New Knives - Lanceur de l'âme CR04

That I am something of a Francophile when it comes to throwing knives is perhaps starting to become clear at this point. I have a weakness for small French enthusiast brands and now have knives from brands such as Throwingzone, Zitoon Knives, Pierre Cazoulat and not least Lanceur de l'âme. Behind that name hides a knife thrower, and also knife maker, and a blacksmith named Maxime Blanchet.

This model, called CR04, is one of the simplest in the range. But that was actually what attracted me. The lines are clean, and the dimensions and weight were exactly where they should be. In addition, there were a few details that were already in the picture that revealed to me that I will probably like them.

Lanceur de l'âme CR04

One such detail is the design of the tip in relation to the handle. When a knife looks like this, it gives a grip that feels more equivalent when the knife is thrown from the handle and the blade. In comparison, another model from Lanceur de l'âme, Dague du competition, can be put. They are, in turn, knives made to maximise results in competition from precision distances of three, five and seven meters. This means that having a wider blade is an advantage, as it increases the chances of higher scores. However, it also means that the handle is narrower in relation; in this case, the ratio is three to four centimetres, respectively.

With the CR04, it looks a little different as the handle is 26 mm wide and the grippable part of the tip is 38 mm, where my index finger ends up, but the part in front of it is much narrower. This provides good conditions for a rotational knife. Especially as it is neutrally balanced. In fact, the weight is slightly closer to the handle than usual. Much depends on it being quite short.

A little coffee before I try to test the knives despite the winter darkness and drizzle.

The total length of the knife is 32 cm, and the thickness is just under 6 mm, which gives a total weight per knife of 375 grams. Excellent proportions for a knife for Walk Back. It is possibly a bit too light to be completely optimal for long-distance throwing, but otherwise damn good.

In addition, there are several details that enhance the general impression. One is how well-rounded all the edges are, and another is the bevels. But above all, it is noticeable in how softly rounded the transitions between blade and handle are, approximately where the heel of a chef's knife would be.

The steel is, as is often the case with knives from France, Swedish, and here we find Hardox 450. It has proven to be an excellent steel for throwing knives. Tough, impact-resistant and easy to sharpen if misfortune strikes and a tip needs to be reprofiled.

I am really looking forward to inaugurating them properly, but for that, we need slightly better weather. 

/ J - eager to throw

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Zitoon Tanto

It was only a matter of time before it would happen again.

What the heck is he talking about is a relevant question as a reflection on the cryptic statement. But it is, of course, about the acquisition of new knives from French Zitoon Knives. They have quickly become one of my favorite brands for throwing equipment. A high and consistent quality combined with many exciting models is the basis for this. In addition, the price level is not a deterrent.*

This time, the model is simply called Tanto. A very descriptive name!

Zitoon Knives Tanto

If there is something that distinguishes this knife apart from its particularly noticeable tip, it is that it feels light when you hold it in your hand. However, it is not exceptionally light; the weight is around 385 g with a leather grip and 370 g without. To get there, a 5 mm-thick and 33.5 cm long piece of Hardox 450 steel is used. On the outside, you will find two riveted leather pieces. Functional and stylish in my eyes.

The appearance is pure and simple, which means that if you like tanto tips, you are a fan; if you don't, you should probably choose another model. The finish is brushed and a bit raw, as usual with products from Zitoon.

The properties can be summarized as very neutral, which can be felt after a few throws. It is a very positive assessment in the throwing knife world, by the way. An extra plus is the carefully designed handle that gives a very nice "release" when throwing from the same.

Overall, a very interesting knife that I will return to, be sure!

Zitoon

/ J - throws himself further into existence


* Buying things from across the Atlantic is, as you know, significantly more expensive.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knives - Lanceur de l'âme Dague de Competition

More throwing knives are something you always need, is the first thing I want to say. Especially if they come from France, are partly handmade, and are developed by someone who actually throws himself. That guarantees that there is a solid thought behind it. All too often, when it comes to knives, an idea is copied without the person who creates it truly understanding what lies beneath the surface. But that is not the case here.

This model, simply named Dague de Compétition, comes from Lanceur de l'âme. 

Lanceur de l'âme Dague de Competition

I don't really know much about this company other than that they are another small enthusiast brand from France. It was actually for these two reasons that I bought these knives and another model. Because I was curious. My previous experiences with French throwing knives are very positive.*

Another set of throwing knives from France has found a home

This model is quite massive, I must admit, and it is without a doubt the largest dagger I have. We are talking about a knife that is 340 mm long, 40 mm wide, and with a thickness of 6 mm, which gives a weight of 425 g. That is respectable regardless of the model and especially for a dagger whose double grinding removes a lot of material from the blade.

It must be admitted that I have thrown them a little, and I can reveal that they hit targets like a runaway freight train.

For those of you who are not knife throwers, I can reveal that these knives are pure rotation knives, and throwing anything else with them becomes artificial. Possibly that Military half spin is also possible, but it is almost like they are too wide to be comfortable for that. I will return to the matter!

