Review Acejet Achilles

  

Introduction

Acejet is a brand that initially focused mainly on making knives for No Spin throwing. Something they became very well known for.* They didn't jump on the bandwagon for rotational knives right away. That's why this knife was only their third attempt. Before that, there was the Spinner Bowie and Maximus, knives I've previously reviewed here on the blog. Things are different now that they are about to launch a major investment in rotational knives. It will be exciting to see where that investment ends up.

The first thing that can be said about this model is that it is beautiful to look at, especially in this version. That was the first thing I fell for, I must admit. It is called, as the title already suggests, Acejet Achilles. This version, however, has a longer and rather descriptive name, as it turns out. This version is called Acejet Achilles Shadow Vintage.

Acejet Achilles

The reason for this is, of course, that this knife comes in several different variants. To start with, it can be had in a standard version or as a "spinner", i.e. with a hole in the middle for better playability. Then you can choose between getting it with or without a leather wrapped handle and what colour the steel should be.

However, none of those choices answer how it feels to throw, and I intend to elaborate on that a little more here. 

Appearance and dimensions

One thing that you, as a thrower, will sooner or later have to decide is what type of throwing knife you prefer, as there are several basic models. Two of the most common are Bowie-inspired knives or, like this one, those based on a dagger of some kind. There are more, but we'll leave them there for now.

That feature is, of course, the first thing you can see; the second is the striking colour combination between the white handle (well, when it was new anyway) and the dark steel. It is also the two details that give the knife its full name, as mentioned.

The black or perhaps more purple steel is called "Shadow Steel" in Acejet's catalogue. Its validity or otherwise can be debated for practical reasons. But it is very nice to look at, especially when the knives are new.

But that means that it is blackened in a shade that resembles black/purple/gun metal, depending on how the light falls. Pleasing to the eye, but it has its drawbacks. Something that is quickly discovered if, for example, you miss the target or get a side hit and have to look for the knife among leaves and grass. "Shadow" is correct as it blends in extremely well among shadows. 

Like all coatings, it also wears out over time, which can be seen in the pictures. The only marking on the knife is, as usual, Acejet's logotype neatly laser-etched on the blade.

Nice to look at, but short, thick and light is probably the best summary of the look

The second part of the colour combination consists of the handle, which is created with a long leather cord that is wrapped around and through the handle. It is also available in three different shades. White as here, alternatively brown or black.

The third detail that is obvious is that Achilles is kind of latticed. This applies to both the blade and the handle. Whether that is good or bad can also be discussed. More on that later. What it does is that it lightens the knives, and the question is whether it was needed or not. 

This model is certainly a massive 8 mm thick, but in return, it measures no more than 12" or 30.5 cm in length, which is short for this kind of throwing knife. The width is at most 35 mm just in front of the symbolic finger guard. Above that, the knife is 43 mm wide.

Overall, however, this means that the knife weighs in at a relatively low 325 g, and that's with a leather handle. This makes it belong to the lighter class of rotational knives. 

Material

Acejet's main material is a Czech steel with the designation 14260. It is used in all models, although there are deviations in the catalogue nowadays, such as D2.

Spring steel is an excellent material in general when it comes to throwing knives that have slightly special requirements compared to a standard knife. The impact force produces strong vibrations, and the knives hit various targets with different hardness. It wears out any knife, and we haven't even talked about misses yet! In addition to pure broadsides and oblique hits that break against the tips, this also includes ricochets. They can end up almost anywhere, which can mean close contact with a little of everything, such as concrete, asphalt, stone and not least other knives. It takes its toll.

This one, like most of Acejet's throwing knives, is made of Czech 14260 spring steel.

For this reason, throwing knife steel starts out much like any other knife material, but in the process of hardening and heat treatment, the Rockwell number (HRC) that is boasted of in other contexts, if it is over 60 in these cases, is usually around fifty. All to get a more durable product. If, against all odds, you manage to break a piece of 8 mm thick spring steel with the right hardening, Acejet offers a lifetime guarantee. You simply get a new knife. However, I have a hard time imagining that it is any greater cost for them. It seems that not many break like that.

