Introduction to throwing knives

Knife throwing is a sport that requires the thrower to throw knives at a target. The knife can be thrown most accurately when it has momentum and rotates in the direction of motion. For this type of throwing, a person throws the knife overhand so that it rotates in flight.

Knife throwing sports are practiced around the world for both folk or ancient reasons as well as for basic or advanced entertainment. 

It is not an easy sport and takes quite some time to become proficient at it, even after one has learned to use a knife properly and have mastered some basic skills like learning how to hold your hand, which types of knives work best for you, how heavy each type is, etc.

Throwing Knives: An Introduction!

Throwing knives are simple and inexpensive tools. These knives have been used in hunting and warfare since ancient times. The earliest known example of this tool was found in a Harappan burial site (2600 BC) at Shortugai, Haryana, India. 

There are three primary types of this knife designs: those with a single blade around 12 inches long; those with two blades which taper to a point around 3 inches long; and some that use multiple blades that can range from 2 to 10 or more.

Throw Properly in the Following Way

To throw properly, hold the knife with your index finger on the bottom of the blade and your other fingers wrapped around the handle without touching it. In the throwing motion, twist your wrist and pull the knife toward you. This technique also uses a strong back arm to help accelerate the weapon out of your hand. 

The best way to learn how to throw knives effectively is with a partner who can provide feedback on how far you are throwing accurately. Few people these days use throwing knives anymore, but they are still available in several places including flea markets and on the Internet. 

Knives that are thrown with a proper technique will usually fly at least 20 feet in distance depending on their design, size and speed.

Read More: The Right Technique to throw a Knife


Features of Throwing Knives

There are some things that are just so convenient and useful in life, they’re worth the money. In this context, you want your throwing blades to have the following features:

  • Blade design with a good balance of weight and sharpness.
  • A comfortable handle grip for easy handling and throwing accuracy
  • A lightweight body for minimal energy required for accurate throws. 
  • Smooth cutting edges made of stainless steel or high carbon steel that will not dull easily when used on tough materials, like bone. If you don't know what these materials are, it's a good idea to ask someone who does as they're always helpful if you can't figure it out yourself.

While all good knives will have similar design features, they can differ in shape. The shape of a throwing blade must be ergonomically designed for an easy grip, and be of a size that fits well in the hand to allow for precise handling. 

If you'll be wearing heavy clothing or gloves when you throw, it's important to consider this beforehand and get a knife that fits in these conditions as well. The best materials for throwing knives are stainless steel or high carbon steel, because they're extremely durable and shouldn't dull easily. They'll also retain their sharpness for a long time.

Throwing knives

Knives Great for Throwing

A good chef's knife or target knives are good for throwing. This is because they are designed with a lightweight blade and they come in various thicknesses, allowing you to choose the right one that suits your needs. When it comes to choosing the best blade for throwing, there are a few factors:

  • Weight:

The weight of a knife will have an impact on how well it throws, with lighter blades being easier to throw than heavier ones. 

  • Material:

Throwing knives are made of various different materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and titanium. 

  • Blade shape: 

Different blade shapes are better suited for different purposes. For example, a blade with a point is better for throwing than a knife with a bowie-style blade.

For the material, since you will use your knives in competitions, you should opt for quality blades made of stainless steel which are corrosion resistant and have good hardening processes to prevent rusting as well as chipping or cracking. Your choice of throwing blades should be comfortable for you to hold using either one hand or two because it will help improve accuracy and performance in the game. 

Advantages of Throwing Knives

Throwing knives have been used for thousands of years. They are among the most versatile weapons in history and still in use today. There are plenty of different throwing styles and small knives can be thrown in as many ways as there are fingers on your hand with different techniques, including sideways, underhanded, or overhanded. 

So if you're looking to become a knife thrower or want to take it up again after a break, now is the perfect time to learn more about this ancient art.

These knives can seem very different from the throwing axes most of us are accustomed to, but just like darts, this is actually a pretty versatile tool. If you look at different cultures and their throwing blades, you'll find that they generally fall into one of two categories: dueling and hunting.

In the past, throwing blade duels were used in place of firearms when they didn't exist or weren't available to people. These are individual challenges with a high risk of injury and death to the challenger who loses. Like all duels, over time evolved both with folk customs to mollify their dangerous conditions as well as more advanced tactics.

  • It is not a violent technique.
  • You can practice at any time, any place, day or night.
  • The knives are easy to conceal and they fit into tight spaces too.
  • You can throw the knife very precisely and accurately like a dart, so there's virtually no chance of harming people or property directly with the knife.
  • Throwing knives are easy to make and there are lots of designs available.
  • You can throw the knife with your off hand, so you don't have to stop to use your dominant hand.
  • The throwing motion is not as awkward as throwing a spear or javelin, so it's easier on the shoulder.
  • These knives have a deadly range of 4-6 feet and they don't require a lot of physical strength to throw or retrieve them accurately or effectively.

These knives can be tricky, but they're also very satisfying. On the downside, you'll need lots of practice to master this technique. And if you get it wrong? You might hurt yourself or someone else!

Be Careful While Using Throwing Knives!

You might have seen throwing knives used in the movies or on TV, but they're not just for Hollywood. These knives are designed to be thrown with accuracy and precision, making them a great alternative for close range self-defense. But just because these knives are stealthier than a handgun does not mean that you don't need safety measures when using them. 

We'll show you how to throw them safely so that you can fill your home with these awesome blades! If you’re an expert in the art of throwing blades, then congratulations! But before you get started with your set, there are a few precautions to keep in mind.

  • Throwing knives are never toys. Treat them as though they're real and be mindful that they can do bodily harm to anyone nearby.
  • In areas where the ground is uneven or the ground is slippery, your knives might end up injuring someone other than yourself or your target if you miss the mark.
  • Always keep your knives sharpened, and work regularly on your technique to master your throws.
  • You should be familiar with basic knife fighting skills. If you're not, take a self defense course or join an existing self-defense team.
  • In knife throwing competitions, you'll have to complete a set task – usually consisting of 9 throws – without fail while being monitored by officials.
  • Before you leave home with these knives, make sure they’re well secured in their box. Also, pack another pair of shoes if you wear them elsewhere; you'll probably end up tracking the smell of blood all over your feet.