Remember that a technique gets more complicated for you to do the more spins it calls for. When attempting to spin the knife repeatedly, it is more challenging to be exact, but you also need to be at the proper distance for the method. It can take quite a bit of trial and error to estimate this distance, especially when starting.
The easiest maneuver to use is the half-spin. But keep in mind that every technique has several adaptations and applications. For instance, it might use both the pinch grip and the hammer grip to execute the method. The outcomes may change depending on your hold and whether you use lighter or heavier blades.
If you are a novice knife thrower, look at our knife-throwing guide. It will walk you through the basics of knife throwing and explain the pinch grip and hammer grip.
It would help if you worked on mastering the conventional 12-spin throw as a beginner. It would help if you graduated to the more complex tactics once you can reliably toss an accurate target. Please start with the 12 spin throw variations since they will be the simplest to learn, then go on to the no-spin throw and the full-spin throw.
Once you have mastered a method, you should attempt raising the speed for more intricacy. If you ever have to throw a knife for survival, having an instinctual, quick-spin throw can be more helpful. Advanced throws are usually a fantastic way to wow your friends, but you might need more time if you intend to compete in knife-throwing competitions.
Common Methods
Let’s examine each strategy, moving from the most fundamental to the most sophisticated. Just keep in mind to take all necessary safety measures before you start tossing. The general rule for a newbie is to avoid having anyone even somewhat close to the target because an errant throw could hit and hurt them.
Additionally, be sure to choose a balanced knife rather than one that tends to favor the handle or the blade. Your task is first to grasp the fundamentals, even though such knives have their place, and a professional thrower can have a particular preference. As a result, a balanced blade is a universal method that enables you to use all the fundamental approaches and their variations.
How to Half-Spin
When learning knife-throwing techniques, you should focus on the half-spin. As long as you utilize the proper variant, it is elementary and can be performed at several distances. Here are a few techniques for doing the half-spin.
The Standard Half-Spin
Almost everyone can perform the basic half-spin with some practice. By the blade, you hold the knife. The traditional half-spin can be executed using either the pinch or hammer grip. The hammer grip tends to be preferred by those seeking a little bit more force, while the pinch grip is more frequently chosen by those seeking accuracy at close range.
Standing with your favored foot slightly in front of the other, hold the knife by the handle. For instance, those who throw knives with their left hands should position their left foot just in front of their right foot.
After that, throw something. Keep your body relaxed when pulling your arm forward, and avoid over-twisting your wrist since this could cause the knife to overspin.
Defense Sector Half-Spin
The military half-spin differs little from the ordinary but offers many more advantages. One benefit is throwing with it without needing to aim carefully. As a result, it works well when you want to toss impulsively. With enough expertise, it can also throw the knife from a greater distance than the traditional half spin.
You must grasp the knife by the blade and use the hammer grip to perform the military half-spin. Your thumb, however, should be resting on the blade’s side. It’s also crucial to remember that you should hold the knife higher the further you are from the target. The military half-versatility spins are due to this. It can be used with the same accuracy at a distance of twenty-five feet as it can at five feet.
We advise a newbie to devote a practice session to mastering the military half-spin. It is the simplest method for hurling the knife quickly—Aim where you are throwing it initially. You will eventually start to feel where the knife will land and be able to throw it without having to aim.
Keep in mind that a variety of additional half-spins are available, several of which can be used to throw quite accurately, even twenty meters away. However, most are based on the military and the traditional half-spin. As a result, once you’ve mastered the two, going on to the others shouldn’t be a problem.
How Far Should You Throw a Half-Spin?
Only at short distances can the traditional half-spin be reliably executed. It compensates for this, though, by being incredibly accurate. The military half-spin can significantly reduce this distance, enabling professionals to throw correctly from as far away as ten meters. You will need to acquire advanced techniques that involve uncommon grips if you want to move past that.
