Hiking Backpack Zone

Many individuals who purchase a Bowie knife do so because of their reputation for being useful for a multitude of tasks. Those tasks, however, to not extend to those of a throwing knife. By comparing the differences between a Bowie and a proper throwing blade, one can easily see why these knives are suitable for many tasks, but why being airborne is not among them. Bowies can be dangerous when thrown, as well.

Throwing knives are typically small, light and spear-pointed. While individuals do enjoy throwing knives for sport, the usual romantic appeal is that one can develop the skills to be a deadly martial artist where knife-throwing is concerned. Bowie knives definitely have a martial history and design to them, but they are designed to be held in the hand and used either as very versatile and practical tools or as weapons whose lethality rivals that of a short sword. Today, of course, the former application is much more common!

The sheer weight of Bowie knives makes them remarkably bad for throwing. The weight of the knife itself can cause the blade to bend under its own weight when it becomes stuck in a target. The long length and heavy weight make them very hard to throw, as well. Throwing knives are generally very light and designed to fit easily in the hand. A Bowie is designed to be sturdy, able to take blows from other knives and weapons and to protect the user’s hand, where it is meant to stay.

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.