Let's talk about THROWING KNIVES, how useful are they really?

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How useful are throwing knives as combat weapon and in fantasy?
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[@thomasgifkins9983]

Hi Shad! Nice! I would like to make two points. Those throwing knives require more skill to throw than the Blade Heavy throwing knife. The blade heavy are almost impossible to miss a shot. The second point is like throwing star are more for a distraction to allow the thrower to escape. Love what you do!

[@user-gp7rr3ll5f]

And do not forget, that throwing knives are also in favor of any type of assassins - just add poison to the blade and you got it - deadly, compact, ranged weapon

[@jackhartwig440]

I agree with the three points. 1. A throwing knife is not well balanced. It is point heavy. 2. Throwing knives are not thrown with a spin. 3. Poison is added to make it a high probability kill as long as the skin is broken.

[@SVD63Ninja]

They also make it easier to attack someone too since you can exploit that distraction and confusion to force an opening or weakness to show. Plus with poison it can make prolonged fights in your favour if you nick the target

[@captain_context9991]

Essentially these are just pointy, flimsy things for target practice. This is not something you would use in any real scenario. MY throwing knives are hefty and brutal. You get hit by one of them and youre staggered and have a dent in your armor whether I hit with the pointy bit or not. And if youre not armored, you are gonna get hurt. I think as such... As a projectile to chuck at somebody.. On a 3-5 meter distance before entering combat, it can be very effective indeed. But its not like you would show up to any kind of battle armed only with throwing knives. And you are right. The biggest problem with them is the amount of training you would need to reliably hit anything. But if its heavy, any throw that lands, will stagger a person.

[@nickbob2003]

@@jackhartwig440 where are you getting the info that throwing knifes are not thrown with a spin? Are you suggesting they are thrown like a spear?

[@fsmoura]

0:57 You're missing a lot, but instead of throwing them right away you need to take an extra turn aiming in order to get the weapon's accuracy bonus-otherwise you don't get the bonus _and_ get hit with a snap-shot penalty -4 to your skill.

[@bobbybologna3029]

thats why they're terrible! no initiative!

[@matthewmitchell6001]

I'm here for this

[@maskofshy]

@@bobbybologna3029 yeah.. no initiative .. the knife should ask you first to be thrown.

[@krasudreal3948]

G-GURPS? I didn't expect a reference like this here

[@MartinCancholaJr]

Wait is this gurps?

[@twi3031]

What I know is that in Japan the throwing knives were used primarily for distraction and surprise attacks in warfare. While in central Africa they were used as primary throwing weapons in warfare and hunting. The African types often had heavy head styles of throwing knife, that we're hefty and lethal, while the Japanese throwing knives were extremely small and light and not able to likely kill anyone.

[@SHIVSHANK]

Depending where it hits you...

[@TuberoseKisser]

@@SHIVSHANK ehh, a small one wouldn't do much regardless of where it hit, but if it was tampered like with something toxic then yeah probably. You could definitely take out an eye but all arteries and windpipes are fairly deep in the neck, small ones wouldn't do much. On top of that I doubt anyone, even ones who mastered it, would have the accuracy to properly hit said places.

[@cosmoframe3466]

The magic word is poison. Makes even a dart lethal.

[@kuntybabushka4326]

@@TuberoseKisser kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpW1g3iLm6-aj7M

[@robertjohnson5106]

@@TuberoseKisser you'd be surprised. There's masters out their including some who've mastered the kunai with chain/rope, capable of hitting falling objects in air with precision and accuracy and even stationary or moving objects with ease. It's not impossible just takes a long time to master the precise hand eye coordination needed for such skill

[@austinrestovic]

