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

 * The item may be a reference to Dio Brando from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Dio is a vampire whose signature attack is throwing a barrage of knives while stopping time.
 * The Vampire Knives may alternately be a reference of Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou games. Sakuya is a vampiric character, capable of throwing torrents of knives due to her ability to stop time. Sakuya herself is also a reference back to Dio Brando.