Gil Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Knife Set Review

Real Insights into the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set

The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set promises to deliver affordable fun for those looking to get into knife throwing. Gil Hibben is a name synonymous with striking knife designs and cinematic appearances, and this set aims to bring that style to a wider audience. But does the reality match the image, or is this just another budget set trying to capitalize on a legendary name?

My journey to this throwing knife set started with a desire to expand my outdoor skills. After years focused on archery and marksmanship, the art of knife throwing beckoned. I needed a budget-friendly entry point without sacrificing too much quality, making this set a compelling option.

Unboxing the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set was a mixed bag. The knives felt surprisingly hefty for their size, but the satin finish on the 3Cr13 stainless steel blade looked a little rough around the edges. The one-piece construction inspires some confidence, even though the nylon sheath felt cheap.

I considered the Cold Steel True Flight Thrower and the SOG Fling throwing knives before settling on the Hibben set. Ultimately, the Hibben set’s aggressive design and the reputation of Gil Hibben tipped the scales, despite the potential concerns about the steel quality. The price point was also a major deciding factor.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The knives looked the part. I just hoped they would perform as well as they looked.

Real-World Testing: Putting Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set was my backyard, using a freshly cut tree stump as a target. The weather was dry and mild, perfect for an afternoon of throwing. It took me a little while to find the sweet spot for rotation, but I was sticking knives within the first hour.

The knives handled adequately, but the balance felt slightly off, requiring constant adjustments to my throwing technique. The blades held up surprisingly well after repeated impacts with the wood, although the tips showed signs of bending after a few errant throws against harder knots. There was also a small amount of vibration in the handle after each throw.

After about an hour, one of the knives developed a slight wobble in the handle. I was disappointed to see that the one-piece construction was already showing signs of weakness.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few weeks of sporadic use, the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set has held up better than I initially feared, but the issues are still present. The bending at the tips has worsened on all three knives, and the wobble in the one handle remains. Despite this, they are still throwable.

Durability is definitely a concern. The 3Cr13 stainless steel, while rust-resistant, is noticeably softer than higher-end steels used in throwing knives.

Maintaining the knives is simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after each use prevents rust. I also occasionally use a honing steel to realign the bent tips. They aren’t designed for batoning or extreme use, which makes this a simple process.

Compared to more robust throwing knives I’ve used in the past, like those from Cold Steel, the Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set falls short in terms of durability and balance. The Gil Hibben set has a flashier design but lacks the performance and longevity of better options.

Breaking Down the Features of Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set

Specifications

• Overall Length: 11 inches. This size is a good middle ground for both beginners and experienced throwers.
• Blade Length: 6 inches with a satin finish. The satin finish looks decent but is prone to scratching.
• Blade Steel: 3Cr13 stainless steel. This steel is budget-friendly but not exceptionally durable or resistant to edge deformation.
• Construction: One-piece. It increases the knives strength.
• Other Features: Lanyard hole. Useful for attaching paracord or other handle customizations.
• Sheath: Black nylon belt sheath. This is basic and offers little protection for the knives or the user.

These specifications translate to a knife set that is designed for affordability and aesthetics rather than top-tier performance. The 3Cr13 steel limits the knife’s ability to withstand repeated impacts on hard targets. The sheath offers minimal utility beyond basic storage.

Performance & Functionality

The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set performs adequately for casual throwing. Accuracy can be achieved with consistent practice, but the balance isn’t optimal. They are fun to use but require constant adjustments in throwing style.

The biggest weakness is the durability of the blade steel. This limits the set’s overall lifespan.

The set meets the basic expectations of a throwing knife set, providing a functional and visually appealing product. However, it falls short of delivering a high-performance throwing experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The aggressive design, with its sweeping lines and prominent Gil Hibben branding, is definitely eye-catching. The weight feels good in the hand, but the balance point is slightly blade-heavy.

The knives are easy to grip, though the lack of any texturing or handle scales can make them slippery when wet. There is a slight learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The 3Cr13 stainless steel is the weak link in terms of durability. Expect bent tips and potential warping over time.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional honing can extend the life of the knives.

Accessories and Customization Options

The set comes with a basic nylon sheath and nothing else. Customization options are limited to wrapping the handles with paracord or adding a lanyard.

The one-piece construction makes it difficult to replace any components. There is limited compatibility with aftermarket accessories.

Pros and Cons of Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set

Who Should Buy Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set?

The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set is perfect for individuals new to knife throwing who are on a tight budget and prioritize aesthetics over top-tier performance. It is also suitable for casual backyard enthusiasts.

This set should be skipped by serious practitioners, those seeking a durable and long-lasting set for frequent use, and anyone who demands professional-grade performance.

Must-have accessories include a higher-quality target (like a proper wooden throwing target) and potentially some handle wrapping (paracord) for improved grip.

Conclusion on Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set

The Gil Hibben Hibben 3 Piece Throwing Fixed Blade Knife Set is a budget-friendly option that offers a taste of the Gil Hibben style without breaking the bank. Its limitations in durability and balance are offset by its affordability and appealing design.

The price is justified for what you get – a functional, if not exceptional, throwing knife set.

I would recommend this set to beginners who are curious about knife throwing and want an affordable entry point. Just be aware of its limitations. Get out there, stick some steel (carefully!), and see if knife throwing is for you.