How to No-Spin
The “no-spin” technique is between the half-spin and full-spin in terms of difficulty. Although simple to learn, this method is challenging to perfect. Since there aren’t many variations of the approach (at least none significantly different from the standard), once you learn it, you know it.
Typically, a slider grip is utilized for no-spin throwing. For more information on the hold, refer to our knife-throwing guide. There are numerous videos on YouTube that you can watch to know about all the different methods you may perform a no-spin throw, but many knife throwers also utilize their grips.
Use the pinch grip with your index finger resting on the side of the knife for a somewhat more complex but incredibly accurate no-spin throw. Remember that the handle must hold the knife because it cannot rotate while moving toward the target. The fundamental stance of 1 foot in front of the other is more than adequate for this technique, just like the half-spin.
The next step is to drag your arm back, bring it forward with the proper force, and release the knife at the appropriate moment. We frequently compare using a bow and arrow to throwing a no-spin. Learning the no-spin will be simple for you if you’ve ever fired an arrow.
Remember that when bringing your arm forward, you must not twist your wrist. The knife could start rotating with more movement, likely resulting in the handle striking the target rather than the blade.
The Appropriate Length for a No-Spin Throw
The distance necessary for the spin is the primary consideration when evaluating the ideal space for a throwing technique. Because of this, half-spins are typically only effective over small distances, and only experienced throwers can use them over big spaces (that too only with a military half-spin).
It is technically possible to conduct a no-spin at any distance because there is no rotation during the maneuver. The no-spin can also be thrown instinctively from any distance, unlike a full-spin, which typically requires you to judge the distance.
A lighter knife might be the solution if you have problems using the no-spin from farther away. However, remember that when thrown from a significant distance, a knife that is incredibly light has a substantial risk of being affected by the wind. As a result, it could be preferable to practice inside or ensure the wind is manageable.
Using a Full-Spin
Although the full-spin technique is the most complex for throwing knives, it is also the most adaptable and offers the most variations.
The Regular Full-Spin
To do the traditional whole spin, you must determine how far away the target is. As a newbie, there is no method to guarantee accuracy other than that. You will grow better at estimating distances without needing to measure them as you gain experience.
You hold the knife by the handle to complete the whole rotation. A pinch grip is typically employed. However, if the hammer grip suits you more, you can utilize it. Eight to ten feet is the customary starting point since it gives the knife enough room to complete one whole spin.
The delicate twist of the wrist is the main component to pay attention to when throwing the knife. If the blade’s edge is not striking the target squarely, you can speed up or slow down how quickly you move your wrist.
The Natural Full-Spin
The military half-spin is executed similarly to the instinctive full-spin. You try to estimate the space to the target and the motion necessary to make the knife stick while your index finger rests on the knife’s side.
But remember that this is a sophisticated method, and without plenty of practice, you won’t be able to master it. Therefore, we advise delaying this method until you are proficient in the conventional full-spin.
Modern Full-Spin
Before the knife strikes the target, the advanced spin involves more than one complete turn. Although it is significantly more challenging to execute than a typical spin, it also has an excellent appearance (like something straight out of a movie).
The method is much the same as the standard full-spin. You must adjust the distance to ensure that the knife has enough room to spin more than once. Like the complete spin, you can change your wrist twist during the throwing motion to compensate for the blade edge not striking the target correctly.
Optimal Length for a Full-Spin Throw
We already mentioned that the whole spin is typically performed eight to ten feet away. Advanced throwers should be able to pull it off from a distance of at least 20 feet, though. The advanced full-spin technique is suitable for longer distances since it allows the knife to spin more than once and simplifies operations. However, because the full-spin method is more complex than the others, we suggest you work on mastering it last.
Conclusion
The three fundamental throwing knife tricks and some of their most well-known variations were recently covered. Keep in mind that throwing knives should be entertaining first and foremost. It is optional to try to learn or perfect all of the available techniques and myriad variations.
Do what you like instead, and take your time learning. If you persevere, you should improve enough to participate in tournaments (if that is your end goal).