/ J - throwingknife-francophile

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

* The collection already includes several models originating in France from brands such as Pierre Cazoulat, Throwingzone, and Zitoon Knives.

Review Throwingzone Pathfinder

  

Introduction

In the presentation of Pathfinder, I already wrote about how, as a knife thrower, you are often on the path to something new. By that, I meant that I have only been practicing knife throwing for four years and therefore have not had time to try enough models to be completely sure what suits me best. Especially not as I am involved in all the disciplines and variants I come into contact with.

But there is no doubt at this point that these creations from the French Throwingzone are good. Especially not, as I have achieved some success with them. I have a few small objections, but I will explain them later. But they quickly became the competition model for No Spin. That could give an indication of what I think of them. 

Appearance and dimensions

Pathfinder doesn't really look like everyone else, but it's not completely unique, as there are several models on the market that have been lightened in different ways. However, it's more unusual on quality knives. Often, these details are found on fairly cheap throwing knives sold via Amazon and the like. There, it's just about appearance, and therefore, a few holes are drilled here and there because someone thinks it adds to the cool factor. It's often done without much finesse, and the result is as follows. They mostly weaken the knife.

On Pathfinder, there is a completely different thought behind the design. The holes in the blade and handle are, of course, to lighten the knife, but also for the sake of balance.

Throwingzone Pathfinder

The appearance is quite aggressive with a tip that promises a lot. This effect is not least enhanced by the hollowed-out blade, which in turn makes you really see the thickness of the steel. In this case, it is 8 mm. The knives are also available in a lightweight version for those who prefer it. They are only 6 mm thick. They reportedly weigh 180 grams. That is, slightly less than what I usually prefer.

A tip with exceptionally good penetration ability

This more powerful knife tips the scales at 240 g. In my opinion, an optimal weight for No Spin. The length is the same for both and is 245 mm. The height of the blade is at most 30 mm, and on the handle, 28.5 mm.

Then the knife's handle has a distinct difference between the top side, which is almost straight, and the bottom side, which has a curve. This allows you, as a thrower, to choose how much "kick" you want against your index finger when throwing no spin.

Material

Several French manufacturers have stuck to Swedish steel. Throwingzone uses Hardox 450. Hardox belongs to a group that is sometimes called "wear steel". Typical areas of use are dozer blades, teeth for excavator buckets, dumper bodies, and the like. That is, tasks that require a very tough and robust material. Thus also well-suited for throwing knives.

The material is Hardox 450 and the thickness is 8 mm in this version.

In general, it is very durable, and the rest depends on hardening and heat treatment. Then, it can be added that in this specific case, there are a couple of additional factors. One is actually the cutting as it is done with a laser, and here there are some extra cuts to take into account due to the hole in the blade. How hot the material gets and how it affects durability in the long term can be considered. The risk of the steel becoming brittle is always there when it is heated. Especially when there is not much material left closest to the tip.

Should an accident happen and the knife cracks or even breaks for that reason, it can be safe to know that Throwingzone provides a lifetime warranty on its products.

To Throw

Like many others, I started throwing no-spin with knives that are handle-heavy. They have advantages such as helping to stabilize themselves in the air to a certain extent. But at the same time, after a few years, I can now experience that they do not feel as dynamic as a more neutrally balanced knife. That is one of the reasons why I am exploring alternatives.

However, the Pathfinder is not the first knife that pulls in that direction that I have thrown with. I have previously used, among others, Biting Metal Bug Osetr, Acejet Appache, and Excalibur, and models from Zitoon such as No Reload and The Devil's Claw. They are all fairly neutrally balanced. 

Pathfinder is really good for precision throwing

This is another step in the exploration of this type of knife. Pathfinder is as thick as the devil's claws but much lighter. Exactly the characteristics I was looking for. Especially after panicking at the Swedish Championships last year, when several knives fell off the board during the warm-up because the combination of slightly harder targets/heavier knives was not entirely successful. It made me change models at the last second, and that is not a recipe for success in general.

Some of my first throws and impressions of Throwingzone Pathfinder almost a year ago

In addition, the tip of the Pathfinder is aggressive, so the penetration ability is very good. This is despite the fact that the knife belongs to the thicker category. This means that you can also use this knife against plank targets, that is, the type that is often found in long-distance and silhouette throwing. From experience, I have also sharpened them a bit. 

- Rotational Throwing

Pathfinder is comme si comme ca in this area, perhaps a Frenchman would say. By that I mean that, of course, it works, especially since the knife has good balance, but it is still a fairly short knife and the design of the tip means that it is not particularly well suited to gripping there. It is simply too pointed.

But if you, as a thrower, still want to throw a few throws from time to time with rotation techniques, this model will not put any obstacles in the way, but it is clearly noticeable that it is not made for that.

