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Throwing stars, often called shuriken, are small, star-shaped implements that historically served as secondary weapons in martial arts. Today they’re sold as collectibles, training tools, and tactical novelties across the United States. Think of them as the pocket-sized cousins of throwing knives — compact, balanced, and often made of steel. Whether you’re curious about the history or shopping for a practice set, knowing the basics helps you choose something that fits your goals and stays legal where you live.
Traditional round shuriken look like small metal wheels with three to seven points and often measure about 2 to 4 inches in diameter. They’re the classic style you picture when you think “throwing star.” Collectors like them for historical authenticity, while casual users appreciate the simple, symmetrical design.
Tactical stars push the envelope with sharper angles and more aggressive silhouettes. These commonly come in 3 to 6 inch spans and are marketed toward outdoor enthusiasts and collectors. They’re typically made from stainless or carbon steel and sometimes feature coatings for corrosion resistance.
If safety and practice are priorities, blunt or rubberized training stars are ideal. These replicas mimic size and balance without a keen edge, letting you train technique and accuracy in supervised settings. Training stars usually fall in the same size range as metal variants but trade cutting edges for dull ends and softer surfaces.
Most throwing stars are forged or stamped from carbon steel or stainless steel, with thicknesses often ranging from 0.08 to 0.25 inches. Carbon steel has a robust feel and can be heat-treated for hardness, while stainless resists rust and needs less maintenance. Finish options include black oxide, bead-blast, or polished metal — finishes affect grip, glare, and corrosion resistance. A quality piece should feel balanced in your hand and weigh consistently across copies; for many designs that’s roughly 2 to 6 ounces depending on diameter and thickness.
Amazon is an easy starting point: massive selection, user reviews, and quick shipping for many addresses in the US. You’ll find everything from novelty stars under $15 to higher-end trainer sets around $40. The tradeoff is variety — listings range in quality, and the same product can look different depending on the seller. Read reviews and check materials before you buy.
eBay is a favorite for collectors searching for vintage or custom pieces. Auctions and “Buy It Now” options let you snag unique shuriken that aren’t stocked in mainstream stores. Pricing varies widely, and international sellers sometimes ship to the US, so be mindful of import restrictions and local laws when ordering.
Blade HQ is a specialty retailer with a strong reputation among knife and edged-weapon enthusiasts. Their selection of throwing stars tends to focus on quality pieces from known brands and custom makers. Prices are generally higher than mass-market sites, but you get robust product descriptions and reliable customer ratings that help when choosing a durable design.
KnifeCenter stocks a measured selection of throwing stars, often leaning toward reputable brands and practical designs. If you’re evaluating metallurgy and build specs, their listings usually include in-depth details. Expect prices that reflect better materials and craftsmanship compared with budget imports.
Walmart carries budget-friendly, mass-produced throwing stars and training sets both online and occasionally in larger stores. These are attractive for beginners who want a low-cost way to explore the hobby. Quality and balance are hit-or-miss, so view Walmart purchases as introductory gear rather than lifetime keepsakes.
Academy stocks a modest assortment of training stars and novelty items targeted toward outdoor and sporting markets. If you want to pair a throwing-star purchase with targets or safety gear, Academy is convenient. Their price points generally sit in the affordable-to-mid range.
These outdoors-focused retailers sometimes carry throwing stars under tactical or novelty categories. Expect durable designs aimed at hunters and outdoors enthusiasts, and seasonal availability may affect what you find in-store versus online.
For collectors and serious practitioners, specialty manufacturers like Cold Steel and United Cutlery — plus countless custom makers on platforms such as Etsy — produce higher-end and bespoke throwing stars. Custom jobs let you choose material, finish, and sometimes unique sizing, but custom pieces often command a premium price reflecting handwork and quality control.