Then, as a buyer, you should be aware that very few professional throwing knives are stainless steel, so they require some maintenance. 

To Throw

Achilles is said to be a rotational knife, but of the three models that were available when it was released, this is the most all-rounder.

I have developed a lot as a knife thrower since my first reviews of this type of knife, and now have many hundreds of thousands of throws behind me. This is, of course, reflected in how I view the tools, since I use all types of techniques. Therefore, I can say that the inherent properties of Achilles make it more of a multi-tasker than a specialist.

At shorter distances, the Achilles is a precision instrument. This was my very first throw with this knife last fall.

One feature that immediately made me a little skeptical and which later turned out to be true, was the design of the tip. Achilles has a chisel grind, but the "edges" are only cosmetic, and the width of the tip is a full seven millimeters and the blade also widens relatively quickly. After 4 cm, it is already two centimeters wide and then it is not a sharpened knife we ​​are talking about but an oversized screwdriver. Overall, this gives a rather poor penetration ability.

But the weight feels good, the balance point is found 16 cm from the tip or 14 cm from the end of the handle, depending on how you look at it. Fairly neutral with a light rear weight, which is excellent!

- Rotational

It is actually in this area that the Achilles shows its greatest weaknesses compared to other knives with the same pronounced focus, strangely enough. But what it loses here, it makes up for in other areas, it would turn out. What I mean is that the Acejet Achilles is not completely easy to throw from distances other than three meters.

From short distances, i.e. three and four meters (1 and 1.5 turns of rotation), this is a pure precision instrument. Since the knife is light and short, it spins very quickly. This is an advantage from three meters, as the knife does not need to be accelerated in any way but manages to turn around anyway. In addition, it makes the flight path feel very straight. Something that is then confirmed at longer distances, where it is a factor. In addition, the power is sufficient from close range to get good hits even on half-bad targets. So far, no worries, but rather the opposite. Achilles gives a very good impression.

My first tentative throws with Achilles

However, one of the knife's peculiarities is already apparent from a distance of five meters. As mentioned, Achilles spins very quickly, which in turn means that the thrower must throw the knife towards the target, so to speak. That's because the start of the  rotation must be postponed conmpared to a larger knife. If not you will get an overrotated knife. 

But Achilles also requires great precision and a very straight hit. Otherwise, the knife will not stick. This is especially true if the targets are dry/hard or if they are fresh, which makes them tough, or if they are slightly frozen. In other words, anything other than perfect circumstances will complicate the throws. The reasons are found in the relationship between the weight and thickness of the knife and the design of the tip. 

Achilles has no actual edges that thin the blade, which means that the chisel tip is a full 7 mm wide. Most knives for rotational throwing start at 5-6 mm thick before they taper. 

With a correct hit, the penetration is sufficient, but with the slightest over- or under-rotation, it twists out of the target. It is as if the wood fibres are unable to hold the thick blade, and the knife falls. In some cases, the knife even bounces backwards out of the target. That is annoying. 

A comparison between two targets, an old and worn one on the left and a fresher, unused piece of wood on the right. In the latter, a large part of the throw bounces off the surface, and when they stick, it is only about a centimetre deep or so

It is possible to compensate for this phenomenon by adding slightly more power into the throw, but this often results in poorer precision. The knife's natural rotation requires a lighter touch, so if more strength is used, you have to force the knife to spin correctly, and this is at the expense of the aim. This is what starts to be noticed from five meters.

At six and seven meters, what I described above is reinforced, with the exception that the knife actually feels quite easy to throw from seven meters. A large part of this can be attributed to the fact that here the feeling forward and the straight flight are an advantage. This is assuming you don't use strength of course. Then the knife over-rotates easily. A feeling TOWARDS the target is the trick.

Then I am generally not a fan of the wrapped handle. In my opinion, it provides too much grip and thus friction, which means that the knife does not slide out of the hand as easily as it should. This is especially true if the leather has become the slightest bit damp from sweat, rain or snow. Then the thrower has to release the knife by opening his hand, which is not good.