- Half Spin

For being a no-spin knife, the Pathfinder is not particularly good for half-spin techniques in my opinion. The contrast is clear, as this type of knife usually is. This is especially true for knives with the center of gravity shifted towards the handle, such as Arrow-like models. They and daggers are usually particularly well-suited for the task. Especially if they have narrow blades that are easy to grip.

But the Pathfinder is, first of all, neutrally balanced and, in this context, relatively short. Even there, the conditions become less optimal for this type of technique, even if the latter is most important at slightly longer distances. This is especially true for underhand throws.

However, what makes me not like throwing half half-spin with this model is the hole in the blade. It is found exactly where I want to place my thumb from several distances. It forces me to either hold very far out on the tip or move my hand far up, almost into the handle. It does not give the options I am looking for. The hole also makes the "release" feel strange as the distinct insides of the blade hole slide against the fingers.

So the Pathfinder is not suitable for this type of throwing. Of course, it is possible, as very few objects with a tip are impossible to throw, but my recommendation is to not do it, as it is not very fun. 

- No Spin

But everything Pathfinder is not when it comes to varying rotation techniques; they make up for it when it comes to throwing no spin. Of course, that is what the knife is designed for. To be the optimal knife for that purpose, in Henry's opinion.

I can't say that they are the ultimate knife as I haven't tested them all, but I can assure you that they are very, very good. What can be considered the best is also something that varies greatly depending on your personal technique. No one model suits everyone exactly the same. That is also why there are quite a few different looks to throwing knives. 

Details that affect are, for example, your grip, how much side-arm or over-the-shoulder you throw, how high or low your "release" is, and how much force you use. But also whether you throw with a lot of index finger kick or more with a slide technique, and so on. There are many factors to take into account.

Then the distance also plays a role. Should the knife be used mostly for precision throwing at shorter distances or used to try to break records in long-distance throwing? Or do you imagine an all-round knife good for most things?

Some of the earliest throws with the Throwingzone Pathfinder. I have since honed my technique

With that in mind, I would say that the Pathfinder is good for most types of no-spin throwing, but that it doesn't suit me perfectly when it comes to long distance. Now, it may sound a bit paradoxical when I actually won the Swedish Championship in that discipline this year with this particular model. But it's more because I'm relatively confident in Walk Back distances (3 to 7m), and the distance to win this year wasn't that much more.

But in that discipline, I probably want a slightly longer knife and maybe a back-heavy one anyway. I'm not quite finished with that process and will probably come back to the subject.

But for precision throwing, the Pathfinder is really cool. The feeling of having a knife that feels powerful but still light is palpable when you try it for the first time. I appreciate having a solid surface for the index finger to rest against when I'm going to push, and you'll find that here. If you master the technique, this model flies very straight at short distances and is easy to calculate parabolas at longer distances. Then you still miss, but that's another question and not the knife's fault.

Then the tip is just as effective as it looks. There aren't many targets that this knife doesn't get into. Even the "Plank," which is perhaps the most difficult of disciplines, when it comes to that part. But I've sharpened my knives a bit. Not much, but I've narrowed the part that makes up the edge in relation to how they were originally sharpened. It gives a slightly thinner tip but even better penetration if the targets aren't perfect. As a thrower, you don't want to miss points because knives and axes don't stick.

Conclusion

My personal development in no spin has led me on an exciting journey. It started with me mainly using back-heavy knives to move towards more neutrally balanced ditons. I also have throwing knives in different dimensions, from three to ten millimeters thick, but I still prefer to throw with no-spin knives that are 8 mm thick. Although I must admit that there are contenders that only measure 6 mm.

In that respect, the Pathfinder is, of course, perfect. What I am looking for is the large surface area that is available for the index finger, at the same time that I do not want the weight that is often associated with that thickness. As I said, knives over 260 g are not my favorites. Especially not when you are going to practice. One throw is fine and even a hundred, I usually say, but not a thousand throws. Then the arm will eventually fall off. The risk of tennis elbow and other injuries increases significantly.

Pathfinder is the knife that is the reigning Swedish champion

But some World Cup medals, including a gold, were also won this year with Pathfinder.

I spoke a little about successes at the beginning, and by that I meant, among other things, that I have just finished a Swedish Championship in sport throwing, where Pathfinder helped me defend the title as Swedish champion in no spin with a gold in Walk Back. This was complemented by two more golds in Silhouette and Long Distance Throwing, respectively. Earlier this summer, a silver and a gold were won from the U.K.A.T. World Championships in the Czech Republic with the same knives.

In other words, I have learned to handle them quite well, even though I am far from finished or fully trained.

Throwingzone Pathfinder is recommended for anyone who wants one of the best throwing knives available for no spin

This should prove that these are really good throwing knives. It is rather with the thrower that the limitations are found. With that, I can only say that the Pathfinder is among the best no-spin knives I have tried. Then the question is whether I would recommend them to a beginner or not. It is difficult because there is a certain bias. Maybe not because it is not the easiest model to throw, but that is the honest answer. On the other hand, it is good to have something really good to start with because it makes the process easier. So I changed my mind, buy them!

