-I agree, it was those techniques Ralph teaches that made me look at knife throwing as more than just a life long hobby sport; it became an art capable of being deadly. I feel it should be practiced responsibly even if its only used for target practice and used only to save yourself or others from violent harm. It has taught me more about knife throwing then 12 years of classic rotational style throwing did.. Combat knife throwing looked like magic at first and I still get excited over watching a knife fly straight through the air and stick into the target with a penetrating 'thunk!' sound.
Once I thought no-spin knife throwing was impossible and that blade fighting is up close and personal as I learned in Ken Pennell's Si-Kal system. But thanks to a few video instructions, research, and a full year of practice I can throw knives of any size without rotation, hit targets while running, stick moving targets, easily hurl no-spin throws with a cold steel SRK blade from zero range up to 20' using side arm throw, and for throws beyond 20' out to about 35' away only a 1/4 spin is made before my homemade 7" bo shurikens nail the target hard.
-A perfect example of knife throwing used tactically in combat is Sayoc Kali, which after learning blade fighting and zero range fight tactics teaches a projectile weapon system called Sayoc Bakal to close the gap between you and an opponent. Combat knife throwing in Bakal aims for vitals not only to harm but to force an opponent's body into off balance positions to increase the chance of following knive throws to make contact. Throwing while in the zero range of 5' allows one to withdraw and flee or attack again from distance or up close. Basically this system uses tactical knife throwing to close gaps then attack up close, stop an opponent reaching for their weapon, cause injury they are inside zero range or cause injury to escape like is mentioned a lot on this thred.
-My opinion about if throwing knives are practical weapons is torn. Legal issues and comfortable concealment are reasons to not want to keep a blade for throwing inside one's pocket all day in public places. But as far as the potential to do harm, knife throwing is very effective when using no-spin methods at 5' - 20' to injure or incapacitate. But throwing isn't reliable to hit always or at all which means multiple knives are needed. Any knife you've missed with an opponent may try to pick up and use on you, so at least 1 or 2 back up knives for throwing are needed to be effective in combat, maybe only efffective to stop your weapon from being turned against you. As much as it seems practical to trap a foe by throwing again while he/she tries picking up your knife its not likely anyone will carry enough knives in public to rely on this tactic if your'e unable to conceal multiple blades. I will painfully agree that one knife isn't a very dependable throwing weapon alone and that having more blades of any size for throwing on your person in public is less legal then having only one. Pocket knives are legal and reliable, but like throwing knives used for defense, can cause more harm then just stopping your assault and may have legal consequences if law enforcement charges you with attempted murder for using lethal force after the threat on your life was over...
(I would like to recommend these 2 people's video lessons as well as a website for anyone interested in no-spin combat knife throwing. Ralph Thorn's combat knife throwing video, Houzan Suzuki's youtube video instructions on 1/4 spin throwing from any distance and the articles on www.secrets-of-shuriken.com about stance, grips, & throwing forms for no-spin bo shuriken throws as well as methods of making your own shurikens.)