Hey peeps, I'm interested in learning how to throw knives properly. I have no experience in this but I do know how to use a balisong. I live in Malaysia, which doesn't have any shops I can go to to buy proper throwing knives. And I can't buy online because, well, I'm pretty broke. But I do own two cheap balisongs, although one is broken, so I was wondering if it was possible to throw balisongs. I also have a old diving knife but it's completely blunt so I would have to sharpen it and don't know how. So what I would like to know is if it is possible to learn how to throw knives with a balisong or a diving knife? And if not what is the next best knife to throw if throwing knives are not available? Any information is appreciated, thanks.
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Interested in throwing knives
- Thread starter blackfinn
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Knife throwing is extremely hard on the knife. The balisongs you have will not hold up for very long. They might look okay the first two or three times you try it, but will eventually suffer so much damage that--if they don't completely fall apart--they be increasingly difficult to throw correctly.
Your diving knife, unfortunately, might be too lightweight to stick but give it a try. You might find it sticks for a moment and then just drops out of your target. If your targets are soft enough, though, it might stick in and stay just fine.
If obtaining throwing knives is difficult, remember that there are hundreds of other items to throw: learn to throw metal cooking skewers, screwdrivers, awls, ice picks, spikes, long nails, whatever. The techniques are about the same for each.
Then, when you get a good balanced throwing knife, your technique will be pretty well advanced and you'll have little trouble getting it to stick each time with the various throwing techniques out there.
Please do not get frustrated. It may take weeks before you even get anything close to a stick, or--worse--you'll get it right on your first try and then go mad on every other throw trying to duplicate that first one.
But eventually you will get VERY good at this, and it will be immense fun.
Your diving knife, unfortunately, might be too lightweight to stick but give it a try. You might find it sticks for a moment and then just drops out of your target. If your targets are soft enough, though, it might stick in and stay just fine.
If obtaining throwing knives is difficult, remember that there are hundreds of other items to throw: learn to throw metal cooking skewers, screwdrivers, awls, ice picks, spikes, long nails, whatever. The techniques are about the same for each.
Then, when you get a good balanced throwing knife, your technique will be pretty well advanced and you'll have little trouble getting it to stick each time with the various throwing techniques out there.
Please do not get frustrated. It may take weeks before you even get anything close to a stick, or--worse--you'll get it right on your first try and then go mad on every other throw trying to duplicate that first one.
But eventually you will get VERY good at this, and it will be immense fun.
The diving knife's too lightweight? Really? It weighs at least half a pound I would think and the blade is about eight inches I think. Thanks for the info very much appreciated. I was actually looking at some throwing knives just now and found some knives that were in my price range. Do you think I should buy something like this? http://cgi.ebay.com.my/3-PIECE-10-R...999?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item3a6025ace7
Oh and I actually messed around with screwdrivers when I was alot younger. Threw them into a board of polystyrene. It was a heck of a lot of fun, if not I would have forgotten.
And for target board I read I should get wood at least four centimeters thick, and is the type of wood of great importance. Because the wood we have in Malaysia is quite crappy.
Oh and I actually messed around with screwdrivers when I was alot younger. Threw them into a board of polystyrene. It was a heck of a lot of fun, if not I would have forgotten.
And for target board I read I should get wood at least four centimeters thick, and is the type of wood of great importance. Because the wood we have in Malaysia is quite crappy.
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The weight of the knives is not given AFAICS. If they are lighter than 8 or 9 ozs I would pass. Also look for a throwing knife that does not have scales for handles. Med Carbon is better than High carbon or Stainless IMHO. Heaver is better than lighter and 13 to 16 inch long is Ideal.
If you are looking for the Cheapest way into throwing go to a good hardware store and buy the largest nails they have (6 inches or longer), Sharpen the points and wind paracord around the handle until it is close to the same thickness as the head. You can leave a tail or cord if you want to work on no spin throws. If you have 6 to 12 of these you can perfect your throwing before moving up to heaver knives. What ever you do You will have fun I am sure.
