Can I Throw a Bowie Knife?
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:49Among the worst options for throwing knives are Bowie knives. There are several reasons for this. Some of those reasons have to do with safety, some with cost and some with the simple practicality of these weapons as throwers. Even looking at a Bowie should inform the viewer that these find blades were designed to be held in the hand. The thick blade, heavy weight and the fact that the balance makes holding them by the handle very comfortable are all easy giveaways for this fact.
Bowie knives are heavy and bulky by design. The thick, wide blade is designed to provide durability. If one studies most throwing knives, they’ll see several features that differentiate those blades from a Bowie. First, a throwing knife is usually double-edged while a Bowie has a single edge. Second, throwing knives fit easily in the hand and are balanced for throwing while a Bowie feels more like a short sword in the hand than a throwing knife.
When an individual releases a throwing knife, the knife flies in such a way that it can be counted upon to reliably hit its mark. A Bowie knife that is thrown tumbles randomly. The handle is as likely to hit the target as is the blade if a Bowie is thrown by a novice. This can be very dangerous. When the handle hits the target, remember that a very large, wide and sharp knife may be sent bouncing in a random direction!
We have more great articles for you. Check this one: Selecting A Generator - Which Will Suit Your Needs?
Throwing knives require specific technique but also require specific balance. Bowie knives are balanced, but they are not balanced for throwing. They are balanced for hand-held use. If one were to pick up a throwing knife and try to use it like a Bowie, they would find it seriously lacking. The same holds true when one tries to use a Bowie as a thrower. Most often, the result is disappointment and, often, a ruined knife.
Those who own Bowie knives and who have an interest in pursuing the art of throwing blades would do well to purchase a purpose-built knife for the latter endeavor. Most Bowies are far too expensive to risk damaging by throwing them. They are also simply not made for this task. The danger to one’s body is very real as is the potential to have a very good knife destroyed. High-carbon steel blades, in particular, should never be used as thrown knives.
Dylan is a business consultant for an online bowie knife store featuring combat knives.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, camping, Fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival