| So you want to be a knife thrower? Well, as | | | | and place it alongside the blade-this would be the |
| quick and to the point as can be, here are the | | | | blunt-edged spine. You are now using a modified |
| fundamentals of becoming a knife thrower. You'll | | | | hammer grip. Remember, blunt edges for |
| need to know how to choose a knife, how to grip | | | | beginners, please. Safety first. You really don't |
| it and how to throw it. | | | | want to risk slicing up your hands. |
| Choosing a knife. The type of knife you choose | | | | Throwing the knife. The majority of knife |
| will have an incredible impact on how much you're | | | | throwers are right-handed. The throw, therefore, |
| able to enjoy knife throwing. Keep in mind that | | | | will be considered for a right-handed thrower. |
| quality throwing knives do not have a handle. The | | | | - Stance. Your left foot is about 2 feet in front of |
| blade is the throwing knife. | | | | your right foot with your weight resting on the |
| - Size: Knives that are between 12"-16" are a | | | | balls of your right foot. Both heels are on |
| good size. They aren't too big andnot so small | | | | imaginary parallel lines. Both feet are about 45 |
| that you'd have to throw harder and strain to | | | | degrees apart, with your left pointing towards the |
| watch them in flight. | | | | target. Knees are slightly bent. Arms extending in |
| - Weight: Knives of the above size will fly fairly | | | | a straight line at chest level, pointing towards the |
| undisturbed from wind andwon't drift so much. | | | | target. |
| They make a very satisfying sound when they | | | | - Throw. Remember not to move your shoulders |
| findtheir target. Wait for it. | | | | during this motion. The right arm, knife held in a |
| - Balance: One of the most important | | | | firm grip, makes a fluid arc swing to the sky and |
| fundamentals of throwing a knife iscontrolling its | | | | onward to the back until the knife is beside your |
| spin. A good spin on the knife is accomplished by | | | | head. Now swing your right arm forward towards |
| throwing the heaviestpart first. An unbalanced | | | | the target, shifting your weight from the back |
| knife would be your surest bet. But if you'd like to | | | | right foot to the front left foot. |
| be able tothrow your knife by either the blade or | | | | - The chop. Imagine a large branch between you |
| the handle, choose a balanced knife. | | | | and the target. Bring your right arm down as |
| - Edge: For beginners, as you are, blunt-edged | | | | though it were chopping this branch. Be sure to |
| blades are best. Moreover, sharp edged knives | | | | reach as you chop. When the knife is pointing |
| aren't allowed in competitions or at social | | | | directly at the target, release the knife as you |
| establishments, if that's where you're headed. If | | | | snap your fingers back. |
| you really want sharp edges, switch only after | | | | - Follow through. Although you'll be tempted to, do |
| you've acquired some skill throwing blunt-edged | | | | not stop the swing of your right arm. Follow |
| blades. | | | | through until it drops down. This is very important |
| The grip. The easiest and most reliable grip is the | | | | in your form and, consequently, in the success of |
| hammer grip. As you are a beginner, this grip is | | | | your throw. |
| recommended until you've mastered it. Hold the | | | | Alright then. There you go! Beginners, have at it! |
| knife firmly around the handle as you would hold a | | | | Practice, practice and practice. Good luck to you |
| hammer. Lift your thumb off of your fisted grip | | | | and be so careful! |