Throwing Knives

[scottcatchot]

I have recently started trying to learn to throw knives and was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers. I am really consistent with a throwing axe, sticking 6 out of seven throws. With a knife I suck. I always hit the target with the hilt. I have tried marking my distance and taking a step forward or back to try and get the correct rotation and regardless where I stand I still hit with the hilt. I usually attempt to throw holding the blade, but I tried throwing holding the hilt since I was always off half a rotation, and I still hit with the hilt. :idunno:

 

[rutherford]

Hold your wrist straight when learning how to throw a knife. You're probably unconsciously flicking your wrist and changing the rotation. This is an advanced topic.

Also, don't be so concerned about the hilt hitting the target. The point of throwing a knife isn't to get it to stick everytime because even the best knife throwers won't get it to stick every time if they're moving and the target is moving and distance is unsure. It's a distraction, for the most part, giving you time to do something with a higher success rate.

 

[rutherford]

Also, I really enjoy the "underhanded" throw where you hold the knife in the palm of your hand and release it straight off the tips of your fingers (Blade does rise a bit in flight). In a short to medium distance there's no rotation, and the throw probably isn't good for a longer distances anyways. If you put your body behind it right, it has nice power.

 

[stickarts]

Sounds cool! I recently got some throwing knives as a gift. What should i buy or use as a target?

 

[scottcatchot]

What I am using as a target, and I am just a biginning so .... Is a nice round slice out of a log about 6 inches thick and 2 1/2 ft diameter. I got it free from the local dump. I went and saw where there was some cut up trees out there and asked if i could have one and they let me. My kind of price. I have it mounted with eye bolts screwed into the "corners" ( I know it really doesn't have corners but close to where it curves) and I hang it by chains from a cross beam I attached to two cedar posts I stuck in the ground.

 

[rutherford]

I prefer a nice, round, somewhat soft log set on its side and the target on one end. The circular grains mean your knife can hit in a variety of ways and still stick easily.

But, really, you can use just about anything you don't mind putting holes in. And you should always be very careful of bounce-back.

It goes without saying that you don't learn to throw with a good set of knives. You're going to beat them up. You'll probably lose a few. It happens.

And, it's really important to try out a variety of knife sizes and balances.

EDIT - scottcatchot, that sounds like a very nice setup.

 

[stickarts]

Awesome! thanks for the advice! Looking forward to trying it out.

 

[Flying Crane]

I am by no means an expert on this, but a number of years ago I spent some time playing with throwing knives to see if I could figure them out. I had no formal training, just wanted to be up front about that.

I started with a basic grip of the blade, and arbitrarily picked three different points on the blade at which I would grip it: the point, about half way up the blade, and more fully up the blade. I then practiced throwing from each of these grips, to try and get used to how quickly the knife would rotate when thrown from each grip. I started with just a half rotation (gripping the point, the knife only has to rotate half way around to stick in the target). Of course this was a very short range throw, but was easy to figure out the distance for each of the grips. I also tried to be as consistent as possible with how I throw each time, not over flick the rotation, but rather get a nice, easy, and consistent rotation each time.

Then, I started to work on a one and one half rotation, for a longer throw, again working it from each of the three grips and figuring out the distance. From there, one could go on to two and one half, three and one half, etc. rotations for greater distances, but it definitely became much less consistent in sticking the target.

My reasoning was that as I became proficient in judging distance I could choose an appropriate grip and number of rotations. For something that seemed in between, I could pick the most apropriate grip and then "fudge" the throw a bit with some extra flick to rotate the blade a bit faster, for instance.

My approach gave some mixed results, I never became terribly consistent at the greater distances, but perhaps the approach has some merit.

Another thing I did was to practice juggling the knives. This gives you more experience in timing the rotation of the knives so you always catch them by the handle.

 

[scottcatchot]

IAnother thing I did was to practice juggling the knives. This gives you more experience in timing the rotation of the knives so you always catch them by the handle.

Preferably without losing any fingers right?:uhyeah:

 

[Flying Crane]

Preferably without losing any fingers right?:uhyeah:

well I started with ten, figured there were a few to spare...

