Theorylytics
Mk1-Kunai

Mk1-Kunai

Secondary / Flexible

The MK1-Kunai is the standard issue throwing knives for all Tenno.

Role
Secondary / Flexible
Polarities
MaduraiMaduraiMaduraiMadurai
Exilus
ExilusNaramonNaramon
Mastery
0
Disposition
1.51
Introduced
Update 14.0 (2014-07-18)

Stats

Ordnance Telemetry

ThrowingAutoSilentSecondary

Damage

40.0

Crit

5.0%

Crit Mult

2.0x

Status

2.5%

Damage Composition

40.0 total

Impact
4.0
Puncture
6.0
Slash
30.0
Fire Rate
3.33
Magazine
10
Reload
0.75s
Accuracy
100.0
Disposition1.51
MaduraiMaduraiExilus Naramon
  • Multishot1.0
  • Mastery0
  • IntroducedUpdate 14.0 (2014-07-18)

Weapon dossier

Verified 2026-07-23

Playstyle

The MK1-Kunai is the standard issue throwing knives for all Tenno. Built as a secondary / flexible option for squad clear and mission pressure.

Signature

Mk1-Kunai is not a signature weapon — any frame can use it without a signature passive.

When to Pick

  • You want a Throwing that fits a secondary / flexible play pattern.
  • Your loadout needs what Mk1-Kunai does well — check Mission Usefulness below before investing Forma.
  • You’re ready to Catalyze / Forma it if you plan to main it on Steel Path.

Attack Modes

  • Normal Attack

    Impact 4 · Slash 6 · Puncture 30

    Projectile · Crit 5% / 2× · Status 2.5% · Fire Rate 3.33 · Projectile 70

  • Incarnon Form

    Impact 4.8 · Slash 10.8 · Puncture 8.4

    Projectile · Crit 14% / 2× · Status 5% · Fire Rate 3.33 · Projectile 70

Attack Notes

  • Normal Attack (Projectile): Impact 4.0, Slash 6.0, Puncture 30.0.
  • Incarnon Form (Projectile): Impact 4.8, Slash 10.8, Puncture 8.4.

Upgrades

Permanent investments on this weapon copy — separate from the Prime variant.

  • Orokin CatalystCapacity

    Doubles mod capacity so endgame builds fit.

    Usually the first permanent upgrade on a weapon you plan to main.

  • FormaPolarity

    Adds or changes polarities so matching mods cost half capacity.

    expect multiple Forma for a hungry config.

  • Exilus Weapon AdapterSlot

    Unlocks utility options (Exilus on guns; melee focuses on stance polarity + utility mods).

    Install when you need ammo, handling, or QoL without sacrificing damage slots.

  • Secondary Arcane AdapterArcane

    Lets you install a weapon arcane for a strong passive bonus.

    Worth it once the base mod config is already solid.

  • Riven ModRiven

    Unique rolled mod. Disposition 1.51.

    Chase clean desirable stats; skip awkward negatives on low-disposition weapons.

Mod Scaling

Multishot

Usually the highest value damage slot — more projectiles, more procs, more clear.

Critical

Stack crit chance/damage when the weapon’s crit stats justify a crit suite.

Elemental

Faction/elemental lines for Steel Path; Viral+Heat is a safe default on many guns.

Fire Rate

Fire rate raises DPS but burns ammo — pair with reload/ammo economy when needed.

Priority

Multishot → Crit (if crit-viable) → Elemental → QoL ammo/reload.

Mission Usefulness

Mission / ContextRatingWhy
Steel Path Survival / Defense / DisruptionStrongTest whether Mk1-Kunai still clears or enables clear when enemies are dense and overlevelled.
Exterminate / Capture Speed RunsStrongUse Mk1-Kunai when its fire pattern matches fast tile clears — skip if it feels awkward on empty lanes.
Mobile Defense / ExcavationStrongHold objectives by deleting approach packs with Mk1-Kunai, then reposition.
Open World / Long SightlinesSituationalLong sightlines favor hitscan/sniper/bow patterns over short falloff or melee.
Solo Boss / Single-TargetSituationalFine if Mk1-Kunai has strong single-target multipliers; otherwise bring a dedicated boss weapon.

Acquisition

Check the How to Get table for blueprint / part drop sources.

Alternatives

Other options if Mk1-Kunai isn’t the right fit.

  • Kunai

    Related variant in the same weapon line as Mk1-Kunai — Kunai has higher damage (15%) and higher crit (60%). Compare polarities before Forma.

  • Aegrit

    Another Throwing if you want more crit than Mk1-Kunai (Aegrit: 37.0%).

  • Cantare

    Another Throwing if you want more crit than Mk1-Kunai (Cantare: 18.0%).