The leather grip also makes the knife feel significantly different depending on whether you throw with a grip on the blade or the handle. A matter of habit, but worth pointing out. Especially when daggers often have the advantage of being more symmetrical in that regard, which is usually one of their advantages.

- Half Spin

What Achilles loses by not being perfect for rotational throwing, it makes it all the better in other areas. Half-spin techniques, bot military and instinctive, are good examples of this.

Simply put, it feels like these are the techniques the knife was primarily developed for. The grip for underhand throws from the blade, for example, is exemplary. Just the right width and thickness.  What can be a disadvantage when it comes to sticking the knife into the target make this knife easier to hold. The balance is also very good for the purpose. It is found just in front of the intended finger guard. The knife would probably be somewhat worse in this regard if the leather were removed.

Then the notch in the blade, which is also ground on the inside so that it does not feel sharp, makes the knife extremely easy to index in the hand. This makes Military Half Spin an excellent technique with this knife. The thumb easily finds its place laterally but also longitudinally.

The same can be said about the Instinctive Half Spin. The taper of the tip lies well in the hand, and the side of the blade is so thick that the index finger has a lot to push against. This makes the knife easier to control.

This in combination with not too much weight, makes Achilles a superb knife for half-rotation techniques of all kinds.

- No Spin

This is where I get most confused. I certainly tend to claim that you can throw anything with No Spin techniques. This also applies to larger knives, and especially if you use techniques inspired by R Thorn. But despite that, larger Bowie knives are rarely the best for No Spin. This knife, on the other hand, even has a handle length adapted for a No Spin grip. Especially since the back of the finger guard works great to place the index finger, which is so important in this context. If you were to remove the leather wrap, that feeling would be even more pronounced, I believe.

That said, the Acejet Achilles is probably one of the best rotation knives I have used for No Spin. I wrote something similar about another model, "Maximus", and that impression remains. Both of these models are clearly made by a company that primarily launched knives made for throwing without rotation.

It is therefore possible to throw No Spin with the Achilles even if it does not beat its more specialised siblings, such as knives from the Raven or Stinger families.

Conclusion

There is no denying that the Acejet Achilles Shadow Vintage is a knife that looks good in pictures. It is simply a stunning model.

One of the problems with good-looking throwing knives is that they usually do not remain so after they have been used. Sooner or later, often sooner, you hit other knives, hard surfaces, bad hits on the targets and so on. This leads to handles getting dents, getting scuffed or breaking a little, depending on what they are made of.

In this case, edge hits on targets lead to the leather cord that makes up the handle partly loosening and partly breaking. A problem that is multiplied if the leather gets wet. I think I glued these handles at least three times. That is not the only problem with this handle. The other is that I think it makes the knife a little too thick. Especially as the difference between how the knife feels when thrown from the handle and the blade becomes greater. A feature that is important for rotational knives. At least according to my preferences.

Then there was the Shadow Steel phenomenon. The steel does not remain blued in the long run, I can tell you. First, the colour on the tips rubs off, then the whole knife. The best proof of that is my older Raven IIs, which are almost pure steel colored at this point. It hasn't really gotten as far with the Achilles, but that's because they've been thrown less.** Then there was the problem of finding them if you throw them outdoors and miss. It's never easy, but dark blades don't make it any easier.

To that can be added that the coating tends to discolour your hands. Or at least they do in bad weather, that is, cold and wet.

This is still seen through a camera lens; the reality is worse

Then this is a result of the coating. I thought it would be on the blade, not on my hand

As with all other models from Acejet, the Achilles feels solid, not least because it is sturdy with its eight millimeters thickness. But I quickly became a little suspicious of the length and how it would affect handling, and those fears turned out to be true. 

Thirty centimetres is short for a rotational knife, and just over three hundred grams is light in this context. The result is a knife that is certainly very all-round, something I described earlier, but also the properties that are desirable for a good rotational knife suffer. For example, a smaller knife does not rotate as calmly and does not behave as predictably in the air. The thrower also needs to use more strength from longer distances, which can negatively affect precision. 

