, helps index the knife in your hand, improves grip, and reduces weight—which naturally affects the balance as well. Furthermore, channels of this type tend to enhance structural integrity—much like an I-beam or the "fullers" found on conventional knives.
The edges are slightly beveled, providing a smoother feel when gripping the handle. The handle terminates in a hole; on a standard knife, this would be considered a lanyard hole, but on throwing knives, it primarily serves as a suspension point should you wish to hang them up.
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| The handle has a distinctive pattern that both provides a good grip and indexes the knife in the hand |
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| The thickness is over 8 mm |
What attracts the most attention, however, is the long sleek glossy black shape with its very aggressive blade. It's 125mm long and only 18mm wide at most but tapers off quickly as you can see. The thickness is 8 mm, which gives a durable blade despite that. Or to be precise, according to my caliper, it is actually a full 8.5 mm thick.
The total length is 260 mm and the weight is 210 g. Including the case, the total weight is 260 grams.
Material
The black semi-gloss surface is some form of titanium coating. The steel given that surface is DC53 which is a tool steel that has been CNC machined in this case.
The hardness is what deviates from the norm when it comes to throwing knives. They are usually around 50 HRC, which means they are kept very soft. The reason is that you don't want them to become brittle or for metal chips to occur as easily if they hit something hard like a rock or each other. But here TeDojo has chosen to go a different route and hardened Spike to a full 61HRC.
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| The Spike DC comes with a Kydex sheath with a belt clip |
Unusually, this knife comes with a sheath. It is made of Kydex and holds the knife quite securely. The construction consists of a folded sheet of Kydex secured with eyelets. The sheath features a "dual-grip" clip—meaning it doesn't just form a simple hook but creates a closed loop—which ensures it stays firmly attached to a belt. For that same reason, however, it can sometimes be a bit of a hassle to remove from the belt.
Personally, I carry The Spike DC by attaching the clip over my belt with the sheath tucked inside the front waistband, positioned for a right-hand draw. From this position, the knife can be drawn to execute any type of throw.
To throw
Since this is a "throwing spike", the properties are also generally very neutral, although there are certain techniques that are favored by the shape and not least the balance point. But in short, it means that all imaginable techniques can be used with the Spike DC.
Even when I first held it I felt it would be excellent for semi-rotational techniques. What makes it so is simply the length combined with the fact that it is rear heavy. The balance point is found 10/16 centimeters from the back end and tip respectively.
If throwing knives are too short, I think it will be more difficult to throw e.g. military half spin, but here the length helps. The limit is somewhere around 25 centimeters. Then the variants of throwing are easier the more back heavy a knife is. So that too is helpful here.
Then the appearance gives a clear hint that no spin is what it is more or less made for.
But having said that, it can be added that the length makes this an effective tool even when it comes to rotation techniques. Something I intend to go into in a little more detail below.
- Rotational throwing
In fact, that is exactly where we should start. Once you get the hang of it, the Spike DC is a truly agreeable knife, even for rotational throwing. What I mean by "getting the hang of it" is that the knife is relatively lightweight—especially considering its length—which means that once it starts to rotate, it moves very quickly.
This means you have to initiate the rotation slightly later during the actual throw. Another factor to consider is that handle-heavy knives spin somewhat like a pear; naturally, they rotate around their balance point rather than their geometric center, as a perfectly neutral knife would. This also contributes to the knife "flipping" quickly once the rotation begins. It isn't something you notice once you’re accustomed to it, but it becomes apparent when switching between knives—especially at longer distances. As I often say, most things work at three meters, but things can get trickier when throwing from greater distances.
The same applies to The Spike. Generally, I prefer using it at shorter distances and gripping the handle when throwing with spin; it doesn't feel quite as natural when held by the blade.
- Half Spin
As expected, this spike performs superbly when it comes to various half-rotation throw styles. This becomes evident when executing a military half-spin, whether using a backhand, standard, overhand, sidearm, or underhand throw.