The price directly from Throwingzone is currently 140€ for a set of three knives or 50€ if you want to buy a spare knife

Throwingzone

Specifications:

Steel: Hardox 450

Length: 240 mm

Width: 30 mm

Thickness: 8 mm

Weight: 240 g

Point of Balance: 14/10 cm from tip/handle

/ J - Multiple Swedish champion and U.K.A.T. gold medalist in no spin

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Recension Throwingzone Pathfinder

 

Inledning

Redan i presentationen av Pathfinder så skrev jag något om att man som knivkastare ofta är på väg mot något nytt. Med det avsågs att jag endast tränat knivkastning fyra år och därmed inte hunnit pröva tillräckligt många modeller för att vara helt säker på vad som passar mig bäst. Särskilt inte som jag ägnar mig åt alla discipliner och varianter jag kommer i kontakt med. 

Men att de här skapelserna från franska Throwingzone ligger bra till råder det ingen tvekan om vid det här laget. Särskilt inte som jag nått viss framgång med dem. Några små invändningar har jag men de skall jag redogöra för senare. Men de blev snabbt tävlingsmodellen för No Spin. Det kanske ger en fingervisning om vad jag tycker om dem. 

Utseende och mått

Pathfinder ser inte riktigt ut som alla andra men är inte helt unika då det finns fler modeller på marknaden som har lättats på olika vis. Mer ovanligt är det emellertid på kvalitetsknivar. Ofta hittas de detaljerna på rätt billiga kastknivar som säljs via Amazon och liknande. Där handlar det bara om utseende och därför borras det några hål här och var för att någon tycker att det adderar till coolhetsfaktorn. Det sker ofta utan större finess och resultatet blir därefter. De försvagar mest kniven.

På Pathfionder finns det en helt annan eftertanke bakom designen. Hålen i bladet respektive handtaget är förstås till för att lätta kniven men även för balansens skull. 

Throwingzone Pathfinder

Utseendet är tämligen aggressivt med en spets som lovar mycket. Den effekten förstärks inte minst av det urholkade bladet vilket i sin tur gör att  man riktigt ser tjockleken på godset. I det här fallet är det 8 mm. Knivarna finns även att få i en lättviktsversion för den som föredrar det. De är endast 6 mm tjocka. De väger enligt uppgift 180 gram. Det vill säga något mindre än vad jag vanligen föredrar.

En spets med synnerligen god penetrationsförmåga

Den här kraftigare kniven får vågen att stanna på 240 g. En i mitt tycke optimal vikt för No Spin. Längden är densamma för båda och är 245 mm. Bredden på bladet är som mest 30 mm och på handtaget 28,5 mm. 

Sedan har knivens handtag en distinkt skillnad mellan ovansidan som är närmast rak och undersidan som har en buk. Det gör att man som kastare kan välja hur mycket "kick" du vill ha mot pekfingret när du kastar no spin. 

Material

Flera franska tillverkare har fastnat för svenskt stål kan konstateras. Throwingzone använder sig av Hardox 450. Hardox tillhör en grupp som ibland kallas "slitstål". Typiska användningsområden är schaktblad, tänder till grävskopor, dumperflak och liknande. Det vill säga uppgifter som kräver ett mycket segt och robust material. Således även väl lämpat till kastknivar. 

Materialet är Hardox 450 och tjockleken 8 mm i det här utförandet

Generellt är det mycket hållbart och resten beor förstås på härdning och värmebehandling. Sedan kan väl tilläggas att i det här specifika fallet tillkommer ytterligare ett par faktorer. En är faktiskt tillskärningen då den sker med laser och här finns det några extra snitt att ta hänsyn till i och med hålet ibladet. Hur varmt materialet blir och hur det påverkar hållbarheten på sikt kan man fundera kring. Risken för att stålet blir sprött finns alltid när det hettas upp. Särskilt när det inte är särskilt mycket gods kvar närmast spetsen. 

Skulle olyckan kan vara framme och kniven av det skälet spricker eller till och med går av kan det vara tryggt att veta att Throwingzone lämnar livstids garanti på sina produkter. 

Att kasta

Som många andra började jag kasta no spin med knivar som är baktunga. De har fördelar som att de till en viss del hjälper till att stabilisera sig själv i luften. Men samtidigt kan jag nu efter några år uppleva att de inte känns lika dynamiska som en mer neutralt balanserad kniv. Det är bland annat av det skälet jag utforskar alternativ.

Pathfinder är emellertid inte de första knivar som drar åt det hållet som jag kastat med. Jag har tidigare använt bland andra Biting Metal Bug Osetr, Acejet Appache och Excalibur och modeller från Zitoon som No reload och The Devil's Claw. De är alla rätt neutralt balanserade. 