Here is the Achilles compared to some other throwing dagger tips. The almost twice as wide blade on the right has better penetration thanks to its thinner edges

Another detail I'm not entirely happy with is how thick the steel is, especially in combination with the thickness of the tip. Now I don't always have access to perfect soft log rounds, but I have to throw what I have access to, which sometimes includes hardwood and older, dry and hard targets. Then it quickly becomes apparent that with the original tip, the penetration of these knives is not very good. Unless you hit completely straight from a short distance, of course. Then there are rarely any problems.

But a lot of it is determined by the thrower's preferences. If you prefer lighter knives, this might be something for you. The positives are, for example, that it is easier to practice with them without overexerting yourself and that they are more reminiscent of other types of knives (read No Spin) if you switch between styles a lot.

Acejet Achilles, not a contender for the throne for best rotational knife, but a really good knife for all-around throwing

Overall, I therefore do not think that the  Acejet Achilles Shadow Vintage is the best choice for those who want the ultimate knife for rotational throwing. Especially not in this variety. In that case, choose a "naked" version without the black steel. Not as nice but significantly more practical.

BUT, and that is a big but. If you want a very well-made knife for all-around throwing, this is a viable candidate. It is much better for half-rotation techniques whether you throw over, under or from the side. In addition, it is actually good for throwing No Spin if you want to add that technique to your ability.

Acejet Official

Specifikations:

Steel: 14260 Spring steel

Length: 30,5 cm (12")

Width: Blade 35 mm at most, finger guard 43 mm

Thickness: 8 mm

Weight: 325 g (Weighed by me)

Point of Balance: 16/14 cm measured from tip/back end 

/ J - botanising among Czech knives

* For example, I myself have won several Swedish championship titles with different models from Acejet, such as the Stinger and Raven II.

** We are talking about the order of magnitude of about 2500 throws compared to 42500 throws.

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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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Knife Review Acejet Spinner Bowie Silver Hunter

  

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.

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.

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.

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.

Right from the start, the thin leather was a bit loose

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

/ J - saying..."support your local knife thrower"

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Acejet Raven II

Most things in this world develop. Some claim that progress is moving forward, but I am somewhat more uncertain about the direction although it must be admitted that it is moving. This also applies to knife throwing, knife throwers, and the tools used. For example, I myself am significantly better than a few years ago when I wrote a review of my first set of No spin knives from Acejet. The question is what happened since then?

Acejet Raven II, Shadow Steel

Knife throwing in Europe has developed to the extent that new rules are lurking on the horizon, although at the time of writing it is very unclear about when, where, how, and perhaps IF they will be implemented. It was Eurothrowers who presented them and I have previously discussed the subject here on the blog. However, they were not used at the 2022 Swedish Sport Throwing Championships.

A comparison between Stinger and Raven II

But it was partly the rules that were behind my motivation to acquire these knives. The model is called Raven II  and, as you can see, has similarities but also marked differences from the Stingers I previously threw most with. Someone expressed on Instagram that they looked like a cross between the Stinger and another of AceJet's models called the Finn and there is something to that.

The differences, of course, make the knives feel different to throw, but they also mean that (almost) regardless of what rules are implemented, these knives pass the regulations. That's also why I chose this version of Raven as there are two more to choose from. The Raven I lacks the finger guard which possibly means it can be argued that there is no "distinct handle" which is one of the new criteria. Furthermore, the Raven III has the same double rounding in the back end as the Stinger, while the Raven II has a different shape on the bottom and top of the handle, which makes it more flexible. Thus, my choice fell on that model.

Appearance and measurements

The Raven II differs from its siblings in the ways mentioned above and from the Stinger in several areas. But the differences can be summed up in that this version looks more like a knife than the Stinger does. It has a much more marked and above all longer "edge", or what to call it when the sides do not meet at all. On the contrary, about 4 mm remains, it's a rather dull edge. This means that the knife meets the requirement that the blade should make up at least one-third of the knife's total length. The clear "finger guard" also acts as a visual delimiter between the blade and handle.

The handle is shaped so that the sides are completely flat, which is by far the most common on throwing knives, while the underside is heavily convex and the top flat. It is not for the sake of appearance but is explained when you throw the knife.

Raven II are solid knives, fully 8 mm thick. The material is spring steel

The fact that the knife is thick provides a good contact surface for the index finger. The difference between the top and bottom
of the handle means that the pressure towards the rear end can be easily varied

One thing that sets this set apart is that it is not in the standard finish which means a brushed steel finish but in what Acejet calls "Shadow Steel". This means that it is blackened in a shade reminiscent of black/purple/gunmetal depending on how the light falls. Nice to look at but it has its drawbacks. Something that is quickly discovered if, for example, you miss and have to look for the knife among leaves and grass. "Shadow" is correct as it blends in extremely well among shadows and shifts. Like all coatings, it also wears, which can be seen in the pictures. The only marking on the knife is, as usual, the Acejet logo neatly laser-etched on one side of the handle. 

The length of the knives is 25 cm, and the thickness is 8 mm which gives a weight of 248 g/piece. The height of the blade is at most 1.6 cm and on the handle about twice that at 3.3 cm. Nothing extreme to be a throwing knife.

These knives also have a hole through the handle. It doubles as a hole for hanging your knife on a hook and indexing point when throwing.

Material

Apart from the coloration, the material is familiar. It is the same Czech spring steel that reappears in most of Acejet's range. Sometimes they work with other materials such as D2, but not in this case. The steel is then hardened in the usual order, but what separates throwing knives from all other knives is that in the process of hardening and heat treatment, care is taken to reduce the hardness significantly. We're talking Rockwell numbers below 50 here! Everything to achieve a maximally durable knife. If you had found it in an ordinary knife, you as a customer would not have been completely satisfied, I can say.

If, against all odds, you manage to break a piece of 8 mm thick spring steel with the right hardening, Acejet offers a lifetime guarantee. You simply get a new knife. Now, however, I find it very difficult to imagine that there is any major cost to them. It would be interesting to know if that ever happened.*

To Throw

It has been, if not a lot of water under the bridges considering all the sun this year, several hundred thousand throws since I wrote the first review of a knife for No-spin. I have also a wider experience of different knives and this experience gives me a different view of knives, I can say.

Among other things, it means that my view of how and for what a knife can be used has been somewhat nuanced. Now it's not just me that's more flexible that way, this knife is too. But it is still primarily a knife for anti-spin or no-spin throwing.

Raven II is an example of knives that penetrates very hard

This means, among other things, that these knives are rear heavy. Not extremely so, but the center of gravity is found 15 cm from the tip alternatively 10 cm from the back end depending on where it is measured from. Then the shape of the handle means that you can choose to throw the knife on the right keel or up and down for slightly different pressure on the hand or index finger when it is released. 

- Rotational Throwing

This is a point where I nuanced myself. It IS POSSIBLE to throw rotation throws with back heavy blades intended for no spin as well. However, it requires more skill than more specialized knives as they do not rotate neutrally around their center point but of course around the balance point. In order to put this and other similar knives into a target from, for example, three meters, it is, therefore, necessary to throw almost as if it were a half spin throw. In this case, that means making sure the rotation starts very late, close to the target, because once the knife starts rotating, it's quick.

From four meters you have to think again because the knife is not neutral as said. There, you have to make sure that the rotation starts early but without force if you see what I mean. Because the rotation speed is high, no additional force needs to be applied. The knife takes care of that part itself. It requires almost excessive caution. But then, in return, it is fairly easy to aim with as it flies very straight from this distance even without power involved.

From five meters the two mindsets mix and the knife behaves somewhat more like a "normal" knife for rotation. However, the throw must still be striving forward and you must take into consideration that the knife is not very long for this type of technique with its twenty-five centimeters.

With these adaptations, the Raven II becomes surprisingly accurate at shorter rotation distances. On the longer ones (6m and up) I don't completely master the knife. Mostly due to the fact that I predominantly use other knives for that kind of throw. 