These were my first throws with the TeDojo Spike DC
It feels just as natural to throw with instinctive half spin with an index finger on the back, even if I personally am not as good at it. It is a technique that is generally easier to transition to when you approach distances of 4-5 m and up. Not everyone is gifted with the ability to throw military half spin like "The Bear" Melnikov.
- No Spin
Its lineage as a *bo-shuriken* naturally makes it excellent for "no-spin" techniques. However—and there is a "however"—the center of gravity makes it tricky to throw using pure "push" techniques, primarily because the handle (and thus the entire knife) is relatively long. It is significantly easier to switch to a "slide" technique, where you let your index finger glide along the handle rather than pushing off during the throw.
Then again, that impression might simply stem from the fact that I have moved away from handle-heavy knives in favor of neutrally balanced no-spin knives, so I am not as accustomed to them anymore. So, take that observation with a grain of salt.
That said, once you get used to this model, it is very accurate—or well, the thrower plays a part too, of course. But the Spike helps you along the way, so to speak.
Another plus is that when you draw the knife from the sheath and throw it, you don’t need to have the exact "right" grip, since the Spike favors a sliding technique. Simply put, the position of your index finger at the start of the throw isn't quite as critical.
Conclusion
I have owned The Spike DC for about four months now, and during that time, I have made approximately 2,200 throws. Since I only have one, the number of throws is somewhat lower than it would be with a full set, but it is enough for me to have a solid understanding of how it performs.
Furthermore, I frequently use it for various types of throwing involving different knife models, as seen in some of the clips above. I do this to develop a smoother flow when drawing and throwing different knives, without having to worry about exactly which one happens to be at hand. Instinctive throwing is not just about being flexible with distance, but also with what is being thrown.
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| It is certainly possible to use the Spike DC as an "EDC throwing knife," but by that, I mean the days I’m heading to the throwing range. It’s not something I carry in my everyday life. Of course, the rules vary from country to country, but in Sweden, I would find it very difficult to explain to the police why I was carrying something like this in town. |
I must admit that I initially had some reservations about the stated hardness of the steel. Anything over 60 on the Rockwell scale puts it in kitchen-knife territory—knives not designed to withstand the kind of abuse that all throwing knives endure. Even if the thrower doesn't miss and lands a flat hit against the target, immense forces are involved. Every impact generates strong vibrations, and on top of that, the knife has to be pried out of the target. It is all incredibly demanding for a knife.
However, those concerns proved unfounded. The Spike has shown no signs of failure. Then again, pieces of steel don't usually show signs of trouble until they actually snap. The coating has held up well, too; only the tip and a few isolated spots show signs of wear.
Opinions on a black finish can vary. It looks good, but if you set your knife down and have to find it in semi-darkness amidst a pile of leaves, it’s not quite as fun. In those situations, I prefer shinier knives.
The sheath holds up well, too. It is easy to carry, and drawing or stowing the knife is simple. However, the retention could be a bit better; it has stretched slightly with use. The advantage of this material, though, is that you can simply heat it up and press it into shape to solve the problem—something I plan to do soon.
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| The Spike, from a sunny day last spring when I was first introduced to this eminent throwing tool |
Overall, however, I am very pleased with TacticalEdgedDojo's The Spike DC. It is easy to carry and handles smoothly when throwing using any variety of techniques. Furthermore, it is a "Stabby McStab" kind of knife for those who appreciate that aesthetic; it certainly doesn't look neutral. Then again, that applies to quite a few throwing knives—as mentioned, they are designed for a purpose that prioritizes aerodynamics and penetration.
After spending this time with it, I can say that this is unlikely to be my last product from TeDojo, and I can highly recommend The Spike to anyone looking for something that feels like a cross between a dagger and a *bo shuriken*.
Another bonus is that the price isn't off-putting; the price listed on the website for this combination is $25.
Specifications:
Steel: DC53 (with Ti-coating, HRC 61)
Length: 260 mm
Width: 18 mm
Thickness: 8/8,5 mm
Weight: 210 g (weighed by me, stated 210 g. With sheath 261 g)
Point of balance: handle heavy, 16/10 cm from tip/back end
