Customer Reviews

Bailey Zeil Throwing Knife, Stainless Steel, Leather Pouch

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just got mine in, I'll list the pros and cons.
Pros:

Well built, heavy, and balanced just forward of the guard. The balance factor is not important with some styles of throwing but allows for an even rotation if you are trying for consistancy.
The sheath is well made brown leather and has a stamped tool pattern on it. Very cool.
It also has a snap which secures the knife well.
The knife has a very good look and flies well right out of the box.

Cons:

The holes do not go all the way through the handle as in the photo. A small and obscure observation.
The point needs to be honed to a finer edge to allow better piercing. I am a knifemaker so customizing this is no problem, however a file and stone will do the trick.
The handle is a little sharp on the edges, I solved by breaking the corners on my belt grinder.
The only serious issue is that the knife has no primary cutting edge. I modified mine but if you hunt small game with your knife like I do you will want to really sharpen the point up. It works well as a sport knife without the edge, though.

Overall opinion:
This knife is one of the best throwers in its price range available.
It looks sleek and slightly elvish, it has a smooth release, and it fits the hand well.
I have been throwing knives for about ten years now and this is one of the better knives that I have seen.
I highly recommend this knife!

The Ziel II designed by John Bailey is the most consistant spin and non spin thrower. Mr. Bailey's experience shows, this blade is comfortable for me to throw no matter the throw. Rotating, index finger on handle and ahead of point of balance are my basic throw styles and it is like the knife was made for me. I have heard criticism about the rough edges. Why finish the edges along the spine when a knowledgable thrower will smooth the edges to thier own preference. The features of this knife and the low cost far outway taking 3 minutes with a diamond stone to some edges.
John Bailey thank you for this great sport knife and the Mini Ziel too. I am loving that one too.Bailey Zeil Throwing Knife, Stainless Steel, Leather Pouch

This is a well-conceived knife that throws well and has enough heft to make getting "sticks" easy for a beginner. But you'll only be throwing half the time you spend with the knife. If you opt for this knife, get yourself a file or a grinder and and be prepared to remove burrs that get created every time one knife makes contact with another. You might as well reshape the the flimsy tip while you're at it (reshaping the tip doesn't really change the weight balance). Basically, the problem with this knife is the 420 J2 stainless steel it's made from. It's barely a serviceable steel for any knife, and certainly not for throwing. Good design, poor execution. Avoid any thrower made from 420 J2 stainless steel.

With this knife you can also take some paracord and tie it around the handle and use it as a hunting knife.

This is a very powerful, yet comfortable knife. It has the ability to suite many different throwing styles. I am a beginner, and this is my first knife. It is a very smooth learning curve when you are using this knife, and the leather pouch is high quality. I would also like to note that this knife is extremely durable, and will last forever... and ever

this knife is a must get for any knife thrower either experienced knife throwers or beginners i dont have this knife but my friend does and let me say this knife is worth at least $40 the only reason my friends broke was because i dont have good aiming and it kept hitting cement even still i hit the cement about 20 times so this nice is durable it does not have a edge but if your like me it doesnt need an edge as long as it sticks deep in this knife can stick in to almost any wood