Knife throwing might appear to be a risky pastime, but with the correct tools and environment, it can be entertaining, engaging, and even soothing. While learning to throw a knife for the first time, the objective is to achieve a reliable, repeatable throw.

In this article, three key concepts—Equipment, Stance, and Grip—will be used to teach you how to throw a knife.

Every thrower will develop variants of their throw, but this explanation is geared toward beginners who wish to get better at throwing.

Equipment

Not all knives are intended for throwing. Knives designed exclusively for throwing are considered specialty products. The WKTL Stinger is designed with throwers in mind, and the blade guards are built to prevent bounces and allow fencing to stop our throwers. The Stinger+ is a fantastic knife for new throwers because it comes in various weight options.

Make sure the knife is appropriate for throwing by checking your equipment before you toss.

Be sure before you throw:

It’s safe with the guard.

The tip is pointed; look for metal burs or gouges on the handle or blade.

Your throw is built on your stance and where you are standing. For a knife throw to be successful, the proper perspective is essential.

Tip #1: Maintain erect shoulders.

Although it may seem simple, you must face the object you wish to strike. You can maximize the effectiveness of your throw by taking the time to align your shoulders to the board.

Set up a throwing stance with one foot in front of the other and enough space between your feet so that you can do so without losing your balance. Maintain a slight bend in your knees.

Tip #2: Keep moving forward during your shot.

Power won’t come from brute force alone; a reliable, controlled, and repeatable throw will depend on maintaining momentum for the shot’s duration. Your throws’ speed will be negated if your stance “breaks,” which will reduce their strength.

Tip #3: Know the distance to the target

The rotation of your throw will directly depend on how far away the target is from you. Regarding its significance to the sport of knife throwing, rotation is a significant word almost as important as accuracy.

There are two distances in WKTL: 10 and 15 feet. Depending on various elements, like the throwing style you’re trying to accomplish, and the mechanics of the release, where you stand will affect how your knife rotates.

It’s vital to remember that the two lengths only serve as boundary lines for faults; many throwers throw farther out from the ten and 15-foot lines because distance can produce a more good knife rotation.

Grip

The two primary grips for throwing knives are the hammer grip and the pinch grip. Remember that your choice of grip will influence how your hand is released. Amateur throwers will be distinguished from professionals by these subtle adjustments.

Tip #4: Maintain a solid wrist.

Your throw will rotate significantly more whether you flick your wrist or keep it limp. You’ll be able to throw consistently, precisely, and repeatedly if you maintain a solid wrist.

Harp Grip

Similar to how a hammer would be held, this throwing technique involves holding the knife in a closed hand. The majority of individuals start throwing knives with this grip. It is easy to use but effective.

Snap Toes

Same as the Hammer Grip, but instead of encircling the handle with your fingers, you compress the knife between your fingers and your palm by pressing your fingertips against it.

The extra control over the knife release provided by this throw type is a benefit.

Tip #5: Elbow to ear 

To ensure that the knife is elevated squarely beside your head when you lift it to throw, raise your arm straight over your throwing shoulder while maintaining your elbow tucked in. Elbow to ear refers to throwing your ear directly in contact with the ground.

Some novice throwers use a “baseball throw” as their point of contact when they are throwing. Baseball throws can be risky since a beginner’s full body windup and carrying the knife around their body, as opposed to straight over their shoulder, will cause the blade to land sideways, which won’t stick and, depending on the strength of the throw, may even bounce back at the thrower.

Accuracy

Accuracy is a byproduct of this text’s initial ideas, not it’s objective. The accuracy of your throw will be significantly influenced by your equipment, stance, and grip.

Tip #6: When throwing, attempt to push the knife through the bullseye as if it were a hole.

Looking “through” your shot will enable you to picture a successful release, and practice will provide the muscle memory needed to carry out your vision. You can imagine the shot before it is fired by becoming used to how a successful throw feels in your body via practice.