- Half Spin

Just like other variants of knives with this weight distribution, slightly aft, the Raven II is extremely sympathetic to throw half-rotation throws with. This applies to both Military half spin and Instinctive half spin. Possibly it can be said to be slightly more oriented towards the latter. Asymmetric knives like this one can have a tendency to tip sideways in the air due to weight distribution. However, it is not a real problem but rather affects how the knife sticks. Incidentally, it does that quite hard. The design of the tip and the fact that the blade is sharply tapered means that the penetration is powerful. It takes its toll on the goals, one might add.

Since the Raven II is rear-heavy, it is also exceptionally good for underhand throws. It can be done with slightly different grips, but regardless of the grip, the rotation speed is easy to calculate. It is also easy to feel where the center of rotation is, which is important when throwing underhand. The closer you are to the target, the closer to the center of rotation you need to grip the knife.

- No Spin

It is for this type of technique this model is primarily developed and it shows. As stated at the outset, the Raven II and especially the Raven III can be said to be an evolution of the Stinger. It is therefore basically based on the "Arrow" type of throwing knives.

But unlike symmetrical knives, in this case, as I said, the advantage is that you can turn the knife and thus obtain slightly different properties. In short, I hold the knife with the edge down when I throw from three and four meters. From five meters and up, I turn the knife. With the same grip, it automatically gives a higher pressure from the index finger towards the back end of the knife, which prevents rotation better even without you pushing with the index finger. 

If there's one thing I could possibly add, it's that I feel this knife is actually a bit harder to throw than the Stinger. Perhaps it has to do with the length as it measures the same as for example Wulflund Vengeance, 25 cm instead of 24 cm. In return, it makes the knives a bit calmer in the air at longer distances in my opinion. That's distances from six meters and upwards. 

Conclusion

I was hoping that Acejet would be right in their sales pitch when they claim

"With a great surface and strong durable tip it belongs to the best candidates for your next trip to a knife throwing tournament. With these you can be sure that you’re gonna score well!"

With past experiences in mind, I had no reason to mistrust them. At last year's Swedish championship, I even managed to get a medal with their Stinger model. After using the Raven II during the test period, they became my first choice for the No spin discipline in the 2022 Swedish Championships. Maybe that sums up my opinion of these knives?

The result is not bad either, as these are the knives that helped me become Swedish champion in 2022** and win no less than all four gold medals in the discipline. 

Fresh soft and very nice targets at the championships

The slow-grown birch of the home targets are tougher

Besides trumping the whole rules debacle, at least as it stands now, there is another thing that I see as an advantage with these knives. It is the ability to turn them upside down for changed properties. In addition to doing as I do, changing the grip at longer distances makes it easier to adapt the grip to your throwing style.

Considering the results, I can only recommend the AceJet Raven II for no-spin

Raven II, however, is not only for those who have been throwing for a while but also works excellently for beginners. A combination of the fact that they are practically indestructible and fairly all-around focused makes them a good choice. All-round refers to all forms of instinctive throwing in this case. For rotational throwing, there are other knives both on the market and now also in AceJet's range.

Raven II is also a model that grows on you when you feel you are getting better and more confident in your throwing. The only deterrent is possibly the price. A set currently costs around €290.***

But for the pennies well invested, you get a knife set for both amateurs and professionals that will last a lifetime!

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

Specification:

Steel: 14260, spring steel

Length: 250 mm

Height: 16/33 mm, blade/handle

Thickness: 8 mm

Weight: 248 g

Point of Balance: 10 cm/ 15 cm from back/tip

/ J 


* The answer to that question is that, according to Acejet's representative, it actually happens that customers return with a badly damaged knife, but that it happens so rarely that it is not even a cost they calculate for. They just replace them.

**  Gold was won in 3, 5, and 7m as well as Walk Back.

***If you buy them from Acejet and enter the discount code "JOHN" (in capital letters), you will receive a five percent discount!

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Review AceJet Guillotine

 

This is something rare, perhaps even "the world's first" unless my "Google-Fu" fails me. I'm talking about the world's first written review of this throwing knife from Acejet.

This text is aimed, literally and figuratively, at or perhaps with a couple of older knives from their now huge catalog. Older is a relative term as the brand is not that old but the knives belong to the earliest models in any case.

AceJet Guillotine

Guillotine is a knife that in terms of shape is simple and straightforward, the question is whether they feel the same way when used?

Appearance and dimensions

Guillotine is a model that deviates a bit from most things I have in the way of throwing knives. They do not look like ordinary knives, which applies to, for example, AceJet Appache which belongs to the "Osetr school" or Acejet Excalibur which is based on a classic dagger in terms of appearance. In addition, there are Bowie-inspired throwing knives and so on. What they all have in common is that if they were provided with an edge, they (almost) look like any other knife.

These knives, on the other hand, do not look like much other than just throwing knives. Possibly one could argue that they have features of a Japanese variant of utility knife with an angled edge, a Kiridachi.

Somehow Guillotine feels shorter than the 24 cm that the ruler shows

The thickness of the spring steel used is 6 mm

The length is 24 cm and the width varies from the narrower rear end which measures 2.8 cm to the widest point just before the tip where the knife is 3.4 cm wide. In pictures, they have a tendency to look almost short, but that is because they are relatively high. This, together with a thickness of 6 mm, gives a total weight of 280 g. However, the knives feel rather heavy to throw with, so it is fortunate that Acejet has refrained from releasing them in 8 mm thick steel, which is otherwise often the case with their models.

The tip itself is almost reminiscent of a Kiridachi as said as it is straight and at an angle relative to the spine which, on the other hand, slopes slightly down towards the tip. The spine has also been thinned out by a 5 cm long swedge. 

The finish is AceJet's standard. It's a brushed finish that both hides scratches relatively well while giving a slight structure for better grip. The only marking is the AceJet logo laser etched on one side.

Material

As usual, Acejet uses spring steel in this model. Although that statement can be modified as they have begun experimenting with releasing knives in other steel grades. But this, as I said, is an older model and thus they stick to the spring steel that most of their knives are made of. It is Czech steel with the designation 14260. It has proven to be an excellent material for throwing knives. It is just as tough and durable as you want, which guarantees a long life span for your knives.

When the knives are damaged, there are not so many sharp burrs but more "dents" if you can put it that way. This means that you as a thrower run less risk of cutting your hands open. So even at that point, it's sympathetic material.

Spring steel, on the other hand, is not the least bit stainless must be pointed out. So keep the knives dry and clean. It requires a bit of maintenance from time to time.

To throw

Despite their "instinctive" appearance, these are actually knives made to be thrown with most techniques. Of course, the straight top and the absence of finger guards, etc make them excellent for No spin. And it is in this area that I believe they have their main strength, which is perhaps not so strange considering that it is Adam Celadin who is behind the design of these knives.

The balance is fairly neutral with a slight shift backward

The balance point on the Guillotine is found 13 cm from the tip and 11 cm from the rear end. It provides a fairly neutral knife that is just a tad back heavy and therefore rotates well when you need it for that kind of technique. The straight look of the handle otherwise gives a hint of what it is intended for, anti-spin or no spin throwing. That's why the knife is a bit butt-heavy. This helps them to stay on the right keel in flight more easily.

Rotational Throwing

The guillotines are not very long, which means that when I throw rotational throws with this type of knife, I usually "extend" them by holding further out on the handle or blade tip. In addition, I angle them forward quite markedly to slow down the rotation, which is otherwise fairly fast. If you do, the knife works excellently at a distance of 3,4,5 m. An alternative is of course to keep the knives more upright but further in. The effect is the same, that the knife rotates more calmly.

I grip the knife quite far out and compensate for it by angling it slightly forward to reduce the rotation speed

I find that they are a little harder on longer distances. That is over five meters. Mostly because they are relatively short. It's a matter of training of course but it's an area where I do not have enough experience yet.

Half Spin

Everything can be thrown with a half-rotation throw, I usually claim and this also applies to these knives. But it is not the most sympathetic experience in my opinion. At least not if you engage in Military half spin. The width and the asymmetrical tip make it feel like they want to tip over in the hand. If it is also combined with a fairly neutral balance and lack of indexing and the knife is relatively short, the end result will not be perfect for that technique.

