Circus Skill Revealed: How to Throw a Knife

According to two-time world champion knife-thrower Rick Lemberg, anyone can throw a knife and hit a target 12 feet away. It is not that difficult he adds. Making it stick is where the skill comes in. The knife must have the correct momentum and the correct end over end rotation. Achieving this aspect of knife throwing is accomplished by mastering the grip first, the throwing maneuvers secondly, and the selection of the right type of throwing apparatus thirdly. Here are a few pointers on combining these three knife throwing techniques to get the knife to stick in the target.

The type of knife you select is important. Chose a 10 to 12 inch sport knife (12 inch is preferred), which is basically a flatten metal spike with a very sharp pointed end. It should be balance with an ounce per inch heft, have a nice sharp point, but have dull edges. Depending on the distance you will be throwing the knife you may need to grip the blade, but for this demonstration you will only be throwing it 12 feet so that will not be necessary.

The target should be a flat surface. Throwing at a flat surface is important because if the knife blade hits any other surface at an angle it could ricochet and come back at you or an innocent bystander. Be very careful when selecting your target. A layer of cardboard or a bale of hay will work fine.

How you hold the knife will determine its trajectory and momentum. If your target is positioned 12 feet away you want to throw a full spin rotation; end over end rotation. Garb the knife by its handle. Grasp it the same way you would a hammer but keep your thumb along the top edge of the knife for stability and to prevent over rotation once you have released it.

Prior to throwing the knife at the target, visualize it sticking in the target. See in your mind's eye the place on the target you want the knife to stick. Then with your shoulders square and solid in your balance, start with your hand above your head and release the knife with your arm extended toward the target. Complete your throw and release in a single smooth motion, do not snap your wrist; the knife will spin on its own accord. Keep your eye on the target and do not allow yourself to be distracted.

If all goes well your knife will stick in the target just as you had visualized it. With practice you will be able to place items on the target and throw the knife into them at will. Who knows, with enough practice, you may become a knife throwing champion.

Resource: How to Throw a Knife - Wired Magazine - September, 2009