Great video, as always, Shad. I just have a few things (aka a whole essay) that I would like to touch on when it comes to throwing knives. Full disclosure: I'm not an expert, but I have had my fair experience with throwing knives and am familiar with most of the basics, as well as aware of how NOT to throw them (which I still somehow manage to do frequently) First off: You're throwing kunai, which are not meant to be spun when thrown. They're meant to be thrown "straight", with 180 degrees of rotation at the most, for a maximum range. "Straight" throws are easier to do and learn anyways, while spinning throws are more difficult and "advanced", for lack of a better word. Which brings me to my second point: Even if you were throwing the appropriate kind of knives, you're still not throwing them properly. When you put spin on a knife it's not supposed to be a rapid spin with tons of rpms, like you see in movies and tv, because that increases the likelihood of hitting with something other than the point. It's supposed to be a slow, controlled spin, so that the point hits the target, rather than anything else. The weight of the knife is supposed to stabilize it and/or drive the point into the target, but that can only do so much. NOW even IF you did everything correctly, yes throwing knives are still more of a novelty than an actual functional battlefield weapon, HOWEVER with proper technique they can be used even more effectively in their limited uses than you gave them credit for. For example, in modern times, what is the likelihood that an attacker is going to be wearing armor? None. A hoodie at most, unless you're in a fight with armed security, at which point you have other problems. Even in that scenario, a heavy enough knife, when thrown properly can pose a real danger to an attacker, forcing them to either block or dodge, which, as you said, is the real use of a throwing knife. TO CLARIFY: You can throw any kind of knife. When I say "throwing the appropriate kind of knives" I'm specifically referring to the shape of the knife, and, more importantly, the point of balance. For example, those kunai have their weight focused near the handle, making their point of balance in the center. When these are thrown, the point of balance needs to be directly behind the tip of the knife, otherwise the energy, which now uses the point as a fulcrum, will continue to spin the knife rather than force the tip home. In large bladed knives, where the weight is focused near the tip, the point of balance pulls the tip forward, rather than spinning and twisting wildly as the kunai are when you throw them. However, this makes driving the point home easier, because the weight of the knife has already reached the target and therefore has less leverage. Also, Jorg Sprave has a video, that you may or may not have seen, where he learns to properly and effectively throw knives in a matter of minutes, proving that you don't necessarily need years of practice to get adequate at throwing knives. I think I covered most of the important stuff, but I'm sure I forgot to mention SOMETHING. P.S. I've tried Magic Spoon and it's okay cereal, but extremely expensive. Additionally, the only flavors I liked was the Frosted and the fruity. The others were kind of meh... 😕

[@Veqtor]

Reading sword and spirit, there's an interview with a shuriken teacher who really emphasises the fact that it's a distraction only, if you're lucky you might hurt an opponent, a shuriken in your arm hurts just like a cut and can tip the scales in your favor Also, the throwing knives shown here look like kunai which were supposedly used as a kind of multi tool, knife, climbing tool, shovel, also sometimes a string was attached. I guess anyone carrying one or more would also learn to throw them so as to make the most of their potential.

[@alecchristiaen4856]

The kunai (might be mistaken, don't @ me) started out as a farming tool, but when sharpened, could be used as a knife, while still having the plausible deniability of being just a tool. Since only samurai could carry proper weapons in peace times, the commoners of japan have found various ways to make their inconspicuous tools into self-defense weaponry (as seen with weapons such as the kama and the bo and jo staffs)

[@WideMouth]

@@alecchristiaen4856 Yeah, most of the weapons used by shinobi (ninjas) were originally farming tools. The vast majority of shinobi were peasant freedom fighters or mercenaries using whatever tools they had on hand and any techniques and strategies they needed to use to take on samurai, guards, and soldiers who had superior weapons, armor, and training. Despite their appearances in pop culture, shinobi would have never used a katana in combat due to how expensive they were, unless of course they managed to steal one from a samurai - but even then they would probably quickly discard it because it would draw too much attention.

[@BeRitCrunk]

@@alecchristiaen4856 C'mon, Mr. Samurai-dono. It's just a farming implement. 40 of them? ... I gotta lot of peasantry to do.

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

shuriken were used as caltrops, thrown into the ground to stop pursuers. at some point someone might have found themselves with a shuriken in their possession, and *threw* it at an enemy. *can* shuriken be thrown *at* enemies? yes... *are* they *throwing weapons* in full effect? no. can you use a shovel as a hammer? yes... if it's all you have, you use it. *is* it a hammer as such? no... it's a shovel. that's why a hammer is called a hammer, and a shovel it's a shovel.... it's two different objects. I'm all for unorthodox use of everyday objects, but from there to use a hammer to dig a trench? that's stupid.

[@ididthisonpulpous6526]

In the Book of Five Rings Miyamoto Musashi suggests all samurai learn the art of shuriken-jutsu because being able to throw knives and other objects well was a huge asset. Musashi describes using it as a disctraction/injury technique to give you the chance to draw your sword or make an attack while they are distracted.

[@mlmf2012]

There was a person who interviewed a modern day ninja, and he says the purpose of kunais were to wedge them between rocks of a wall for easy climbing.

[@alexjewett7455]

They were also used as digging tools.

[@bitsamui5104]

@Green Warrior Monke Much like HEMA or any other martial art - people practice the artform to preserve the artform.

[@MaDmanex100]

@Green Warrior Monke There is some old schools in kyoto still. But yeah a source, A name would be great to research.

[@kusakabe3264]

i want more likes on this comment

[@ZeroX7649]

There's lots of improvised uses for a knife of any kind. A knife is a knife, it's one of the best inventions of all time.

[@sapphireaurora9634]

throwing knives at least from my understanding has always been much more of a utility item. it can function as a knife, a small shovel, basic climbing gear, and if needed a thrown weapon. it's always important to carry one or two but they would never be your main weapon.

