Vampire Knives

The Vampire Knives can be found in Crimson Chests in the Dungeon. Using it fires between 4 and 8 fast moving knife projectiles.

As of 1.2.0.3, the Vampire Knives have been reduced in effectiveness but are still generally considered to be the best melee weapon, if not the best weapon in the game due to the massive potential for damage as well as free healing.

Tips

 * This weapon is especially effective against bosses. Used skillfully, it is virtually impossible to die.
 * Using Flasks, especially the Flask of Ichor, greatly increase the effectiveness of this weapon.
 * You can increase the Knives' effectiveness even more, when using a full Frost armor set combined with a Magma Stone/Fire Gauntlets. They will also work with Flasks, especially with Cursed Flames or Venom (Effects will stack, showing both blue and red flames. If the Flask of Cursed Flames/Venom is used, all three will stack causing blue, red, and green/purple flames.)

Trivia

 * This item may be a reference to Vladimir from League of Legends. Vladimir uses a skill called 'Tides of Blood' which launches several sword-like blood projectiles. The amount of projectiles depends on how many enemies are within his skill AoE range.
 * The Vampire Knives may be a reference of Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou games. She is the maid of Remilia Scarlet, the vampiric mistress. Sakuya possesses a great amount of throwing knives, and is skilled at handling them or even conjure them out of nowhere.