Have you heard of the unique sport of knife throwing? That’s right, knives can be used for more than whittling wood or cutting vegetables. This exhilarating activity requires some foresight, since it does use sharp knives. Before trying your hand at knife throwing, you’ll need to select the right throwing knives, and then learn how to grip and throw the knife.

The type of knife used for knife throwing has a significant impact on its flight through the air, as well as your enjoyment of it. Knives made for throwing typically do not have a handle, unlike other knives. Look for a high-quality blade that will stick into the target without bending or breaking. Most knife throwers favor a knife between 12 and 16 inches long with a fairly significant weight, so that it will not drift in the wind.

One of the most important factors in knife throwing is the balance of the knife, which is necessary for controlling its spin through the air. To throw the knife with an ideal spin, the heaviest part should leave your hand first, whether this is the tip of the blade or the other end. By choosing a balanced knife, you can throw your knife by either the blade or the handle. An unbalanced knife must only be thrown by one end.

What kind of edge should your throwing knife have? Beginners should use knives with blunt edges to avoid slicing their hands as they practice. Some competitions do not allow the use of sharp-edged knives. However, many expert knife throwers prefer to throw knives with very sharp edges, and in fact sharpen their knives between every throw.

What should you be throwing the knife at? A thick piece of durable wood makes a good target. The knife should be able to penetrate the target, so metal and concrete make poor choices. Only throw knives well away from people, buildings, and other objects that may be damaged by the flying knife. For safety, make sure there is 100 feet of free space in all directions.

Now, how do you grip and throw the knife? Beginners should first try to master the “hammer grip.” Hold the knife around the handle, like you would hold a hammer. Then place the thumb along the blunt spine of the blade. Stand about ten feet from the target, and only increase the distance once you’ve mastered this throw. Place your left foot in front of your right foot, and rest your weight on your right foot. Slightly bend your knees, and extend your throwing arm in a straight line towards the target. Without moving your shoulders, arc your arm back until the knife is positioned next to your head. In one fluid motion, swing your right arm forwards. When the knife is pointing at your throwing target, release it, while shifting your weight to your left foot. Follow through with the swing of your right arm to put the right spin on the knife.

Throwing a knife well takes a lot of practice. Be sure to use the right knife and follow necessary safety precautions as you begin throwing knives at a target!

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