Introduction
I don't know anything about sales figures, but the experiment of entering the competition for knives aimed at so-called classic knife throwing seems to have been successful for Acejet. That considering that no less than two new models on the same theme have recently been released. They have been named Achilles and Maximus and have seen the light of day in the spring of 2023.
But already last year Acejet released this knife model, the Spinner Bowie and I have to say I had high expectations for it. Those who follow me know that I previously had a lot of good things to say about Acejet's products and achieved success with them also in a competition context.
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| Acejet Spinner Bowie Silver Hunter |
But they have all been more or less typical No Spin knives, which means that this was a bit of terra incognita for Acejet as it was their first model dedicated to spin throwing. The question is how successful that venture was.
Appearance and dimensions
Spinner Bowie is a model that is available in a couple of different editions right from the start. On the one hand, there is a variant in dark steel that goes by the name Shadow Hunter or, as here, one in leaves and moss, a more easily found version in brushed metal. The addition to the name then becomes Silver Hunter instead. In addition to that, you can also choose the color of the leather pieces that make up the handle sides.
The sides are screwed in place with shiny Chicago screws. A good choice, but Acejet should know that they must also be provided with thread locking to stay in place. After a little vibration from some good hits, the screws loosen and the risk of losing them is obvious. Then the leather could be more substantial. This variant is only 1.5 mm thick. When I make similar handle sides myself, I use 3.5mm as a comparison.
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| The blades are fairly typical clip-point blades but slightly narrower than is usual for most Bowie knives |
The look is otherwise a slim Bowie with its typical clip-point tip. The height of the blade is only three centimeters and the thickness is 6 mm. The Spinner Bowie knives are available in two different lengths of which the longer one measuring thirteen inches or 33 cm. The shorter one is 12" long or 30.5 cm. The reason for the lengths is, in addition to the fact that different throwers prefer different lengths of knives, also that certain regulatory systems stipulate certain measurements. This would therefore be approved under all regulations except one that I know of.
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| A hole that turns the knife into a so-called "spinner" you can rotate the knife around your index finger. Then this hole was quite rough which required some sandpapering to get comfortable |
The finish is quite rough with some machining marks remaining but that's not something I worry about on a throwing knife. The marks that appear after throwing the knives for a while are significantly worse. For those who appreciate "patina" of their knives, knife throwing is an excellent activity.
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| Right from the start, the thin leather was a bit loose |
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| Something that worsened during the throwing sessions. However, how much varies with humidity and it is possible to press the leather so it fits tighter |
Then the knife has been provided with a detail that is also reflected in the name "Spinner" and that is the distinctive hole. Originally, those kinds of features on knife handles were meant to make them harder to knock out of people's hands while still protecting the finger a bit. On throwing knives, it is a pure "play function". It makes the knife more fun in that you can rotate the knife around the index finger. Something that is not quite as pointless as it seems. Juggling a bit with throwing knives reveals characteristics such as balance point and rotation speed.
Material
The steel is the same Czech spring steel that the majority of Acjet's products are made of. A material that has proven to be excellent most of the time. It is both durable and easy to regrind. Unfortunately, I have had to make use of that characteristic quite a bit on these knives. Among other things, the tips have been slightly reprofiled. In this case, it feels as if these knives are not hardened in the same way as, for example, the Stinger and Excalibur models. On the other hand, these tips are of a different model so that can also affect the outcome. In any case, the outermost part went pretty quickly.
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| The tips needed to be resharpened fairly immediately after the knives had been in close contact with each other |
Then you should know that this category of steel is hardly stainless. So there will be stains of various kinds and this applies both if you forget the knives in a damp environment and during use. It's enough to throw a few hours and your hands are damp from either heat or rain. But it is easily removed with either fine sandpaper and/or Autosol or similar products.
To Throw
As said, Spinner Bowies are knives geared towards classic rotation techniques. Then, of course, as with almost everything else, you can also throw No spin with this model. But it is really not optimal for the purpose so it is not recommended. As previously pointed out, AceJet has a long line of knives better suited to those techniques.
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| Right from the start it was felt that the Spinner Bowie is an easy-to-handle model that provides direct feedback to the thrower |
The first impressions were that I had to readjust a bit in relation to other throwing knives of a similar type I use. In some way, it is noticeable that Acejet is used with other types of knives. Now it's not something bad, but just a characteristic that manifests itself in the fact that it feels like the knife is striving forward. It rotates quickly, which requires you to let that movement start a little later and thus closer to the target than usual. The knife still manages to get around.
Furthermore, the knife was unmistakably perceived as easy to aim with. Actually better in that area than my favorite knives. At least over a short distance. It was quickly established that the penetration is good. Something that is important so that you, as a thrower, do not have to use too much force and still be able to stick the knives. Too much raw strength often reduces precision.
