The Kunai is specifically the throwing weapon, well throwing is one of many uses it had but its what its become most famous for. Actually had quite a bit of use as a climbing implement too. A Kunai on a rope/chain is more commonly referred to as a Rope-Dart. This has been Ninja Ted-Talk.
The older GOWs were generally better but still very much a Wannabe-DMC. At least back then the Devs admitted as such, there’s an interview where they say “You should go play DMC if ya want a deeper gameplay experience”. The new one ain’t even GOW and whilst I’ve always disliked GOW, I respect the new one way less for not having any pride in its origins and abandoning the attitude the older titles had.
And also because they think Kratos can or should be redeemed. Like nah, he’s a piece of shit, you can’t make that asshole relatable: better to own up to him just being a dick.