Shopping for a throwing star feels like choosing a tool as much as a collectible. Ask yourself: do I want a display piece, a practice tool, or something tactical-looking? Check balance (does it feel even when pinched between fingers), thickness (thicker stars travel differently), and weight (heavier pieces can be more stable in flight). Materials tell you about durability and maintenance needs — stainless for low upkeep, carbon steel for longevity if you care for it. Read reviews for real-world impressions about feel and finish. Price is a decent proxy for quality, but a well-reviewed mid-price item often beats a cheap impulse buy.
Safety and legality are non-negotiable. Laws about possession and carrying of throwing stars vary widely across states and municipalities in the US, so check local statutes before purchasing. Many regions treat shuriken the same as other concealable weapons. For safety, do not carry throwing stars in public or transport them without secure, locked storage. Keep them locked away from children and untrained users. When displaying a collectible, a locked display case or wall mount with secure fasteners keeps both your items and visitors safe. If you’re unsure about legalities, consult local law enforcement or legal counsel before buying.
If you’re intrigued by accuracy and focus but hesitant about live blades, consider training stars and alternative tools. Blunt metal trainers, rubberized practice stars, or even throwing-knife simulation tools let you build timing and target understanding without sharp edges. Many martial-arts schools and clubs offer supervised training where an instructor can guide safe, legal practice. For backyard practice, look for designated throwing targets and a safe backstop; always obey local ordinances and choose locations where you won’t endanger people, pets, or property.
Metal throwing stars need basic upkeep. Wipe them clean after handling to remove oils and sweat, and apply a light coat of oil if they’re carbon steel to prevent rust. Stainless steel needs less maintenance but benefits from periodic cleaning. If your star has a decorative finish, avoid abrasive cleaners that strip coatings. Store pieces flat in a dry case or on padded display to prevent dings and preserve edges. If you collect multiple pieces, use dividers so they don’t scratch one another.
Set a budget up front. Entry-level novelty stars can cost $10–$25, mid-range training sets usually fall between $25–$75, and high-end or custom pieces can run $75–$200 or more. Factor in extras like targets, padded cases, or training classes if you’re serious about skill development. Compare prices across the stores listed above — sometimes a limited-run piece appears cheaper on a specialty site, while mass-market training sets are most affordable on big platforms like Amazon or Walmart. Don’t forget to read the product description carefully for size in inches, weight in ounces, and material specs so you know what you’re buying.
Brands like Cold Steel and United Cutlery are known for durable, consistent products, while boutique makers on platforms like Etsy or direct vendor sites produce artistic and collectible pieces. If you’re building a collection, consider variety: display-friendly polished stars, historically inspired shuriken, and a few trainer pieces for practice. Look for serial numbers or maker marks on custom pieces — they add provenance and value. And remember: condition matters. Even minor nicks or finish wear can affect both aesthetics and resale value.
Before you buy, consult community reviews on forums, YouTube gear reviews, and retailer rating pages. Enthusiast communities often note balance, feel, and real-world performance in ways product listings don’t. If you can, handle a friend’s set or visit a local specialty shop to get a tactile sense of different sizes and weights — photos don’t always convey how a star sits in the hand. Community feedback also flags quality-control issues and tells you which sellers offer consistent, well-made products.
Choosing the right throwing star is a balance of purpose, budget, and legal responsibility. If you want a keepsake, focus on craftsmanship and finish. If you want to practice, invest in blunt trainers and protective equipment first. For collectors, a mix of polished display pieces and a couple of functional stars makes an appealing and flexible cabinet. Wherever you shop — from large marketplaces to niche retailers — read specs, check reviews, and make choices that fit your goals and local rules.
With the right info and a little patience, finding throwing stars that match your needs becomes a fun part of the hobby — like assembling a small constellation of metal art you can admire, practice with responsibly, and pass on to fellow enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Whether you’re buying your first throwing star or expanding a collection, prioritize quality, safety, and local legality. Use reputable sellers for better material information and customer feedback, and treat practice with respect. A thoughtful approach keeps your hobby enjoyable and responsible.
| Throwing Stars | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Spear Pointed Tactical Poly Training Knife Dagger Prop With 8 | $ 28,- |
