Review AceJet Appache

  

Few who are interested in throwing knives and are holders of an internet connection missed Mr. Adam Čeladin. He runs a large YouTube channel, perhaps the largest, with a focus on knife throwing and is also very active on several other platforms such as Instagram. He is a multiple world champion in various disciplines of "No Spin" throwing and is one of the people behind AceJet. All knives in their catalog are designed and tested by him.

With that said, there are some basic forms of throwing knives, and today's knives are no exception. They are a variety of Russian "Osetr" knives. By the way, Osetr is the Russian word for sturgeon, you know the extremely large fish with the expensive eggs. The knives are called Appache and yes, for some reason they have chosen to spell it that way.

A set of Appaches from AceJet

I now feel ready to review these and additional knives from AceJet as I had them for a couple of months and had time to throw around 55,000 throws during that time divided into three knife sets, of which this is one.

Looks and measurements

Appache is, as said, a model that follows one of the basic patterns, which in this case entails a trait that I appreciate. They still look like knives! This particular property has nothing to do with either throwing properties or quality. But a nice look has never hurt either.

Apache is of the "Osetr" type, which makes them look quite like a regular knife

But something a look can do is actually say something about quality, at least indirectly. For example, it reveals how thin or strong and thus durable the knives can be. The absence of cut holes and other decorations also gives indications in the same direction. In the same way, you can see if the knives have handles or not and what materials they are made of.

What the knife looks like can also reveal other things such as the type of technology the knife is primarily intended for and how it may appear in the air. In this case, it is an all-around knife we have in front of us. Not specialized for any specific way of throwing.

The straight uncomplicated handle and the clean back allow for many different grips

The length of this type of knife is usually around 25 cm and in this case 240 mm. The handle measures 27.5 mm at its widest and the blade is 31 mm. The blade stock is 6 mm, which gives a weight of 255 grams.

All edges are beveled for a softer feeling in the hand. The knife has been given symbolic edges, which certainly also helps to make the blade taper towards the tip. The same goes for the false edge. I wrote "symbolic" because, like all good throwing knives, this one is not only dull but has no edge at all to be able to be gripped without limitations. The thickness behind the edge that is talked about when it comes to regular knives is in this case 4 mm! That is, as much or more than what most folding knives have as blade thickness.

The tip is of the chisel type, which gives strength

The tip is not needle-like as on a regular knife but more like a chisel. It is three millimeters wide but relatively sharp nonetheless.

There is also a hole in the handle. It usually fulfills several functions. On the one hand, there may be technical reasons for having one, such as when blades are to be provided with any coatings or to keep the knife in place when it is sharpened or worked on. Then it can be used to hang the knife in and not least to index the knife by hand when throwing.

The surface is rather roughly brushed, which is a conscious choice of finish. This is because it gives a bit of friction to the hand when you hold the knife. The only print found on the knife is the AceJet logo on the handle. So anyone who appreciates a clean look should be satisfied.

Material

AceJet has stated that it has chosen not to participate in the "low-price race" but to build a product with a single goal, to compete with the best in the world when it comes to throwing knives. It can also be seen in the materials that are optimized for the purpose. Here I have to stop for a moment and make a deviation as readers of this blog are perhaps mainly used to reading about folding knives. The materials that are considered superior there as super steels such as M390, 20CV, and Cruwear with several hardened to hardnesses above 60HRC are in this case completely useless and directly unsuitable. The risk is that a knife in those steels would break after a few throws if used here. They are simply too fragile. When we talk about throwing knives, it is often hardnesses below 50HRC that apply and steels that are rewarded are carbon steel and spring steel of various kinds.

AceJet uses domestic Czech spring steel with the designation 14260. Spring steel is excellent for throwing knives in general because they, as the name suggests return to their original shape, so you avoid a banana-shaped knife. The forces acting on a throwing knife are significantly greater than those any other knife comes close to. This is especially the case if you somehow miss and the knife either hits another knife, a stone, or with the wide side of a target or a tree.