Pathfinder är riktigt bra för precisionskastning

Det här här ytterligare ett steg i utforskningen av den typen av knivar. Pathfinder är lika tjocka som djävulsklorna men rätt mycket lättare. Precis de egenskaper jag var på jakt efter. Särskilt efter att ha fått panik på SM förra året då ett antal knivar ramlade ur tavlan under uppvärmningen för att kombinationen lite hårdare tavla/tyngre knivar inte var helt lyckad. Det fick mig att byta modell i sista sekund och det är inte ett framgångsrecept rent generellt. 

Några av mina första kast och intryck av Throwingzone Pathfinder för snart ett år sedan

Till det skall läggas att spetsen på Pathfinder är aggressiv så penetrationsförmågan är mycket god. Det trots att den tillhör det tjockare gardet. Det gör att man kan använda den här kniven även mot plankmål, det vill säga den typ som ofta återfinns i långdistans- och siluettkastning. Vis av erfarenheten har jag dessutom vässat dem något.  

- Rotationskast

Pathfinder är comme si comme ca på det här området skulle kanske en fransman säga. Med det menar jag att det förstås går, särskilt som kniven har god balans men det är ändå en rätt kort kniv och spetsens utformning gör att den inte är särskilt väl lämpad för att greppa där. Den är för spetsig helt enkelt. 

Men vill du som kastare ändå kasta några kast då och då med rotationstekniker så sätter inte den här modellen några käppar i hjulet men det märks tydligt att den inte är gjord för det. 

- Half Spin

För att vara en no spin-kniv är Pathfinder inte särskilt bra till halvrotationstekniker i mitt tycke. Kontrasten blir tydlig då den här typen av knivar annars brukar vara det. Särskilt gäller det knivar med tyngdpunkten förskjuten mot handtaget till som Arrow-liknande modeller. De och dolkar är vanligen extra väl lämpade för uppgiften. Särskilt om de har smala blad som är lätta att greppa. 

Men Pathfinder är för det första neutralt balanserad samt i sammanhanget relativt kort. Redan där blir förutsättningarna mindre optimala för den här sortens teknik även om det sistnämnda mest spelar in på lite längre distanser. Särskilt gäller det underhandskast. 

Det som emellertid gör att jag inte gärna kastar half spin med den här modellen är förstås hålet i bladet. Det återfinns precis där jag vill placera tummen från flera avstånd. Det tvingar mig att antingen hålla mycket långt ut på spetsen alternativt flytta handen långt upp, nästan in på handtaget. Det ger inte de valmöjligheter jag söker. Hålet gör dessutom att "släppet" känns konstigt då de distinkta insidorna av bladhålet glider mot fingrarna. 

Därmed passar inte Pathfinder mig för den här typen av kastning. Det går förstås då ytterst få föremål med en spets är omöjliga att kasta men min rekommendation är att låta bli då det inte är särskilt roligt. 

- No Spin

Men allt Pathfinder inte är när det handlar om varierande rotationstekniker tar de igen när det skall kastas no spin. Det är naturligtvis det som kniven är designad för. För att vara den i Henrys mening optimala kniven för just det ändamålet. 

Jag kan inte säga att de är den ultimata kniven då jag inte testat alla men jag kan intyga att den är mycket mycket bra. Vad som kan anses vara bäst är dessutom något som i högsta grad varierar beroende på din personliga teknik. Där finns inte en modell som passar alla exakt lika väl. Det är också därför det finns rätt mycket olika utseenden på kastknivar. 

Detaljer som påverkar är exempelvis ditt grepp, hur mycket side-arm respektive över axeln du kastar, hur högt eller lågt ditt "släpp" är och hur mycket kraft du använder. Men även om du kastar med mycket pekfingerkick eller mer med en slide-teknik och så vidare. Det finns många  faktorer att ta hänsyn till. 

Sedan spelar även avståndet roll. Skall kniven nyttjas mest för precisionskastning på kortare avstånd alternativt användas för att försöka slå rekord i långdistanskastning? Eller tänker du dig en allroundkniv god för det mesta? 

Några av de tidigaste kasten med Throwingzone Pathfinder. Jag har sedan dess slipat på tekniken

Med det i bakhuvudet skulle jag säga att Pathfinder är bra till de flesta typer av no spin-kastning men att den inte passar mig helt optimalt när det gäller långdistans. Nu kan det låta lite paradoxalt när jag faktiskt vann SM i den disciplinen i år med just den här modellen. Men det hänger mer på att jag är  relativt säker på Walk Back-distanser (3 till 7m) och att avståndet för att vinna i år inte var så mycket mer. 

Men just i den disciplinen vill jag nog ha en något längre kniv och kanske baktung ändå. Jag är inte helt färdig med den processen och lär återkomma till ämnet. 

