Crosses 
Ninja Cross
This is not a cross at all, and only included on these pages for completeness (and to stave off any more enquiries we've received about this 'cross'.)
Ninja Cross
Smooth blades
Arrow Heads
Barbs
The correct name for this multi-bladed weapon is Shuriken and often called a 'throwing star', with between three and eight points; four being common. (See also Star Cross.) There are several styles: smooth blades, arrow heads, barbs, etc. (See also Barby Cross.)
They were never tools of first choice for ninjas, but the name has been borrowed for this implement to make it sound more exotic.
Easy to throw, but a bit awkward to catch. They are banned in many countries and a nightmare for veterinary surgeons who treat dogs trained to catch Frisbees.
And that's all we have to say about these implements. As for the Ninja, well, they are famous for sneaking around at night, always alert and ready to change tactic1. Their stealth can best be summed up in this little story.
See also Boomerang
| 1: | Contemporary stories and movies suggest that ninjas were assassins, when in fact their main job was to gather intelligence, usually by stealth. Their techniques for spying have now been superseded by the internet and whilst they still have a popular dojos for passing on their skills, the two remaining ninja grandmasters (Jinichi Kawakami of the Koka clan and Masaaki Hatsumi of the Togakure clan) agree there is no point in selecting heirs. |