In this case, the starting point has been 6 mm stock, which guarantees an extremely durable knife but also makes for it to have a stable flight and become heavy enough to have weight when it hits the target.

To Throw

Appache is a pronounced all-around knife. That is, it is not intended for any specific way of throwing and can thus be used for most techniques by both the beginner or more experienced. Of course, this means that it is not quite as effective as a more specialized knife. Some slight sacrifice must be made.

The balance point is found about one centimeter back from the center

The knife's balance point is found in the transition between handle and blade as it would have done if this had been an ordinary knife. This means that the center of gravity is slightly offset towards the handle and not completely neutral, which facilitates both No spin and Half spin techniques.

Rotational Throwing

Rotational throwing also called "traditional" or sometimes "circus throwing" means that you throw with the knife rotating in the air. Since Appache is a relatively short throwing knife with some weight, it rotates relatively fast. A rotation takes place around just over three meters (10 feet), which is short. To reduce the speed of the spin, it is necessary not to grasp the knife too far out on the handle and angle it slightly forward. At least as I throw it. When the right angle is found, the knife is very accurate and hits the target hard. Here, the hole in the handle is a good help to index the knife in the release.

A small detail I noticed is that the completely straight handle requires that you initiate the rotation yourself, especially at a distance of five and seven meters. In my case, it happens with the ring finger in the release itself. It's hard to explain as it is more of a feeling. At three meters, it happens automatically when the knife of the force releases from the hand.

I use a handshake grip with the little finger at the hole in the handle and the knife slightly angled forward at a rotational throw of three meters

At four meters I hold the blade with barely four fingers grip and even more inclination forward to reduce the rotational speed

In the same way, the knife is fast at cutting 1 1/2 turns at a distance of four meters and therefore requires that you stand relatively close to the line to achieve quick success.* At five and six meters, of course, the same recommendation applies. Or to be honest, at six and seven meters you have to increase the distance by a foot or two. Like most knives in this smaller format, it gets harder the further away from the target you get. But the weight and the closest centered balance means that it does not wobble in the air or deviate from the throwing path.

Half Spin

Because the knife is slightly rear-heavy, short, and wide enough for a thumb on the blade, it is excellent for Military half spin. At shorter distances such as two and three meters, I feel it's easier to grip closer to the tip in order to "extend" the knife and control the rotation. Personally, I only use the Military half-spin at short distances. As soon as the distance increases to 3.5m and over, I switch to Instinctive Half Spin, ie with the forefinger on the blade spine instead. It is facilitated by the thickness of these knives. It also provides better stability in the air after the actual release. The risk with thin knives is that they certainly rotate correctly around their balance point but that they wobble sideways instead. It impairs the chances of a good stick.

No Spin

The straight back that allows you to place your index finger wherever you want is a great asset in No spin throwing. Especially for those who prefer "slide" techniques. By the way, it is Adam Čeladin's favorite technique. Then you let your index finger slide along the knife to counteract the rotation that wants to occur through the actual throwing movement. This technique is more difficult or impossible if the knife has, for example, marked pair finger protection or other curved shapes.

With No Spin throwing, it is easy to find the balance point

It does not matter if you use a firmer grip or Skanff grip at the end of the handle. The slightly off-center balance help to prevent overrotation. It is also very easy to find the balance point when you want to place the index finger there.

To Conclude

For me, this was the first model of this type of knife I have tried, which made it an interesting experience. The format and appearance follow Osetr-type knives. It provides a fairly compact knife with features that provide a wide range of uses. My first impression was that these were nice and well-made knives. Incidentally, they come wrapped in a bandana of the type that has become Adam Čeladin's signature. The package also includes some Acejet playing cards for those who want something to aim at as well as a certificate of authenticity.

