Throwing sports and long distance throwing challenges: a fast-growing discipline
A growing interest in this activity
In the world of throwing sports, knife throwing has successfully secured itself a choice position amongst the wide array of skill-based games and throwing sports.
Everyone knows about darts, the emblematic throwing sport and popular pass-time. Knife throwing has been well established over the past years as a form of entertainment as well as a competitive sport.
The range of individuals that has taken to mastering knife throwing techniques has broadened. This sport is no longer practiced exclusively by artists that perform incredible circus or television acts!
A unique throwing sport that requires specific knives
Since summer has begun it is the perfect occasion to start learning knife throwing techniques, which has its difficulties of course… but with a bit of practice you will improve rapidly. You will be surprised at how quickly you will be able to impress your neighbours, friends or family!
An addictive throwing sport
Before launching yourself into this addictive throwing sport, you must have the proper materials, in particular a set of knives that are specially designed for knife throwing.
The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that throwing knives are not at all like the knives you use in the kitchen!
Throwing knives are generally made out of stainless steel with a distinct bevelled edge that allows it to penetrate easily through not only the air but also the hardest of woods. The knifepoints are very fine and designed to stabilize and balance the knife when it is in flight.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Throwing knives have asymmetrical blades that are slightly arched. They are specifically designed to have very solid points that do not get worn out, even after repeated use. A true throwing knife must be able to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!"
This type of knife, used for recreational purposes during throwing sports, is not dangerous: its cutting edge is not sharp, so the blade does not cut. Count on paying around 80 euros for a pack of three well-crafted throwing knives.
Different knife throwing techniques
Even though each knife thrower has their own style and way of going about throwing, two main knife throwing techniques exist:
- The slow or no-spin throw: for throwing with more force
- The fast-spin throw: more accurate and stable
The slow-spin throwing technique
You will be able to master this technique by practicing the following gestures:
- Hold your knife throwing arm straight throughout the movement
- Control the knife as it leaves your hand (this method allows beginners to achieve the best results)
- Turn your torso quickly in order to increase the strength of the throw
While practicing the slow-spin technique keep in mind that the main objective is to try and slow the movement of the knife in the air in order to have a greater chance of making it stick in the target. This is especially useful when you have not yet mastered how to eyeball the distance between you and the target.
Knife throwing specialists would tell you that when it comes to this type of throwing sport, the slower the knife turns, the better your chances are of sticking the blade in the target because the point is facing it for a longer amount of time.
Professional combat fighters and soldiers use this knife throwing technique. It allows you to easily throw a small throwing knife 5 meters with a half-spin.
A knife throwing technique used by the pros: the fast-spin
One can also use the fast-spin knife throwing technique when throwing medium to long distances. This technique gives the knife a gyroscopic effect that stabilizes the knife when it is in flight, creating a centrifuge-like force that is transmitted to the target upon impact.
Most professional knife throwers use this technique (the pros also use large knives that are approximately 12in). The technique incorporates two movements:
- A circular hand movement
- A slight flick of the wrist
In order to perform this technique properly you must bend your arm at the elbow (so that the knife is behind you) and unbend your arm while being sure to move your body and shoulders as little as possible.
The fast-spin throw is more accurate and allows you to throw longer distances without using much force. This technique’s only setback is that you must be able to accurately calculate the distance between you and the target. Even the smallest miscalculation of 4 inches will make you miss your throw, as the point will not be pointed towards the target.