Q&A for How to Throw a Knife

Throw the knife hard and straight. Make sure the knife tip is sharp.

Without is safer for the thrower, but with spin is the more common technique. Be very careful if throwing with a spin. If you release too late and you are practicing with a sharp knife, you can stab yourself in the knee.

It depends if you are persistent. If you are it should take about a month to learn and a lifetime to master.

Eventually, with lots of practice. Balanced knives, thrown by the handle, with no spin work best over larger distances.

A spinning knife has a chance to hit the target with the handle instead of the blade; with no spin, it's more deadly.

A balanced knife is thrown like a normal knife. Difference is that a balanced knife can be either thrown from the handle or blade.

It depends on where you hold it and how you throw. You may find it easier to stand right up close so that you can stab your knife in by leaning forward but try throwing it. Then a little bit more than one equals half a spin.

Deflect it by pushing the flat of the blade away from you to the side with the palm of your hand, especially with shurikens.You can also duck or step to the side to avoid the knife.

It depends on the knife. Most throwing knives that are balanced and/or weighted at the top can be thrown with no spin using a hammer grip. With non-balanced knives, just use trial and error.

Hold the knife by the handle with a pinch-like grip. Bring the arm that the knife is in parallel to your body, then swing your arm up and let go about the time your hand reaches your waist.

Machetes aren't used for throwing. They are far too heavy to be thrown, and doing so may cause damage to the weapon.

Keep practicing. You will develop the skill over time.

It's safer if you use knifes designed for throwing, but if you do throw a longer knife, try the hammer grip for those.

This will vary based on your skill level, and how long you have been practicing.

A knife will spin if it travels through the air too long, so the distance shouldn't be too far. You also can change your grip. You can pinch the knife's handle with the thumb on one side and three fingers on the other side.

It depends on the knife. Different knives have differing bland-to-handle weight ratios, and the location of their fulcrums will differ.

Use a knife with a duller point, or another, less dangerous object entirely when you start out.

If it's balanced you can throw it by the handle or blade, but if it's unbalanced you will want to throw it by the heavy side. Make sure your wrist is bent as you're throwing the knife.

If it is lightweight, it will be difficult to get a lot of force into it. Try using something heavier. If you must stick with the light knife, precision and force will be key. Aim to hit the target with the point exactly.

There is always some risk but the safest way is listed above.

Rest the middle of the blade on your pointer finger. The direction the blade tips is the heavier side.

The knife should not be too heavy for you. If it is, switch to a lighter blade. You do not need much strength for throwing knives if you buy the right type.