The thumb grip is used to neutralize the rotation of the blade after it leaves the hand. Every knife will have a slightly different center of balance. Locate the knife’s center of balance by laying it across one outstretched finger and adjusting it until it balances on its own. This is the section of the knife on which you should place the point of your finger. [2] X Research source
Pointing the knife in the direction of the target before you throw can help muscle memory take over, giving you a sense of exactly where your arm should be when you release. For better accuracy, make a quick initial lineup part of your throwing ritual.
To get an idea of what position your shoulder and forearm need to be in, hold up your throwing arm as though you were making the “goal” gesture used by fans of American football. The Mumyou-Ryu technique was derived from a technique used by ancient Japanese warriors to throw circular projectiles (shuriken, or “throwing stars”) without rotation. It was adapted for use with straight, modern knives and spikes. [5] X Research source
Bring your forearm and knife hand down in a circular path, in one quick movement. Your forearm should stay straight up and down throughout the windup and release.
With the thumb grip, the blade must be flung with the arm and shoulder using a pushing motion, rather than the snap of the wrist which usually causes the knife to spin.
Holding the knife out further from your body creates additional torque, allowing you to throw the knife with more force. The Russian technique requires a little more room to move, so be aware of your surroundings before you start waving the knife around.
Don’t let your knees or feet turn as you twist your upper body. This will throw off your base, as you’ll no longer be facing the target.
The trickiest part of the Russian technique is timing your release correctly. It’s more difficult to gauge where the knife will end up as you’re throwing from the side and not centering the blade’s path with your line of sight like with vertical throws. Despite the somewhat complicated mechanics, the Russian method of no-spin throwing is thought to be more consistently accurate than other techniques. [11] X Research source
The Thorn method of no-spin throwing was invented by and named after knife throwing instructor Ralph Thorn. [13] X Research source To modify a hammer grip for no-spin throwing, wrap your whole fist around the handle of the knife, the way you would a hammer. Then, uncurl your pointer finger and rest it along the spine of the blade. Whether you choose a thumb grip or a modified hammer grip, your grasp should be firm but not too strong. The tighter you hold on, the more difficult and unreliable your release will be.
Warm up before your knife throwing sessions with some basic mobility exercises and a little light stretching. If the Thorn method causes pain in any part of your shoulder or arm, stop and switch to a less strenuous technique.
Stand up straight and fully extend your back as you start the windup.
It may be helpful to practice the Thorn technique in two separate phases: the wide, looping motion of the arm and the timing of the release. Most no-spin techniques, like the Thorn method, are a combination of a traditional knife throwing motion and the heaving action used to throw spears.