 

[bshovan]

Great thread to talk about but always remember to keep your ego in check and have safety- THAT'S SAFETY- of first concern. Just like in most Martial Arts a little knowledge can be dangerous if not trained by a competent instructor. I've been engaged in edged weapons throwing for over 30 years and again- keep safety of first concern.
Be cognitive of the target your throwing at and those around you. Rebounds or penetrating through a soft target may injure others and yourself. Make sure all people are behind you or in a safe area. Make sure you also check your throwing tool after each toss for burrs that can and will rip your skin while throwing while also impacting your throw. Again, just because you may start to " stick " some hits- keep your ego in check and remember safety.
I still consider myself a beginner at edged weapons ( Shuriken/Shaken Jutsu ) throwing but I am morally obligated to pass on at least my views on safety issues. Feel free to ask and/or give any more advice so I can also add to my knowledge.

Bill Shovan

 

[stickarts]

Thanks all!!

 

[bshovan]

Alot of good advice here on this thread. One thing in regards to throwing targets I'll pass on. Nothing beats a good ole piece of tree log, especially if treated with some substances to preserve the wood and assist in the edged weapon sticking. Also remember about the rebound effect- safety is always of first concern. Advanced edged weapon throwers, and you'll learn from years of experience, are seperated from others in the " penetration principles " and above all in the manner ( and I stress whether it's sportive and/or combative throwing ) and intent on one's type of training modes. It's a good idea to also get a target made of material that will leave less chance of rebounds- styrofoam/etc. with a solid back, especially when teaching and demonstrating for safety reasons. In my over 30 years of experience I have seen many people that think they are knife throwers demonstrate their ignorance with no basic knowledge of what the shuriken/shaken Jutsu arts are, especially with no concept of safety issues to mention the least. Good thread- let's keep it going.

Billy

 

[stickarts]

I plan to get a big tree log, FAR away from everyone, and start practicing very short range. I will see how it goes and check back. Thanks guys. Looking forward to a new learning experience.

 

[rutherford]

So, how many people who throw train both hands equally?

I'm of the opinion, and learned from my teacher, that especially at a basic level one hand will train the other and that by alternating after each round of throws (throw everything, pick it all up, and then you switch) you will gain proficiency faster and be more adaptable.

 

[scottcatchot]

I have noticed in my stick fighting and etc. that I really have to fight the fact that I am left hand stupid. My fine motor skills suck with my left hand. It would be cool and advantagious to train both, but I am afraid at this point the safest place to be if I was throwing a knife left handed, would be in front of me.

 

[stickarts]

We normally start by teaching techniques right handed, and as the student progresses, the techniques learned earlier must also be performed left handed. I can't say that we ever become equally proficient with both hands though.

 

[bshovan]

Knife/edged objects throwing is done by many for various reasons. First off, when one gets a little bit of skill the " Ego Factor " comes into play and impressing others with this skill does serve an educational learning journey, if again, safety and growth develop.
Before I continue I also want to say that the throwing arts, if taught ( and yes indeed they can be self-taught to a certain extent ) by those that know can lead students to a form of training that is like Zen Archery.
Remember the difference between sport and combative throwing principles and training, a big difference just as Judo and Ju-Jitsu ( or Ju-Jutsu ) principles and training also differ.
Whether to throw one's knife, and/or any edged object in an actual situation is up to the individual. All I can say about this is that in true Bugei combative arts one trains to do what's needed at any given situation. The art of throwing is as old as the caveman when he threw rocks or any object to assist in self-preservation, whether to scare, stun or injure whatever target presented itself.
One time while doing security work and after escorting a person out the door I went back inside and found his shoe or sneaker. I went back outside to give it to him and to make a long story short, threw it at him from a distance of app. 30-40 feet and hit him in the forhead, knocking him out and back into a puddle. So I guess I can say I have experience in shoe-fu/sneaker-fu.
Anyway, always remember that many very educated, experienced martial artists and people view these forums and have much knowledge to offer.

Billy

 

[scottcatchot]

One time while doing security work and after escorting a person out the door I went back inside and found his shoe or sneaker. I went back outside to give it to him and to make a long story short, threw it at him from a distance of app. 30-40 feet and hit him in the forhead, knocking him out and back into a puddle. So I guess I can say I have experience in shoe-fu/sneaker-fu.
Billy

Nice throw. It goes to show with practice anything can become a ballistics weapon.

 

[Monadnock]

That's a great story.