| k"> | | | | blunt-edged spine. You are now using a modified |
| Wanna throw knives, do ya? You’ll need | | | | hammer grip. Remember, blunt edges for |
| to learn just how to choose the correct knife for | | | | beginners, please. Safety first. You really |
| yourself and how to grip it securely. And when | | | | don’t want to risk slicing up your hands. |
| it’s time to throw it, there is a correct | | | | Throwing the knife. The majority of knife |
| flow to follow from beginning to end. Knowing | | | | throwers are right-handed. The throw, |
| these will help in how successful a knife thrower | | | | therefore, will be considered for a right-handed |
| you become. | | | | thrower. |
| So you want to be a knife thrower? Well, as | | | | ª Stance. Your left foot is about 2 feet in |
| quick and to the point as can be, here are the | | | | front of your right foot with your weight resting |
| fundamentals of becoming a knife thrower. This | | | | on the balls of your right foot. Both heels are on |
| article will discuss choosing a knife, the correct | | | | imaginary parallel lines. Both feet are about 45 |
| grip and how to throw a knife. | | | | degrees apart, with your left pointing towards the |
| Choosing a knife. The type of knife you choose | | | | target. Knees are slightly bent. Arms extending |
| will have an incredible impact on how much | | | | in a straight line at chest level, pointing towards |
| you’re able to enjoy knife throwing. Keep | | | | the target. |
| in mind that quality throwing knives do not have a | | | | ª Throw. Remember not to move your |
| handle. The blade is the throwing knife. | | | | shoulders during this motion. The right arm, knife |
| ª Size: Knives that are between 12-16 | | | | held in a firm grip, makes a fluid arc swing to the |
| are a good size. They aren’t too big | | | | sky and onward to the back until the knife is |
| andnot so small that you’d have to throw | | | | beside your head. Now swing your right arm |
| harder and strain to watch them in flight. | | | | forward towards the target, shifting your weight |
| ª Weight: Knives of the above size will fly fairly | | | | from the back right foot to the front left foot. |
| undisturbed from wind andwon’t drift so | | | | ª The chop. Imagine a large branch between |
| much. They make a very satisfying sound when | | | | you and the target. Bring your right arm down |
| they findtheir target. Wait for it. | | | | as though it were chopping this branch. Be sure |
| ª Balance: One of the most important | | | | to reach as you chop. When the knife is pointing |
| fundamentals of throwing a knife iscontrolling its | | | | directly at the target, release the knife as you |
| spin. A good spin on the knife is accomplished by | | | | snap your fingers |
| throwing the heaviestpart first. An unbalanced | | | | back. |
| knife would be your surest bet. But if | | | | ª Follow through. Although you’ll be |
| you’d like to be able tothrow your knife by | | | | tempted to, do not stop the swing of your right |
| either the blade or the handle, choose a balanced | | | | arm. Follow through until it drops down. This is |
| knife. | | | | very important in your form and, consequently, in |
| ª Edge: For beginners, as you are, blunt-edged | | | | the success of your throw. |
| blades are best. Moreover, sharp edged knives | | | | Alrighty then. There you go! Beginners, have at |
| aren’t allowed in competitions or at social | | | | it! Practice, practice and practice. Good luck to |
| establishments, if that’s | | | | you and be so careful! |
| where you’re headed. If you really want | | | | June 2008 |
| sharp edges, switch only after you’ve | | | | Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an |
| acquired some skill throwing blunt-edged blades. | | | | adventurer who strives to protect the natural |
| The grip. The easiest and most reliable grip is | | | | world. If you would like to learn more about |
| the hammer grip. As you are a beginner, this | | | | ª Knife Sharpening: How |
| grip is recommended until you’ve | | | | to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them |
| mastered it. Hold the knife firmly around the | | | | ª Sharpening Other Edges |
| handle as you would hold a hammer. Lift your | | | | (Maintaining and Storing Them) |
| thumb off of your fisted grip and place it | | | | (e.g. |
| alongside the bladethis would be the | | | | |