I've had one of these for over 10 years and both blade and tip are still sharp as the day I got them. I've polished them up a little over the years but only have done it 3 times and that was due to age and my extensive use of it. This is clearly a stabbing weapon that can double as a throwing knife if need be as it is amazingly balanced, much more then I initially thought as it performs better then many of my throwing knifes. I can easily hit bulls-eyes at 20 yards with it no problem as a somewhat proficient knife thrower myself. Super durable I have used it for general use and have defended myself with it over 10 years and no signs of breaking and damage. Small and easy to conceal. The holder that comes with it can be a bit of a pain in the butt but it isn't to hard to find something that can fit the blade so you don't cut yourself with it while walking around. Cutting wise can be a little dull but no where near as bad as some people say the edge can easily cut flesh clean but this knife wasn't designed to be cutting one it is a stabber or thrower. Still you can sharpen it if you want as you may not be comfortable with the edge but mine came very sharp. I've sharpened it up after a few years and the cutting edge can be quite deadly and scary sharp and holds well. I bought another one recently and I was kinda shocked as it was a lot less sharpened then the 1 I was given as a gift 10 years ago. Not sure if you changed the way you make them but I had to sharpen the second one up a it up a bit so sharpness may vary as my original 10 year old one came super sharp and the second one I gave as a gift to my girlfriend needed a little sharpening before I felt comfortable about her carrying it. My original and current one I give an easy 5. Second one I bought and gave to my girlfriend I give a 4 as I had to sharpen it up for a bit to get it's cutting edge to a point where I was comfortable with her having it for defense. Beyond that everything else on the 2nd and newer one is just like the original.

This is a decent blade. Yes, it needs some touch up to be sharp but when you do get it to that point it's double edge holds up well. It is good as a thrower and the rubber encased handle means that I won't shatter it like I do with some other split handle knives that I try to use as throwers. Personally I find the arm straps do not hold well when I draw the blade, there is a loose fit that makes it difficult. I use this as a boot knife, I strap the shorter strap that came with the knife around my ankle above my boot and wrap the excess laces into the sheath as I tie my boot lace around my ankle and use the longer elastic strap to secure the bottom of the sheath. Now when I disengage the retaining strap and pull the blade the sheath stays in place. I got this as a bogo and for the price I recommend this as a back up knife. Obviously it is small, if you read the measurement provided in the description you will know that. Use it as a concealed last ditch knife and you will not be let down by it. If you buy this thinking that it is the only knife you need then you will be like some of the other comments below and let down. Any good collector should know how to sharpen a knife and after you do as long as you use it as a last ditch, like a neck knife, you will be very pleased for the price. Especially if you get the bogo deal, check for that before you buy.

good quality, good balance to throw , love the sheath and arm straps, good and sharp, thanks BUDK

this knife looked so cool so i bought it is small and i have small hands and this thing was so dull i could push a hard as i could on both sides and not get cut

Great knife, easily hidden and it has a strong blade, it DOESNT come pre sharpened which is kind of a downside but other than that i totally recommend this knife to all.

I have bought around four or five knives. I use them to make the hidden blades from Assassins Creed and it is a perfect fit.

I LOVE BudK!!! I have ordered ALOT of stuff from here since discovering the site. I only had one small problem with my purchase of the arm knives, I was a bit unhappy that the upper elastic strap was way to short! I had to buy material to make my own strap for the upper part of the arm. I was sort of surprised that the strap was so short since I'm female and my arms AREN'T BIG! So I'm sure they're to short for a mans arm! But I would for sure recommend them to friends! Hopefully the company will make the straps longer. Don't worry BUDK, I LOVE your products! I'll continue to be a happy buyer! Karen -

While the blade is inexpensive, it is also dull with no edge and is thin, looks like it will break very easily. If you buy this knife, buy a blade sharpener.....

This is a decent knife. Not as sharp out of the box as expected, but i put a good edge on it. Would like for the sheath straps to be more secure on arm, but overall pretty good

The tip is fairly sharp, though there is no real edge to speak of. The knife is fairly small, as stated in the description. The main issue is that the blade is extremely thin. These do not stand up to much use. If you had to use it for self-defense, you could. Once.