Men för precisionskastning är Pathfinder riktigt häftig. Känslan att ha en kniv som känns kraftfull men ändå lätt är påtaglig när man testar den första gången. Jag uppskattar att ha en rejäl yta för pekfingret att vila emot när jag skall trycka till och det hittar du här. Behärskar du tekniken flyger den här modellen mycket rakt på korta avstånd och är lätt att beräkna parabel på längre distanser. Sedan missar man ändå men det är en annan fråga och inte knivens fel. 

Sedan är spetsen precis så effektiv som den ser ut. Det är inte många tavlor som den här kniven inte sätter sig i. Till och med "Plankan" vilken kanske är den svåraste av grenar när det kommer till den biten. Men jag har vässat mina knivar en smula. Inte mycket men jag har smalnat av den del som utgör eggen i relation till hur de ursprunglingen är slipade. Det ger en lite klenare spets men ännu bättre penetration om inte tavlorna är perfekta. Som kastare vill man inte missa poäng för att knivar och yxor ramlar ur måltavlan. 

Sammanfattning

Min personliga utveckling inom no spin har lett mig in på en spännande resa. Den startade med att jag nyttjade främst baktunga knivar till att röra mig mot mer neutralt balanserade diton. Jag har även kastknivar i olika dimensioner från tre till tio millimeters tjocklek men föredrar fortfarande att kasta med no spin-knivar som är 8 mm tjocka. Även om jag måste erkänna att det finns utmanare som endast mäter 6 mm.

I det hänseendet är förstås Pathfinder perfekt. Det jag söker är nämligen den tilltagna yta som finns för pekfingret att ta spjärn emot samtidigt som jag inte vill dras med den vikt som ofta är förknippat med den grovleken. Som sagt, knivar över 260 g tillhör inte favoriterna. Särskilt inte när man skall träna. Ett kast går bra och även hundra brukar jag säga, däremot inte tusen kast. Då ramlar armen av till slut. Risken för tennisarmbåge och andra skador ökar markant. 

Pathfinder är kniven som är regerande svensk mästare

Men även några VM-medaljer inklusive ett guld bärgades i år med Pathfinder

Jag talade lite inledningsvis om framgångar och med det avsåg jag bland annat att jag precis avslutat ett SM i sportkastning där Pathfinder hjälpte mig att försvara titeln som svensk mästare i no spin med ett guld i Walk Back. Det kompletterades med ytterligare två guld i Siluett respektive Långdistanskastning. Tidigare i sommar bärgades ett silver och ett guld från U.K.A.T. VM i Tjeckien med samma knivar. 

Med andra ord har jag lärt mig att hantera dem tämligen väl även om jag är långt ifrån färdig eller fullärd. 

Throwingzone Pathfinder rekommenderas till den som vill ha en av de bästa kastknivar som finns för no spin

Därmed torde det vara bevisat att det här är riktigt bra kastknivar. Det är snarare hos kastaren begränsningarna återfinns. Därmed kan jag bara säga att Pathfinder är bland de bästa no spin-knivar jag prövat. Sedan är frågan om jag skulle rekommendera dem till en nybörjare eller ej. Den är svår då viss bias föreligger. Kanske inte då det inte är den mest lättkastade modellen är det ärliga svaret. Å andra sidan är det bra att ha något riktigt bra att börja med eftersom det gör processen enklare. Så jag ändrar mig, köp dem!

Priset direkt från Throwingzone är för närvarande 140€ för ett set om tre knivar alternativt 50€ om du vill köpa till en reservkniv. 

Throwingzone

Specifikation:

Stål: Hardox 450

Längd: 240 mm

Bredd: 30 mm

Tjocklek: 8 mm

Vikt: 240 g

Balanspunkt: 14/10 cm från spets/handtag

/ J - Flerfaldig Svensk mästare och U.K.A.T.-guldmedaljör i no spin

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New Knife - Vulture Blades Teardrop 3.0

This is a very special knife for several reasons. First, it is a type of knife I have not owned before. The appearance is a distinctive teardrop shape, which contrasts with the throwing knife market, where the three most common types are Bowie knives, daggers, and "Osetr"-like knives. Second, Vulture Blades, who are behind the Teardrop 3.0 model, are completely new to me.

They are, like many in the world of throwing knives, a small enthusiast company run by people who like what they do. I can quickly see that in the products. The finish on this knife is of the highest quality. But that's getting ahead of things to come. An in-depth review will be at a later date.

Regarding Vulture Blades, it can also be noted that they are based in Bulgaria, which is relatively new to me, but not entirely unfamiliar. I actually have a folding knife from the same country.* So if the quality is the same on this knife, I will develop a positive prejudice about knives from there!

Vulture Blades Teardrop 3.0

The most obvious difference is, of course, that this is a throwing knife. It is made from a single piece of SIDUR 500, which is carbon steel. Here polished to a very elegant finish. The knife has three holes, as you can see. In addition to being decorative, they lighten and balance the knife. In addition, they provide a better grip and index the grip for the thrower. In other words, they are quite important.

