Throwing knives

Throwing knives are a low-tech skill weapon in Deus Ex.

Characteristics
Throwing knives are silent and inflict relatively high damage, sufficient to kill a common trooper in a single headshot at the untrained skill level. However, their effectiveness is limited by their low range and accuracy. The accurate range of throwing knives is 40 feet. Thus, the trajectory of a thrown knife is straight up to 40 feet. After traveling 40 feet, the thrown knife will begin its downward descent due to gravity.

Unlike conventional weapons, the accuracy of throwing knives cannot be increased by weapon modifications. Accuracy can only be increased by weapon skill and the Targeting augmentation. The maximum accuracy that is obtainable is 90%, from a combination of master weapon skill and Tech 4 Targeting.

Throwing knives are internally classified as hand-to-hand weapons; thus, they receive bonus damage from the Combat Strength augmentation. A combination of master low-tech skill, Tech 4 Combat Strength, and Tech 4 Targeting yields a modified damage of 51, enough to damage and destroy turrets, camera, and alarm panels.

Tips

 * Throwing knives can also be used as distractions. For example, throwing a knife into a wall will draw the attention of enemies. Afterwards, the knife can be retrieved from the wall.

Acquisition

 * New York 
 * UNATCO Headquarters (first visit) – A random number of throwing knives (up to 4) on an NSF corpse on the operation table in the medical center in level 3.
 * Hong Kong 
 * Wan Chai Market – In the Luminous Path compound, two stacks of five are in the large room that lead to Tong's laboratory.
 * Lucky Money – After solidifying peace between the triads, killing and looting Gordon Quick yields a random amount (up to 4).
 * Paris 
 * Catacombs – A pack of five on a chest in the area just after the entry of the Silhouette bunker.
 * Champs-Élysées – Two pack of five on the entry table and one pack of five on the coffee table in the flat of the arms dealer.
 * Chateau DuClare – Two packs of five in Nicolette's bedroom, near the bed.
 * Knights Templar Cathedral: A pack of five on a locked cabinet in Adept 34501's room, which is above the computer room.

Trivia

 * The weapon's internal name includes the word "shuriken." Beta images and design document v13.12 indicate that throwing knives were originally shuriken at one point during the game's development.
 * In design document v13.12, the shuriken is given the following description: "Favored weapon among HK fighters. In the future, shuriken are made of non-metallic carbon-fiber and are virtually undetectable."