If you are looking for the Cheapest way into throwing go to a good hardware store and buy the largest nails they have (6 inches or longer), Sharpen the points and wind paracord around the handle until it is close to the same thickness as the head. You can leave a tail or cord if you want to work on no spin throws. If you have 6 to 12 of these you can perfect your throwing before moving up to heaver knives. What ever you do You will have fun I am sure.
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Okay, but all the knives longer than 13 inches and heavier than 8 ounces are out of my price range, the longest knife I can find is 14 inches. The best length I can afford is like 9-10 inches? And around 4 ounces? Is it bad to start out with knives of that size?
And is the reason it is better to get handles wrapped in para cord because throwing knives gives you blisters or because the grip is better? And is a completely metal knife not ideal?
Oh and what would you recommend I use to sharpen knives or nails like you suggested?
And is the reason it is better to get handles wrapped in para cord because throwing knives gives you blisters or because the grip is better? And is a completely metal knife not ideal?
Oh and what would you recommend I use to sharpen knives or nails like you suggested?
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Cold Steel Thrower is about $15 each It will last years. But your 2” thick wood targets will last only days.
4 oz. Knives are hard to control much past 9 feet. A 18 oz. CST can be used at 32 feet with practice.
Metal Handled Throwing knives will not give you Blisters unless you are throwing wrong (AFAIK). I think 'all metal' knives are ideal just not as flashy.
The para cord wrap I suggested was just so that the head of the nail would not hang up on your hand as often. Throwing nails (spikes) is not the same as Throwing knives but it develops some of the same skills. As I said it is a cheap way to start.
The nails (six inch) I would sharpen on a Bench Grinder. The knives I would use a flat file.
These are just my observations and I am no Authority on throwing. I just like throwing. I am sure other have thoughts to share also.
4 oz. Knives are hard to control much past 9 feet. A 18 oz. CST can be used at 32 feet with practice.
Metal Handled Throwing knives will not give you Blisters unless you are throwing wrong (AFAIK). I think 'all metal' knives are ideal just not as flashy.
The para cord wrap I suggested was just so that the head of the nail would not hang up on your hand as often. Throwing nails (spikes) is not the same as Throwing knives but it develops some of the same skills. As I said it is a cheap way to start.
The nails (six inch) I would sharpen on a Bench Grinder. The knives I would use a flat file.
These are just my observations and I am no Authority on throwing. I just like throwing. I am sure other have thoughts to share also.
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Also being an unofficial authority on knife throwing, I've got to say, you've got it down pretty well.
- Bali's definitely won't last
- Your target should be at least 3inches thick and NOT plywood
- light knives are easy to throw physically, but technically suck for anything accurate or even medium distance.
- You can make throwers from steel sheets, but it takes a lot of work.
- Cold Steel is arguable the best bet for affordable, quality throwers
I really can't comment on the ease of production and use of nails... But I've seen it done on NUMEROUS occasions, you just need to grind down the head.
Popular misconception, you don't need a sharp knife to throw. Sharpness just makes it easier, but a dull knife will stick just fine with some to little experience. It's also "safer." Sport's still dangerous, but it gets a bit safer.
Any other questions?
Not really you've answered msot of the important ones I need to know. Thanks alot, I'd have probably bought a cheap ass knife if I didn't come here. Now my main concern is what knife to buy. Because I don't have much money and the shipping to Malaysia can cost as much if not more than the knife. So far the cheapest Cold Steel Knife I've found on ebay is $30 USD. Scott said they have Cold Steel Knives for $15 USD? I would really like to know what knives you guys recommend and if you guys know any good sites that sell knives and ship overseas. Thanks again for all the information!