Teardrop 3.0 is a fairly heavy piece in relation to its length, thanks to its shape. So even though the knife does not measure more than 230 mm in length, it weighs a whopping 295 g (according to my scale, stated 300 g). This, of course, comes from the teardrop shape that gave it its name, in combination with the fact that it is a full 8 mm thick. The width is at most 34 mm, and the holes are 20 mm in diameter.

"Sweet Spot", not the strawberries then, but the Teardrop 3.0 intended for all-around throwing

The knife is intended to be an all-round knife for everything from No Spin via half spin techniques to pure rotational throwing. I'll see what I think of it. To be honest, I can see some objections even before I've thrown the knife, given my technique and how I throw in general.

Currently, this knife is not found on the website, but can be found in their Etsy shop in case anyone is interested in a purchase right now.

I will, of course, come back with both a short "report" and a longer review when I have had time to use this and other knives from Vulture Blades properly. Yes, I can reveal that there is more to come!

/ J - curious and eager to throw

* Specifically, a Manly Peak that I previously reviewed here on the blog.

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New Knife - Zitoon The Albatross

I suppose it is the top of the blade that contributed to the model name, L'albatros. It is, after all, a rather imposing bird, one of the largest flying birds in existence, depending on how you measure.*

This knife from the French Zitoon Knives also gives an imposing impression. It has a distinct presence, quite simply. The short description is not that long, but very powerful.

Zitoon Knives L'albatros

Now, Albatrosses are best known for their enormous wingspan and the fact that they rarely land. Two things that don't really match up with this knife. Firstly, it lands with force, I can reveal after testing throwing. Secondly, the span is not enormous; L'albatros is 33 cm long.

But since the thickness is 6 mm and the blade is wide, the weight lands at 485 g with a leather handle and around 460 g without. That actually makes them among the heaviest in my collection.**

The finish is one of Zitoon's usual, which means brushed steel. On a throwing knife, having any advanced surface treatments is not always appropriate. They wear quite hard if you say so. At least if they are actually used. Speaking of used, a Swedish Hardox 450 is found as a material. A steel that Zitoon uses most of the time. It belongs to the category of wear steel and is found in various industrial applications such as dump truck bodies, dozer blades, and other things that belong to heavier machines. A sustainable alternative, therefore.

On the website,e Zitoon writes that the Albatross is built for "competition and performance". Which I completely agree with, but I would also like to add that it is a knife with quite specific properties, so it probably won't suit all throwers. The weight-to-length ratio, total weight, and the design of the tip and back are what make it unique.

I will return to those details in a later review.

Zitoon

/ J - Better an albatross in hand than ten in the air

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* I'm thinking of wingspan versus weight. This includes birds like the Great Bustard, the Condor, and a respectable Swan.

* The Pierre Cazoulat Woodpecker weighs 460 g, the Throwingzone Spinning Butcher 450 g, and the Lanceur de l'âme Dague de Competition 410 g. 

New Knife - Lanceur de l'âme Tangetsu

French food is something I often encounter because I work as a chef. French knives are also important to me, mostly because I am a knife thrower. Quite early on, I found a brand, or rather a man named Pierre Cazoulat*. Then followed Throwingzone and Zitoon Knives.

Therefore, testing some knives from another small French knife brand is close to my heart. I guess I can call them all "enthusiast brands" since they are all run by people who throw knives themselves.

Lanceur de l'âme is the name of this brand, and the model is named Tangetsu.

 Lanceur de l'âme Tangetsu

According to the presentation text, this knife was developed for a French championship in No Spin. I can believe that, as the thickness of only 4 mm gives a total weight of around 240 grams, which is appropriate. However, the knife is too long for my taste. Tangetsu measures a full 275 mm in length, which is a lot for a knife in that discipline.

However, I imagined that it could be excellent as an all-around knife with mixed throwing in mind. Something that is also highlighted on the homepage. What I usually call "Supermix" is when I throw with several different knives from varying distances and with several techniques.

Anyway, now it's part of the arsenal!

/ J - practicing his French

* The Pierre Cazoulat Woodpecker was among the first finer throwing knives I bought.

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New Knife - Zitoon The Pincher

If the knives from Zitoon Knives that I recently presented were elegant despite their slightly aggressive appearance, this one is probably the family's black sheep. Here, that characteristic has gone from being discreetly found in the background to playing the first violin and conducting the entire orchestra. The Pincher is therefore anything but discreet. It is visually brutal!

Zitoon Knives The Pincher

At first, it feels as if the Pincher falls somewhere between a No Spin knife and a knife intended for rotational throwing, as the length is only 26 cm. To that, a thickness of 6 mm can be added. What differs is of course the height. The Pincher is a full 4.5 cm at most above the blade's clear hump. It is this in combination with the special grind that gives it its character.

The weight is 320 grams, which also indicates what type of throwing the knife is primarily intended for. However, it is also possible to throw the knife without spin, even if it is at its heaviest, at least for my taste. 

