Why am I switching from handle to blade grip and still sticking?

[Joezilla]

So I have these smaller throwers, about 4 inches, you know, from pakistan cheap fun to throw though. I set up a new range in my back yard, and I used to make these little guys stick by throwing handle wise. Exact same distance, but now they don't stick. I flip over to do blade throw, and wal-lah, they stick 98% of the time. Now why did I do that? I was picking apart my throw and everything, didn't see too much of a difference.

I'm able to throw blade or handle, but how did Iaccount for the grip change in the same place I was used to throwing before?

 

[Watchful]

Hard to say without seeing your throw. But here are some variables:

1. Length. A 4" knife is obviously much shorter than a 12" knife. So it is capable of three more revolutions per throw compared to a 12". Sometimes when switching to a different length, your throw can be affected. Likelihood this is your cause: nil. You've thrown these knives before.

2. Throw speed. A slight increase in your throwing speed--practice makes your overall motion more efficient over time--can change the dynamics of the blade. This is usually negligible with a 12" blade, but probably quite exaggerated with a 4" blade. Likelihood: pretty good.

3. Throwing technique. You're a different thrower than you were a year ago. With practice, you get more efficient. With less practice, you get a little rustier. As a result, a shorter length will be more obviously affected by slight differences in your release point. Likelihood: just as good as number 2.

A better question with this in mind: do you *feel* more comfortable throwing now than you used to feel when chucking these guys? If so, it's improved efficiency. If not, we need to determine why your throw is different.

It could also be the angle of your target. A target leaned against a flat surface is usually easier to stick than a target flat-flush against a surface.