Passing along our skills: knife throwing

I have always been a firm believer that knife skills are important to know. Heck I have written 4 different articles on other websites about it. Not necessarily having the Vaudeville knife throwing talents, but basic knife skills for cutting, butchering, cooking, and self defense. You might be surprised at the number of people that use knives so incorrectly that they risk injury to themselves and others.

I have been vigilant on teaching all three of my boys proper knife handling, at this point they all have their own pocket knives, size depending on age, skill level and what they are legally allowed to carry on their person. They do not take them to school, and follow our rules (or so it seems), as they know there are consequences if they don’t.

Yesterday I felt it was time to teach them to throw knives. It isn’t that hard, yet I remembered why I don’t practice as often as I use to. After having both shoulders dislocated several times, throwing hurts. But I sucked it up so that I could teach my boys a skill that I possess.

To properly handle a throwing knife; with your dominate hand palm up, curl your pinkie and ring fingers. Now your index and middle finger should be pointed out. Lay the blade of the knife on those two fingers, almost to the tip. Then firmly grasp it with your thumb. You can grab it by the handle in the same manner if this makes you more comfortable.

When it comes to throwing, remember that it is not a ball. Point your arm straight in front of you, and curl it by the elbow so the knife is next to your head. Keep your elbow in, not letting it wonder out and away from you like you would a ball. Without flicking your wrist (this can be difficult but comes with proper practice) throw the knife at your target. More than likely it will bounce your first few times. Knives are weighted differently, your target has different thickness, and you need to find that happy medium of throw strength to stick it.

Once you get the knives to stick, then you can work on targeting.

Small just came to me to complain that the muscle in his forearm was sore. I explained that the knife throwing yesterday caused it. He is using muscles that he normally doesn’t. They enjoyed themselves yesterday,However Small says he will stick to the bow, and Large would like to try the bullwhip. Yes, we are circus freaks in disguise.

Now Medium is a natural. He stuck both his blades on his first try. After that, he stuck 80% of his throws in his first day. He of course loves it. Pardon the mess in the video, we were throwing near a clean out area.