How to start with the throwing blade?

Complex and precise art, the throwing of knives requires hours of practice, motivation, patience and quality material.

The knife

Before you start testing your pitcher skills, choose a throwing blade that's right for your practice. Above all, avoid throwing a pocket knife or kitchen knife on one of your walls! Doing so may cause physical and physical damage! Point to a single blade specially designed to throw it, weighing about 200 grams and measuring between 19 and 22 centimeters in length.

Small and lightweight blades require a lot of precision to be projected correctly. Heavier models require more force. Once the throw has mastered, do not hesitate to experiment with other sizes and models.

Target

Once the throwing knife is selected, position the target. Opt for a wooden board or post measuring at least the size of your chest. Unlike the brick wall, the target must have the ability to receive throwing weapons.

If you wish, you can draw a circle in the center of the target. In the first few attempts, practice taking and throwing the blade rather than aiming.

The care of

There are two ways to hold a throwing blade: grasping the tip by pinching the blade and the hammer grip by the handle. It is defined according to the size and weight of the blade, but also the distance of the target. The knife to be thrown by the handle must above all benefit from a good balance. Once placed on the finger, the equilibrium point must be located at the center or 1.5 cm maximum on each side.

To make the hammer, simply hold the blade in the same way as a hammer, with the thumb and index finger placed at the same level. To increase accuracy, place your thumb on the handle or on the back of the blade. When throwing, keep your wrist absolutely stiff. This will prevent uncontrolled rotation. The hammer grip is particularly suitable for heavy and slower knives.

Tip-in pinching of the blade is suitable for light knives that perform much faster rotations. It is realized with a blunt blade and therefore not cutting. The handle of the knife is oriented opposite the body and its tip is directed towards the palm of the hand. The tip of the blade is placed between the index finger and the thumb, as if it were the extension of the arm. In this way, the thumb is placed perpendicularly to the other fingers.

The blade grip is also achievable with a tapered knife and cutting edge on one side only. Requiring experience, this technique must be carried out with care.

Distance and rotations

The distance taken by the blade depends on the number of rotations it will make before touching the target. When you learn to throw the blade, train first by performing the same movements of the body and arms. Keep the same strength as well. The distances will vary according to the grip: by the blade or by the handle.

If you choose to take the stick: try first to reach a target placed at 4.5 meters. At this distance, the blade will rotate for about 1 full turn before planting. If you target the target at 8.5 meters, the blade will perform 2 turns, at 12.5 meters, 3 turns and so on.

If you choose to take the blade and place the target at 2 meters, the blade will ½ turn. It will achieve 1.5 turns if the target is set at 5 meters and 2.5 turns at 8 meters ...

Be careful, these distances may vary depending on the throwing blades. If you use the same model, the same force and the same movements, it will rotate at the same speed no matter the distance from where you throw it.

The posture, the gesture and the throw

The most popular jet is over the shoulder. To realize it correctly, you have to pay attention to three elements: the posture, the gesture and the throw.

- First, spread your weight over your dominant leg and place your non-dominant leg in front of you. If your right leg is dominant, your left foot will be in front and your right foot will be behind. Your feet must be at an angle of 45 degrees. Your dominant foot and your torso must therefore face the target.

Then bend your knees and place your weight on your right foot. Make sure you have a stable position that will help you launch the blade forward. Lift your dominant arm and bring it behind your head by bending your elbow. Keep a comfortable distance between your head and the blade so that you do not cut yourself when firing.

- Transfer the weight of your dominant leg to your non-dominant leg to create a forward momentum. At the same time, stretch your arm and let go of the throwing blade in the direction of the target. Realize this movement several times in order to master it. The goal is to swing your arm up and down to prevent the blade from touching you.

- Once your arm is pointing at the target and your wrist is perfectly straight, slide the knife out of your hand. The whole of your body will naturally line up forward and your arm will continue to swing down. When it is released, the blade will move and crash into the target.