RIKA said:
I can't get the video or whatever it is to run. I do have a whip though - a 6 1/2 footer and can use it pretty good too ... for making noise. I also have a Gil Hibben throwing knife that I can't throw worth a crap. Just toys. Ask Jack about those things and he will laugh. RIKA
I started throwing knives when I was about 12 years old. I knew Gil and Linda Hibben when their boys were very young. (I still remember when Tommy broke his arm.) Back in the 70's Gil made me one of what has to be his most unusual knives. It's a large curved buckle knife with a turquoise inlaid handle. The blade conforms to the circle of the waist and sports a wicked California-clipped 6" blade.
If you want to learn knife throwing pick ONE SET DISTANCE. (8 to 12 feet) Hold the knife exactly the same way every time. (By the handle is preferred for most - but not all blades.) Use a SOFT wood board as a backstop and place a heavy blanket on the floor in front of it. Don't start out by throwing either too hard or too fast. Do NOT throw any knife that isn't specifically designed to be thrown. Ordinary knives will either shatter, or the handles will fracture if you throw them more than once or twice. (The backward flying pieces will be very dangerous, too!)
In the beginning you're going to have to be quick on your feet and watch out for, 'bounce backs'. After awhile you'll notice exactly how the knife is hitting the backstop. Little by little you'll learn how to control the point so that you can arc the knife over 8 to 12 feet and bury the point every time. One knife isn't enough to practice with; you'll need, at least, three.
It takes a lot of practice to be a good knife thrower; I used to put in, at least, a good hour everyday. Once you've got it down, you'll be able to start throwing from 10 to 15 feet out with spinning overhand tosses. In close, you'll be able to use an underhand lob that won't spin the knife, but, will send it over 4 to 6 feet while traveling only point first.
Is there any practical value to this sort of skill? I don't know; but, I once watched some Indian guy named, ‘Chingachgook’ take out three opponents: Two of them were already out of the fight before he even closed with them! By the way, the best place to carry any knife is, UP YOUR SLEEVE! That's why I'm always wary of, 'arm's reach' in an opponent, and also tell people to make sure they stand off the other guy's vertical body centerline. :twohammer
Today, I'm getting too old for a lot of this stuff. (Timing and reflexes DO pass with increasing age.) As a matter of fact in the next couple of months I'm going to put up a lifetime's collection of fighting and throwing knives on E-Bay. (Just can't see, 'sticking' the widow with them after I'm gone.)