[@dzieckolasu1935]

I don't think they would work as a tool. Throwing knives have no handle (except for kunai, some chakrams and the african knives) also their edge usually isn't sharp so they would be really bad cutting tool. If I had to choose I'd much rather some hunting knife or even kitchen cleaver to cut small trees or dig a hole.

[@velazquezarmouries]

It's like carrying metal spikes they are a really versatile tool to have

[@bigolbearthejammydodger6527]

congrats shad: by the powers of deduction you have come to the correct conclusion about shuriken (and honestly most light throwing weapons) - there a concealable distraction/wounding tool, definitely NOT a lethal weapon. Also throwing weapons are much better indoors than a bow or other ranged weapon. So much more useful for a Guard or assassin or spy than a battlefield soldier who obviously would prefer a bow or xbow or whatever. One final point: thats a terrible throwing knife.. its tacticool mall ninja kunai - see that ring pommel - that was for the rope. Real kunai being tools before they were ever weapons used for digging and also for weighting the end of a rope for going over tree branches to pull them down for harvest. any ways - hope this didnt come off disrespectful - I do enjoy your content and appreciate you sharing your knowledge just you were a bit off on this one chap.

[@cotc4x153]

Throwing knives could be an interesting weapon for a magic user in fantasy. imagine someone who uses telekinesis or something similar to the force form star wars, he could accelerate them at crazy speeds and could have a small pouch of basically bullets in a medieval setting. and if he can slow them down in time he could even redirect them after throwing. it could be quite op and could be a good use of magic for a beginner magician in a story as moving small objects is pretty much the starting point for telekinesis.

[@kleinjahr]

See the Buffy episode where Willow goes after Glory with a bag of knives.

[@DonVigaDeFierro]

That would depend on how fast they can accelerate the thing, or if they can simply "steer" the knives in mid-air. A slower but sharper object would be as deadly as a faster but blunt object. Otherwise, a bag full of steel balls will give you more bang for your buck and be deadlier and easier to handle than a throwing knife. Basically, they would be firing bullets in every way but the delivery method. In fact, pebbles, coins, etc. Would work as well. If that is the case, the only reason I think of someone using throwing knives is because they also want a melee weapon whenever they can't use their powers, and/or they are just edgy/rule of cool. Anyways, it's a good idea.

[@cappinjocj9316]

If you would like to see a wonderful depiction of telekinesis combat in a modern setting then I recommend the movie Push. They have a scene where two Tk users are having a shoot out with guns that they are levitating around each other’s cover. It’s pretty awesome.

[@Galimeer5]

>X-Men: First Class >Magneto bar scene

[@dr.fiction7]

Look up Pucci and Dio from Jojo's bizzare adventure. Pucci can do exactly as you described in the final chapter and use his power: Made in Heaven to Accelerate things... including knifes. DIO by contrast can use is power -ZA WUARDO- The World to stop time for a while, and he uses this time to great effect, often throwing a bushel of knifes at his opponent all at once.

[@JanoTuotanto]

They are easier to throw if you put a long handle on them. A handle about your own height should be proper length

[@EroNekoKun]

So a mighty stick added to it? Can't go wrong with stick.

[@DonVigaDeFierro]

My goodness. What an idea...

[@JohnSmith-kt2xb]

Shad, you don't spin the knife, you throw it straight 1/2 turn into the target, with a lot of power. Very effective at close range.

[@patrickmcmanus5670]

You can do both. There are multiple different types of way to throw knives. I also believe that it might depend on the knife. Adam Celadin YT channel has a lot on the subject

[@steve-zg3xp]

Yes you can do both, you can also pull off with your tires spinning.... Same principle, the spinning seems to waste force. I can throw both ways and the 1/2 turn overhand at short distances and underhand at longer distances definately inserts the blade deeper into the target

[@archowl7]

If your in close range then just stab them.

[@vicc6790]

You know what else is effective at close range? Stabbing or slashing them, and not losing your weapon intentionally

[@ToveriJuri]

@@vicc6790 Kind of hard to stab someone from 4 to 6 meters.

[@Thewolfobsessedgamer]

As someone who has a set of throwing knives that they play around with occasionally I relate to the start so much! Also some tips: you should keep your wrist straight and have all the rotation come from your arm, also you shouldn't let go of the knives and instead hold them in a way just light enough that they slip out of your hands at the right time. These tips have been a life saver to me when trying to learn how to throw knifes (have yet to completely figure out no spin sadly)

[@VioStarclad]

I was really into ninja stuff when I was a teenager and did a lot of reading into them and even then I learned quite well that shuriken and throwing knives were mostly just distraction and annoyance rather than to mortally injure anyone, unless maybe if used with poison. But even then you'd probably just be better with a bow.

