
Bowie knives are great weapons. That doesn’t mean you should use them as such, and furthermore, they’re not great for throwing.
The Bowie knife is a sheath knife with a fixed blade that was made popular by James “Jim” Bowie during the early part of the 19th century. Typically, the Bowie is bigger than the traditional types of knives. Although the Bowie knife is efficient for use in various applications – from hunting, to combat and utility purposes – most designs of Bowie knives are not considered as ideal for throwing.
For one, the weight distribution is lopsided in favor of the blade. Likewise, the knife has a bulky shape and is comparatively longer than regular knives. All these contribute to the knife’s unfavorable rating as far as knife throwers are concerned. After all, these knife-throwing practitioners are accustomed to using the smaller, traditional throwing knives. However, with the right amount of practice, determination, and a keen eye for detail, virtually anyone can learn how to throw Bowie knives accurately on a consistent basis.
Following are the proper steps in learning how to throw a Bowie knife:
Designate a practice area
Setup the target distance
Be familiar with your Bowie knife’s balance
Face your target
Execute the throw
Keep practicing
Learning how to throw a Bowie knife is not as easy as learning how to throw a traditional throwing knife. However, it can be done. The key is in finding the balance of your knife and constant practice. Once you have mastered the right technique, you will be able to throw a Bowie with the same facility as throwing a smaller and lighter regular knife. Read other KnifeUp articles such as KnifeUp’s machete guide, KnifeUp’s survival knife guide, best pocket knives, and the best bowie knives.