Throwing knives and axes have gone from niche martial arts equipment to a genuinely popular hobby in the UK. Whether you have been to an axe throwing venue and want your own kit, or you have always fancied getting into knife throwing, the same questions come up every time. Here are the answers.
Are Throwing Knives Legal in the UK?
Yes. It is legal to buy, own, and use throwing knives in the UK. They are not classified as prohibited weapons. The same rules apply as with any other bladed article: you must be 18 or over to purchase, and it is illegal to carry them in a public place without a good reason.
Good reasons include transporting them to and from a throwing range, using them on private land for practice, or moving them as part of a purchase. Keeping them at home for practice in your garden is perfectly legal. Carrying them in your pocket on the high street is not.
Are Throwing Axes Legal in the UK?
Yes, the same rules apply. Throwing axes are legal to buy, own, and use on private land or at designated venues. You need a good reason to have one in a public place, just like any bladed article. The growth of axe throwing bars and venues across the UK has made them much more mainstream, but the law has not changed. Own them, use them responsibly on private land or at a venue, and transport them securely.
What Is a Throwing Knife?
A throwing knife is a blade specifically designed to be thrown at a target. Unlike a regular knife, a throwing knife is built with weight distribution and balance as the priority. Most throwing knives have a simple, streamlined shape without finger guards or complex handle features that would interfere with the release. They are typically made from a single piece of steel (full tang) for strength and consistency. Blade lengths usually range from 6 to 12 inches, and they come in sets of 3, 6, or 8 so you can throw multiple times before retrieving.
How Do I Start Throwing Knives?
You need three things: a set of throwing knives, a target, and a safe space to throw.
- Knives: Start with a balanced set of 3. Heavier knives (100g+) are easier for beginners because they rotate more predictably. Our throwing knife sets start from around £10 and come with a nylon carry case.
- Target: A soft wood target works best. End-grain targets (cross-sections of a log) are ideal because the knife sticks easily. Avoid plywood and hardwood as knives will bounce off.
- Space: You need a clear area with nobody behind or beside the target. A garden with a solid fence backdrop works well. Stand about 3 to 4 metres back to start. The key is finding the distance where one full rotation of the knife lands point-first in the target.
How Do I Throw a Throwing Knife?
The basic technique for a beginner is the hammer grip with a single rotation throw:
- Hold the knife by the handle like you are gripping a hammer. Do not squeeze too tightly. The knife needs to release cleanly from your hand.
- Stand facing the target with your dominant foot slightly back. Bring the knife above and behind your shoulder.
- Throw with a smooth, overhand motion, releasing the knife as your arm passes your ear. Do not flick your wrist. The power comes from your shoulder and the release should feel natural, like you are pointing at the target.
If the knife is hitting handle-first, step back half a pace. If it is over-rotating, step forward. Finding the right distance for one clean rotation is the foundation of knife throwing. Once you have that dialled in, everything else builds from there.
How Much Do Throwing Knives Cost?
Our throwing knife sets range from around £10 to £30. A basic set of 3 balanced throwers with a nylon case is all you need to get started. Sets of 8 are better value if you want to throw more before walking to the target. Throwing axes typically cost between £20 and £40, with forged carbon steel heads and traditional ash handles.
What Is the Difference Between a Throwing Knife and a Regular Knife?
Balance. A regular knife is designed to cut, so the weight sits in the handle for grip and control. A throwing knife is designed to rotate predictably in the air, so the weight is distributed evenly or towards the blade. Throwing knives are also simpler in design, usually a single piece of steel with no moving parts, no finger guards, and minimal handle wrapping. This gives a clean, consistent release. You should never throw a regular knife. It will not rotate properly, and the handle material can shatter on impact.
What Should I Look for in a Throwing Axe?
For a throwing axe, focus on:
- Head material: Forged carbon steel is the standard. It holds up to repeated impacts and can be resharpened. Our throwing axes use forged carbon steel heads.
- Handle: Traditional ash wood handles give good shock absorption and a comfortable grip. They will eventually break with heavy use, but replacement handles are cheap and easy to fit.
- Weight: Around 600g to 800g is the sweet spot for throwing. Heavy enough to stick, light enough to control.
Can I Throw Knives and Axes in My Garden?
Yes, as long as you do it safely. Your garden is private land, so there is no legal issue with practising there. The key considerations are safety and common sense: make sure nobody can walk into the throwing area, use a solid backstop behind the target to catch any misses, and retrieve your knives or axes after each round rather than throwing blind. If your garden backs onto a public footpath or a neighbour's property with low fencing, take extra care with your setup. A solid wooden fence or wall behind the target is ideal.
How Do I Look After Throwing Knives and Axes?
Throwing equipment takes a beating, so maintenance is straightforward but important:
- Knives: Wipe them down after use to remove moisture and dirt. A light coat of oil prevents rust. Throwing knives do not need to be razor sharp since a slightly blunt point actually sticks better in soft wood targets.
- Axes: Keep the head oiled and check the handle for cracks or looseness before each session. Axe handles are consumable. They will split eventually, and that is normal. Replace them when they show damage rather than waiting for them to fail mid-throw.
Do You Sell Other Bladed Products?
Yes. Alongside throwing knives and axes we stock lock knives, machetes, fixed blade knives, daggers, and a huge range of replica swords from franchises like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars.
Ready to start throwing? Browse our throwing knives and throwing axes or visit us in store at Scarborough.