AceJet's products are handmade in the Czech Republic. That they are proud of it and stand behind their products is marked with a lifetime guarantee. Something that may be needed with throwing knives, I might add. Handmade should be seen in a broader perspective since modern machines are of course used, it is not hand-forged knives we are talking about. Something that, on the other hand, isn't always an advantage. The fact that people were involved in the process is not least seen in the fact that all the tips looked a little different on arrival. One detail, however, I don't mind.

The advantage of this type of steel is that the knives do not break. If something happens to the tip, it is that they can bend slightly or flatten. Something that is fixed on-site with a file and a diamond stone. I can state that it is basically impossible to break an Acejet knife. Some real mistakes have resulted in full contact with both stones and asphalt. Usually, it is what you hit that gets scratched, not the knife. But one thing also damages these knives and that is hits from other knives. If you do not have the luxury of being able to throw on several targets, the "Robin Hood" hits will become more and more frequent as the accuracy develops. In this case, it has resulted in a number of nicks and dings, but I usually round them with file and sandpaper.

The Apache knives are basically indestructible, which is why they come with a lifetime guarantee

Overall, I am very happy with Appache as a model. Possibly I can point out that these types of knives are not the most easily thrown. These are knives that I would recommend to anyone who has been throwing for a while. Much depends on the compact format. A relatively short knife is slightly more difficult to control in the air because it has a higher rotational speed than a longer and heavier knife. This in turn gives less margin for errors. Appache requires fairly accurate throwing to show its full potential. Then I have noticed that since the handle is very straight and lacks the "bulge" that many knives of this type have, it is required that you clearly initiate the rotation at that kind of throw.

On the other hand, it means that it can also be used for No Spin throwing, including Skanff techniques. So it's a bit of a trade-off that depends on the type of throw you want to focus on. Then it can be added that even beginners have great use of good knives as you pass that stage faster then. It also does not hurt that you can relax from the knives breaking when you miss. Something cheap junk knives always do sooner or later. A "tching" from a stone does not mean that the knife broke in this case, but that the stone is scratched. 

Appache is absolutely best on real end grain targets. On dead and living trees, the knives sometimes have a tendency to bounce straight back if the wood is hard and tough enough. It is not a specific problem with these knives but everyone who has this type of tip especially if the hit is not completely vertical. They are stronger but do not penetrate as hard as more needle-like, sharper tips.

Then you should be aware that good knives require some care. Nicks and the like must be taken care of so that you do not injure your hands on the next throw. Then the knives need to be cleaned and dried so as not to rust. In the heat waves we had, I have also noticed that you get black hands if it is hot and you sweat. The steel is not stainless at all and oxidizes easily in the shades available. Do not forget the knives out is therefore another tip.

AceJet Appache are excellent knives for those who want to test different techniques!

AceJet Appache is not a cheap knife, but that is not what they are aiming for either. AceJet has deliberately avoided competing with budget brands in any way but has invested wholeheartedly in uncompromising quality. This means that they have chosen steel optimized for the purpose and have full control over the production that takes place in Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic that has always been known for its production of mechanical products. Steelworking is something they know in that area. Something that is noticeable even in this case. Destroying these knives is if not impossible then at least extremely difficult.

Even better is that they are sympathetic to throw. They are predictable in the air and hit with force. In addition, they are suitable for all types of techniques, which makes them excellent for those who do not specialize or feel like trying different variants of knife throwing. The knives can be bought both as a set, which I recommend, or individually.

When you buy your Appache or other product from AceJet , enter promo code "JOHN" (in capital letters) and you will receive a 5% discount on your purchase at check-out.

Specification:

Steel: 14260 

Length: 240 mm

Width: 31/27,5 mm (blade/handle)

Thickness: 6 mm

Weight: 255

Balance Point: 10 cm backward from the middle

Produced  by Eljet in the Czech Republic

/ J - trying to become an Ace

* You can of course throw with any rotation at almost any distance if you are good enough.

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