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sounds like you need to find some lawnmower blades and something to cut them in to shape with. a plasma cutter and a grinder would make things go by very quickly but if you can't afford to order any online, you probally wont have a plasma cutter. Meh, you can always use a bandsaw or what ever other cutting device you might have. I'd suggest making it about 10-14 inches and about 1.5-2.5 inchs in width. The exact shape wont really matter but you can get an idea by looking up more common knifes. just make sure its balanced as best you can get it and only sharpen the tip. You don't need a sharp blade for a throwing knife, just a sharp tip. Don't buy cheap knifes off ebay, they are too light weight and brittle for what you need. spend a little more now and save a sh*t load later! Oh and dont throw so close initially like http://www.youtube.com/user/Xolette . if you do, wear eye protection and heavy clothing cuz your gonna lose a friggen eye if you throw that close! Yes she might be cute but how pretty will she be with out an eye? I mean sure fking a cyclops might be fun for the freak factor but you really wouldn't wanna do it long term. the fact is that throwing knifes bounce, a lot of times just as hard as you throw them but comming back at you...
good luck.
P.S. I suggest you save some money and buy coldsteel throwing products. They work, are very rugged, and will help you learn if you really want because yes they do work. I would stay away from the trueflight models as a beginner only because the long blade on the knife comes razor sharp (I shaved with all 3 of mines right out of the box) which will effectively cut your fingers off if you hold it wrong. Yes it is a bad ass knife and one which actually can be used as a competent real every day knife but for a beginner... not good!
good luck.
P.S. I suggest you save some money and buy coldsteel throwing products. They work, are very rugged, and will help you learn if you really want because yes they do work. I would stay away from the trueflight models as a beginner only because the long blade on the knife comes razor sharp (I shaved with all 3 of mines right out of the box) which will effectively cut your fingers off if you hold it wrong. Yes it is a bad ass knife and one which actually can be used as a competent real every day knife but for a beginner... not good!
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Also, if your looking to save cash, buying in bulk (aka 3 or 5 or 10 at a time) usually cuts back on the price of the knives. That and shipping can be done by number of packages instead of weight, which might help you out.
And to the above, "safe" distances to start with half spin throws are (arguably) between 6 and 10 feet (or 2 to 3 meters) Not sure of her distances, but that's the general consensus
And to the above, "safe" distances to start with half spin throws are (arguably) between 6 and 10 feet (or 2 to 3 meters) Not sure of her distances, but that's the general consensus
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Do you have access to a blacksmith?It might be cheaper to get a set made, then to import them.Look online at some of the old ones like tru bals and get some made from leaf springs.
I don't think I can fashion my own knives as I have no experience in metalwork, although I do plan to learn it soon. And I do not plan to throw at close range as I have read many warnings already. Freak Show Scott actually already sent me a link to a Cold Steel Sure Balance Knife that's very cheap, so I'm most probably gonna get that knife (provided the shop gets back to me about their shipping). And I don't think I have enough money to buy more than three so buying in bulk's not an option for me. But if I actually get the knife and manage to throw without injuring those around me I definitely will buy more. I don't have access to a blacksmith here, but I know a goldsmith =) Oh and another thing that intrigues me is throwing while like running or jumping, is it as hard as it looks? Or is it like near impossible?
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It's as hard as it looks, and I've rarely been able to do it; times when I've done it exactly correspond to luck, I think. Ralph Thorn can do it pretty well, but that's more to demonstrate that it's easier to throw a no-spin knife technique than the traditional way, because it's impossible to measure distance correctly and get a good spin throw after running or jumping... unless of course, you use tricks like marks on the ground and good editing on your video!
I just re-read that last sentence and it made little sense. Anyway, throwing a knife with accuracy while running and jumping...and expecting it to stick...is a pretty tall order. You might be able to pick any two of the three: accuracy, stick, and jumping.
However, with a lot of practice and focus, and not setting your initial expectations too high, I suppose you could do it.
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With practice, I'm sure you could get a nack for it, but I suggest getting throwing standing still first. After a while you'll be able to gauge distances which may help moving to a target or hitting a target in motion.
Right, don't try out crazy tricks till I can throw standing straight, got it. Sighs, Knife dealer I want to buy from isn't replying me... When I get stateside next year I'm so going to buy myself some throwing knives! Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate all the info you've given me. I'll be back when I manage to get my knife shipped here!