Whew...! That's scary...

Joined
Aug 24, 1999
Messages
933
Gotta kick-start the Throwing forum. No posts in 5 days?!? Say it ain't so!

So, let's get an opinion poll going...many of the forums that I frequent look at knife throwing as sort of a "Cute, but useless" hobby. That it might be useful in a real-life situation not only never crosses their tactically-inclined minds, but the mere mention of it is usually enough to bring up the need for asbestos underwear for the poster.

So, amongst this, more knowledgeable and throwing-inclined crowd, I'm curious. Why do you throw? Is it just for the fun? To keep history alive? You like to collect arcane knowledge and skills? Or do you practice it as a viable form of hunting/self defense? Finally, are you one of those folks who just feel like you need to know how...just in case ?

Myself, I took up throwing because I watched WAY too many ninja films as a kid. I kept at because it got people's attention, and it was great to frustrate my Dungeon Master, when he'd tell me that it was perfectly possible for person to throw knives from fifty feet, while running, with a 95% hit rate (or IMPOSSIBLE to EVER hit a playing card from twenty, depending on the DM). Now that I'm older, I do it both because it's great fun, and it's something that not just any bozo can do. Some folks drive Porsches. I throw things. Either way, it's a guaranteed conversation-starter.

So how 'bout you? Why do you fling your thing?
 
Millions of people golf -> boring,
Millions of armchair quarterbacks -> not real,
Everyone drives NASCAR on the way to work,
Tennis everyone?

I throw because of the realitively small size of total participants. I am speaking of those who throw on a regular basis with intention of demonstrating the skill in some manner to others.
If you take it up a notch to competitive throwing, then I am one in probably 200 in the US. That is exclusivity at its best example. I tend to not follow the herd, which makes this sport a prime target for those who like to find "their own thing".
 
I throw just because it's fun and it's a nice way to relax. Like Mr. Gauche said, it's also a unique activity that happens to be knife related.
 
Hi,

Therapy mainly - it's a bit like flyfishing - a quiet, solitary, skilful, repetitive physical activity - just the thing to unwind.

Maybe I'm also a bit of a closet circus performer! - I also do a bit of juggling - for the same reason as above? - probably
 
I go with the therapy therory. Crappy day at work, and you mentally stick the bozo in the office that desparately needs the living S*** choked out of; but there are laws against that. Also there is a tremedous amount of satisfaction in sticking all your knives in the target. Although sometimes I can get carried away and then the effort turn into a chore as I will get 5 or 6 to stick and blow the last one. I also enjoy the competition with my wife, she is quite a thrower and sometimes beats me, then I have to do the dishes.
 
I think I started cause I watched too many westerns as a kid

there is something pure about a blade that a bullet doesnt have

I can throw a knife and when it slips from my hands I know if the stick will be a fine one, I cant do that with guns

Knifesmith
 
Originally posted by aerostar
I also enjoy the competition with my wife, she is quite a thrower and sometimes beats me, then I have to do the dishes.
LOL! :D :eek:

I'm not a thrower per se, but am interested in the techniques. Perhaps you all could win me over and convert me to your cause.

I'd probably be more interested in throwing larger objects than standard throwing knives, though...;)
 
Pendentive...

You'd probably be interested in my "Lawn Darts from Hell."

A two-foot length of rebar, with a spike point ground on. Hits like a MACK TRUCK!!! Has a half rotation distance of about fifteen to twenty feet...but DON'T OVERSHOOT!!!! This thing'll go through a plywood backstop like it was soft brie cheese!

Lot of us hereabouts throw just about anything we can get our hands on! 'Hawks, spears, knives...you name it. I keep swearing I'm gonna get some cheapo swords and practice my "LadyHawke Special!"

:D
 
Originally posted by Kalindras
Pendentive...You'd probably be interested in my "Lawn Darts from Hell...
LOL! :D :eek: :eek:

I find myself throwing things all the time (is that why I love basketball so much?)

This is the honest truth:

After I change one of my boys' diapers, if I take 2 steps backwards, I have a straight shot to the garbage can way down the hall in the kitchen...:eek: I only make it in about 1 out of every 10 because it takes so much force to get it that far without bouncing off the ceiling.

Had one explode on me once - not for the squeemish...:eek: :D:D

Seriously though, I've been doing half-rotation knife throwing for years. When out chopping firewood, I usually end up either underhand throwing a khukuri or overhand tossing a hatchet. Occasionally, a rock or two, and sometimes even a kid...;)
 
I got started throwing as a teen, just walking out into the woods with an old military bayonet, and finding a dead tree for a target. Today, I still carry a thrower in my pack when out hiking. No, I'm not at a competitive level, just do it for fun.

I equate the feeling of throwing a knife and correctly sticking a target with the same excitement as hitting a home run, scoring a touchdown, or hitting a 3-point shot in basketball. All involve precision and skill. Great when you hit, sad when you miss!
 
1. they say a knife fight invariably results in both fighters getting cut.
2. a knife is useless against a long weapon like a stick, a sword or a firearm.

well, my solution to the above statements is: take out your knife and THROW IT AT THE SUCKER. and then, DRAW A SECOND KNIFE. oh by the way, i have a rig that allows me to carry as many as FOUR knives while wearing a t-shirt and no one will raise the alarm.

i kinda like the branton low country throwing bowie. is it exported to the Philippines? how much for a quartet?
 
Hi

What does this rig look like anyway sounds like I may like one

Do you carry large or small knives in it

Knifesmith
 
my old one was a flat vest that can carry a row of four knives either front (like that guy in 'desperado' with a. banderas) or at the back (handles down).

my current one i the best: it's a belt bag that holds four knives in a stack (7" blades, 4" handles, 1 1/4 width max). the handles are exposed but for a heavy leather flap. the front part is the true bag where you could put your spare change or your ray-ban case.
 
Yes I would like to see some pics please

Also I have a pic of an 1800s rig if ya want email me and I will send it to you

Knifesmith
 
my old one was a flat vest that can carry a row of four knives either front (like that guy in 'desperado' with a. banderas) or at the back (handles down).

That's nice and you don't need to wear a bulletproof vest either
 
For fun. Seriously, its not any good for anything besides that. Now, this statement does not include the use of shiruken
 
Wow! Way to revive a really old thread!:D

Well I started because I've always been facinated with all sharp and pointy things and throwing was just a fun and natural progression of my knife obsessions. I started teaching myself to throw when I was around 12 years old, spent alot of time throwing every size and shape of blade I could get my hands on.
I always take a set of throwers with me when out hiking or camping because it's fun and I find that they also make good rough use knives, to use in ways that I would not subject my "good" knives to.

I agree that it is rather therapeutic and of course fun, but I have to disagree with the idea that it is a useless skill in a tactical sense. As it can obviously be very deadly and be a very effective compliment to ones defensive skills and options.
 
I actually don't know how I got started. I mostly throw bo-shuriken, I'm not into martial arts or ninjas lol, I just thought it would be fun to make some darts and toss em around. unfortunately its illegal in my area to carry any fixed blade/stabbing implement unless you want to wear it on your belt (and what fun is that) so I just do it for fun I guess. I've been throwing knives a little bit more lately but I'm more accustomed to "no spin" throwing with darts. I have a whole drawer full of them in all shapes and sizes at this point, all home made. I still haven't decided what my favorite shape/style is, but I'm getting there. I just ordered 6' of low carbon steel to make some similar to the mumyou-ryu style.

someday I'll design a folding throwing knife that won't fall apart...some day...:o
 
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