Throwing Knife

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Dagger

Most throwing knives feature a leaf-shaped iron blade with an unsharpened edge and a ring on the pommel. Because it was often used to pry or smash through plaster, wood or packed earth, a razor-thin edge would chip or shatter. Even so, a significant minority of users do opt for a sharpened length, believing they improve their melee .
These knives have become so ubiquitous within specific groups that young children are trained to throw them in school yards. These children tend to grow up remembering these blunted knives fondly and may continue to practice them; even if they have never used them lethally.

Manufacturing process

1. Heat the metal in a forge until glowing orange, then hammer on an anvil to draw out the material.
2. Forge the back of the tool into a narrow tang. The flat end of the tang is then hammered into a circular loop.
3. Punch or drill a precise hole through the looped handle while the metal was workable.
4. Bevel the edges of the blade but leave somewhat dull on purpose.
5. The shaped metal is rapidly quenched in water or oil to harden, then allowed to cool.
6. The metal handle is wrapped in cloth, rope or leather for a comfortable, non-slip grip.

Significance

Multi-Purpose Tool

Though it can function as a concealed weapon, everyday farmers and stonemasons can acquire cheaper versions as a trowel for digging, chiseling wood and small spades for planting. In the hands of more adventurous folk, it can function as a piton for climbing, a tool for breaking locks or even as a makeshift spear if tied to a stick.

Item type

Weapon, Ranged

Rarity

Common

Weight

• Lightweight: ~ 0.5 lbs
• Heavy: ~ 1 lb

Dimensions

• Lightweight: ~ 40 cm
• Heavy: ~ 20 cm

Raw materials & Components

Soft Iron or Carbon Steel
Cotton or Leather

Tools

Forge
Anvil
Plant-based Oil
Hammer