RMKTA

THROWING

These are general tips, everyone will throw differently, depending on size, height, strength and throwing ability. A knife thrown by the handle will make a natural 1 turn in approximately 5 paces, 2 turns in 8 paces, 3 turns in 12 paces and 4 turns in 13 paces. These distances are approximate; you will have to adjust for your style.

Styles of throwing:
There are two different styles of throwing:

Step:
In a stance style throw, a right handed thrower will stand with his left toe on his distance mark (5 paces for one turn), with their feet spread a comfortable distance apart. The thrower's knees are slightly bent, rock back and forth. While rocking back, bring the thrower brings their arm up, rocks forward and brings their arm down in front of their face for release.
Stance:
In a stance style throw, the thrower is required to take an extra step when they are leaving the block. A stepping throw is thrown just as if you were throwing a baseball. Toe on the line and taking a step forward as you throw.

THROWING GRIP
Grip, the grip is the same as holding a butcher knife: fingers wrapped around the handle with your thumb off to the side. It is important that you grip the knife the same every time. Changing your grip can change the rotation rate. I use a reference mark, a rivet or a notch, to hold the knife the same every time.

The "Hammer" grip:
For the Hammer Grip fingers are wrapped around the handle with your thumb placed over your fingers.

The "Palm" grip:
Bob "The Blade" Karp has perfected this grip. This grip is used when throwing by the blade. Lay the blade, tip towards you, in your palm, place you thumb on the opposite side. The rotation speed can be controlled by choking up towards the handle and pushing it off with your finger tips. This is a grip takes a lot of practice.

RELEASE:
The release is very important!

As kids we always flipped the knife, this isn't necessary. A knife will make one natural turn in five paces. The release needs to be as smooth as possible, when you release the knife you want to reach out just as if you were going to shake someone's hand. Raise your arm back, as you are rocking forward, bring your arm down and release it right in front of your face. The release determines if the throw is high or low.
Finding your correct distance:

Stand with your back to the target, take five normal paces. (5 paces for stance, 6 paces for step) Mark a line at your toe, this is where to start. After you throw If your knife blade is pointing up, you are to close, If your knife blade points down you are to far back. 2-4 inches will make a big difference.