How the edges look is quite reminiscent of another knife in Zitoon's model program with the exotic name Ra's al Ghul. It is even more extreme, but there too you can find the almost tanto-oriented edge and the substantial swedge.

The basis is a kind of Bowie with slightly distorted proportions and a tendency towards a secondary tanto tip.

The Pincher is a slightly shorter and more compact knife for rotational throwing

The special grinding and the curved handle actually have a purpose and are not just there for show. The idea behind the model is precisely to create a knife specialized for "pinch-grip" and a variant of holding the knife is therefore with the edge towards the thrower or upside down if you like.

The idea is that the aggressive tip should help put the knife in the target even if the knife is slightly over- or under-rotated. Something that can help in a crucial situation in a competition for example. There is a big difference between at least a few points or a knife on the ground, not least emotionally.

Now, all that remains for me is to wait for better weather for knife throwing so I can determine whether the theoretical advantages also apply in practice. I am very curious, and I promise to return with a report on the matter!

Zitoon

/ J -looking forward to the (real) throwing season

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New Knife - Zitoon Spinner XL

 I have reviewed the original model, the Zitoon Spinner, which is significantly smaller than these. It measures only 29 cm in length. I really liked that model, except perhaps for its size. Since then, I have not practiced much with it, as I only have one knife. In most cases, throwing knives work best in sets of three.

However, my impressions led me to buy the larger US/UK model, which is 12"/30.5cm long, for my wife. This is for two reasons: a longer knife usually behaves a little calmer and is, therefore, easier to learn to throw with, and its length covers most requirements for a competition knife.

For my personal taste, however, it is still a bit too small. But then this version came along! Let me introduce the Zitoon Knives Spinner XL.

Zitoon Knives Spinner XL

An interesting curiosity is that the knife, according to Olivier Feret, the designer and the man behind Zitoon, is based on a customer idea that was later developed into this model. In passing, it can be said that all knives are partly handmade in small series.

What we have here is a veritable monster compared to the previous models. Still a "spinner" as you can see from the hole in the handle. But here the length has grown to a full 35 cm. The width of the handle is 28 mm and the blade is at most 42 mm wide, and the knife's thickness is 6 mm. This gives a weight of 450 g.

This in turn, together with the slightly aggressive tanto tip and the swedge, provides conditions for brutal penetration. Those not in the know may wonder why it is important, but when competing it can be the difference between points and no points in cases where a throw is not perfect. This is especially true for heavier knives that otherwise risk falling off the target.

The steel is, as usual with knives from Zitoon Knives, Swedish Hardox 450, an extremely durable wear-resistant steel and an excellent choice for throwing knives. The handle sides are made of leather that is riveted in place.

It will be incredibly fun and interesting to test these knives this spring. It may be more complicated for me if they become further candidates for competition knives. I have to make up my mind.

Zitoon

/ J - in lust for throwing

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New Knife - Zitoon Knives The Rafale

It seems obvious by now that I have become a Francophile when it comes to throwing knives. But it is not so strange. Some of the world's best manufacturers are found there.* One of them is Zitoon Knives. A small company from the scenic Normandy. The man behind both the company and most of the models is Olivier Feret.

Speaking of nature, he took inspiration for the name of this knife, Le Rafale, from there. It means gust or breeze in English.

Zitoon Knives Le Rafale

According to Olivier himself, the Rafale took a long time to design. For the uninitiated, it may seem strange, as throwing knives do not have elaborate handles like many fixed blades or opening mechanisms and locks like folding knives. They often consist of just one piece of steel.

However, it is, at best, a very well-shaped piece of steel, and other details must be carefully considered. It requires a good basic design, preferably built on solid knowledge—one that can often only be obtained by being a knife thrower yourself or in close collaboration with one. Then, that design must be put into practice via prototypes and testing before the finished product is ready to be manufactured and sold.

Balance is, of course, exceptionally important compared to more conventional knives. However, it is also important how the handle meets the fingers when different grips are used, depending on which technique is preferred. It is about angles, length, width, curvature, etc.

Le Rafale, a throwing knife model from France focused on No Spin

The end result is a knife that measures a fairly, for no spin use, standardized 25 cm in length. The thickness is 6 mm and this gives a weight of around 220 g. The exact weight is difficult to say as it can differ by a few grams depending on the grinds. After all, these are mostly handmade items.

The finish is brushed, which is one of Zitoons' most common, and the material is Swedish Hardox 450. A very good choice for throwing knives as it is really tough and very impact-resistant. And also prone to rust, nota bene, so it needs maintenance.

It will be a joy to get to know these knives better during the spring. Especially as the options for the upcoming World Cup increase.

Zitoon

/ J - trying to catch a breeze


* In addition to Zitoon, there are, for example, Throwingzone and Pierre Cazoulat. Then there are quality knives from other parts of the world. The USA, for example, also boasts several manufacturers with really high quality. But buying and privately importing from there can be quite expensive. Especially with the current exchange rate. But Zitoon Knives are affordable even to other European manufacturers.

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