The balance point is found fifteen centimeters from the handle or eighteen centimeters from the tip. In practice, it means right at the front of the ring. A fairly neutral knife in other words.
- Rotational
It is in this area that the knife's strengths are found, which goes without saying. Fairly immediately, the characteristics described above were noticed and they were reinforced over time. The Spinner Bowie is particularly nice at short distances such as three and four meters. Here they feel accurate and easy to throw.
At a short distance, three meters with a grip on the handle, you need to have a feeling that the knife should strive forward. If you do, it is solid and feels reliable. Let the knife do its thing and it will sit there in the target. The grip feels natural with the rounded rear end of the handle against the inside of the hand and does not need to be modified in any way.
The first throws with the Acejet Spinner from November 2022
From four meters and the first time you change the grip and hold the blade, a fairly firm grip is required to "calm down" the throw. Otherwise, the knife wants to over-rotate. But the belly of the blade is relatively similar to the rear end of the handle, whereupon the two grips resemble each other. Some throwers think that feature is important, but I personally don't depend on the knife being symmetrical that way.
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| It's fairly easy to get a nice grouping with the Acejet Spinner Bowie |
From five meters I feel that the knife has to be thrown with a little more power than I am used to. But that could be because my reference knives are heavier and rotate slower. They require more arc than these knives which can be thrown quite straight at the target. However, the rotation must be controlled when doing so, as it is quite nimble as I said.
The pattern then repeats itself from six and seven meters and the knife is reasonably easy to handle even from those distances, although I prefer a little more weight from those distances. It gives more weight in the hit without requiring more strength while making the rotation slower.
- Half Spin
These knives are significantly better than most other Bowie-inspired throwing knives when it comes to semi-rotational techniques, be it 'Natural' or 'Military'. The reason is mainly to be found in the narrow blade, which is easy to grip around. I don't appreciate wide-bladed knives if I have to hold the blade. The Spinner Bowie almost feels like a dagger in this case. But it doesn't quite reach that level. The ring means there is a bit of side weight although it doesn't cause the knife to capsize in the air like some other knives tend to do.
Then, the length means that these knives, in combination with the above-mentioned characteristics, are excellent for underhand throws with half rotation. They turn slowly and majestically with this technique and it is desirable as it makes them easier to throw.
- No Spin
I think we'll skip this section altogether. That is, sure you can throw some No spin throws with this knife just to prove it works but it really isn't made for that and it shows.
Conclusion
In order to form an opinion and give a fair picture of these knives, some time was needed. They were acquired in October 2022 and thus did not have enough throwing time at the end of last year to be sufficient as a basis for review. But now the season has really started and I have more throws under my belt, so to speak.
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| Acejet released the Spinner Bowie in 2022 |
One small detail that I feel could be improved, especially considering the price range, is the finish. As it is now, it is a bit rough. Some edges, especially those on the inside of the rings were almost sharp and needed a round of sandpaper to work satisfactorily. This also applies to the edges of the backs of two of the knives. Nor was the leather of top quality either in terms of the material or the way it was attached.
I can cope with that. But as a maker of my own handles, I know that it is definitely best to glue them in addition to attaching them with screws. Especially if the leather is this thin. Creases tend to occur as it is now. However, it can be added that thinner sides make the grip in the handle more similar to that in the blade if that is what is being sought. So it is not only to the detriment.
Then it must be admitted that the hardness on these knives is perhaps a bit on the soft side. I don't have any numbers to back that observation up but have noticed that the tips are very easily damaged on an oblique hit or in contact with other knives or a rock. This means that all knives have reprofiled tips by now. In return, this is something that happens when you train a lot if you don't have access to a perfect training area. Read, three separate targets and preferably soft material in front and around.
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| Acejet Spinner Bowie is, in addition to a luxurious beginner's knife, also an excellent competition knife |
But that is still secondary. Throwing knives get their scars and wear their history visibly. It gives them character. More important is how they behave when thrown and that's where the Acejet Spinner Bowie is pure precision instruments. This especially applies to shorter distances.
The solid feel makes this a good beginner's knife for those who want to devote themselves mainly to rotational throwing with elements of Military Half Spin in various variations. Should you feel the slightest doubt about quality and warranty, I can reassure you by saying that I have so far not managed to break an Acejet knife despite occasional veritable abuse. This also includes a lifetime warranty on the products.
Then quality knives are not cheap, these cost at the time of writing €316 or $349. But for that, you get knives that both work as advanced entry-level knives for those who have decided or just want to upgrade their knives and maybe compete.
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| AceJet Official |
Specifications:
Steel: 14260, Czech Spring Steel
Length: 330 mm
Width: 30 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 390 g
Point of Balance: 15/18 cm from the back of the handle/tip