I definitely prefer knives that are a bit heavy at the back and that are more symmetrical and narrower, preferably dagger-shaped in terms of appearance to be used for Military half spin. A good example from Acejet is Excalibur which is really good for that purpose.

If these knives do not feel completely optimal for Military half spin, they are all the better suited for Instinctive half-spin

But to complicate things, Guillotine is actually really good for Instinctive half spin, that is, a half-rotation technique with the index finger resting on the back of the blade. The same slide technique that makes it excellent for No spin is used to its advantage here as well. However, the weight of the knives means that you have to throw them fairly calmly to have control.

Despite that, they hit the target with impressive power with this technique. 

No Spin

Then we come to the area that these knives are primarily intended for. To be thrown with no or rather a quarter of a turn rotation. It is, of course, in this area that Guillotine excels. 

Sometimes a break is needed, even when throwing No spin

To begin with, the straight handle makes it easy to find a place for the index finger, which is so important in this context. The downside is that there is nothing that indexes where it is. In other words, you have to learn that yourself. It may not sound that complicated, but those who throw No spin know how important just half a centimeter forward or backward can be. In this case, as in several others for that matter, it is important not to accidentally move your grip too far forward / "up" on the knife. It is then more difficult to give the rear end the "push" it needs so that the knife does not start to rotate and the miss is a fact. However, it is a bit dependent on the technique used.

My basic grip on Guillotine when I throw No spin

To me, this is a knife that feels most natural with "slide" -based throws, that is, you let your finger slide along the back of the handle when the knife is released. "Push" techniques where you press the knife with your finger on the balance point at the actual release do not work as well, at least not for me.

It must also be pointed out that the knife feels quite heavy. On the one hand, it is de facto quite substantial for being a No spin knife, but the shape makes the weight feel more noticeable in the hand.

This means that you do not have to use power. To clarify, it is possible to throw quickly, but it must be done relaxed and without physical strength. If you do so, it leads to overrotation. The knife still sticks with authority when it is on the right keel. The shape of the tip also provides extra good penetration.

The weight also makes the knife feel good to use for Walk back can be pointed out. Heavier knives simply give more momentum, which means that you do not have to throw them at the same high speed.

Conclusion

Guillotine was and is a sympathetic acquaintance if you can put it that way. They throw almost as they look but not completely. I actually thought that with their deceptively simple appearance they would be easier to master. But at that point, I had to rethink a little bit. They are not directly difficult to throw with, but they require that you master a certain technique to make them justice. They favor "slide" techniques and pure "Skanff" -inspired variants where you hold the handle very loosely and far back. Other grips feel more complicated to use.

Once you succeed, the knife sticks with authority, and the thrower is rewarded with a dull thump and a knife that penetrates deep into the target. This becomes especially clear at a slightly shorter distance, three to four meters. But it's no problem to use them for Walk back even though I personally do not master the seven-meter level with them yet. It is not a problem to throw that distance or longer, it is only the regularity of stick from the distance that shines with its absence, which tells me that this is the problem with the thrower rather than with the knife.

AceJet Guillotine is an excellent throwing knife for those who want to improve themselves in instinctive knife throwing

Guillotine is, as I said, not the easiest to throw and thus perhaps nothing for the absolute beginner. Acejets Stinger is, for example, much easier to use for No spin for those who want to start in the area or have just started and Excalibur is an all-around knife that is just as flexible but easier to learn to throw with. But unlike the latter, Guillotine is excellent for Instinctive half spin. And the word "instinctive" is the key here whether you want to use that technique with half a turn or no rotation.

As I see it, Guillotine is an excellent knife to improve your throw in that area. In addition, you get a well-made knife that is basically indestructible. Thus, I recommend this model as a "continuation model" or a compliment for those who want to improve in instinctive knife throwing.  

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

Specification:

Steel: 14260 spring steel

Length: 240 mm

Height: 28 mm till 34 mm

Thickness: 6 mm

Weight: 279 g

Balance point: Slightly back heavy, 13/11 cm from tip / rear end 

/ J 

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