[@sammorse1412]

To quote a ninja it’s better just to throw stones

[@ColonelSandersLite]

Yeah, if you can poison a knife, you can poison an arrow. It would probably be pretty foolish to try and poison a shuriken though. There wouldn't really be any safe way to grab the thing under stress.

[@EksaStelmere]

Can't sneak a bow into a lord's domain.

[@vandiverb]

A shuriken can be deadly in the right hands. Sensei Soke Masaaki Hatsumi could kill with one.

[@HonorableAssassins]

@@vandiverb You're telling me the man born in the 1930s killed people with little shiny stars? Or he 'could' have in theory? Because that means nothing.

[@estaticethan1752]

Well. Let us all relax as Shad about to say a few things about throwing knives. And Shad throwing them. Whilst having smooth jazz in the background.

[@luiseatoll6368]

Background? I hear it louder than Shad's voice.

[@1IGG]

I rather go to a dentist than having to listen to that "music" again.

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

@@1IGG music isnt just the music you like

[@jeffrey778]

wow i loved this content so much, i been trying to get magic spoon stuff for months as well great sponcer

[@WolfWalrus]

Most often, shuriken were used as a distraction without the intention to kill. Sometimes they were also smeared with poison or even feces so that even a slight graze could turn into a difficult-to-treat infection. Fascinating video, I love hearing you talk about this stuff. Have you done a video about the chakram yet? It seems like a logical next step if you haven't tackled it already

[@NS56sn]

You seem to be completing the fatherhood quest line fantastically Shad, congratulations 🎉

[@DrDubMemes]

That scene in Lord of the Rings proves that a thrown knife can be deflected using a melee weapon. Context: There’s a scene in Lord of the Rings where an orc throws a dagger at Aragorn, one of the heroes. The knife was supposed to miss by a wide margin and the camera angle would be used to make it look like a close call. However, the actor throwing the knife had bad aim and threw it directly at Aragorn, who deflected it using his sword. It was such a cool maneuver that they kept it in the movie. Also, the prop knife was metal so would in theory be similar to a throwing knife.

[@willmungas8964]

So he just casually deflected a knife that was accidentally thrown directly at him lmaooo

[@SasoriZert]

You also forgot too mention the knife was partly sharpened and it could of seriously injured him if not killed him

[@DrDubMemes]

@@willmungas8964 It was epic you should watch the scene

[@DrDubMemes]

@@SasoriZert True. That’s so scary!

[@josephlegacy929]

Also the actor plating the uruk hai had heavy makeup around his eyes, and accidentally grabbed a real knife instead of the prop

[@Justin_Ebright]

Hey Shad, great vid as always man. Love watching your content instead of baking outside in the New Mexico desert. The one thing I can add here, especially in respect to fantasy type situations is how versatile a throwing knife is when combined with poison, especially for stealth/assassination. Even with chain mail it'd only take a nick. While you wouldn't get great penetrating power vs chain mail, the tip of the knife will still break the skin. Granted the assassin would have to toss it and run, but by the time the commotion died down the target would have died as well, even from a nick.

[@acidrien]

Nice little eating sesh there Shad. The children seemed to enjoy their cereal. Very wholesome.

[@evanvincent2517]

A kunai like those were a tool first. A cutting, prying and digging tool, you would also use as a dagger first in a conflict. They were occasionally thrown mainly to distract either while you swapped to a primary weapon or ran the hell away.

[@bet0v966]

Plus if one throws a kunai like that & it spins of course it ain’t gonna work. You want it to get straight hard & fast

[@bmc7434]

Kunai's have always been cheap unsharpened stakes except for in Modern Times to sell :Ninja: . Japan has many types of military and utility knifes and Kunai isn't one. Kunai is usually made of pig iron, and typical daggers are made of Steel.

[@therittzer7334]

Adam Celandin (world champion knife thrower) has made a response video to this! Exciting! He has some awesome content also and great tips if anyone wants to learn knife throwing.

[@ricomock2]

Kenai were always a tool. All the stuff about "ninja" is just made up 19th century entertainment.

[@othannen.]

Good moment to remember how Viggo Mortensen used his sword to actually deflect the dagger accidentally thrown at him on the Lord of the Rings set.

[@TheTruePacmanMG]

I love the discussion and discourse you guys had in this one.

[@Infinite_warden]

Your kids are lucky to have u shad, keep up the awesome content!

[@JadeFalcon07]

Gaijin Ghoomba has covered ninja stars and shuriken many times on his channel. A point he often makes is that in the real world they weren't really used for lethality. They were used for a distraction to open the target up for an ambushing strike (like you pointed out), a diversion to infiltrate or escape, or to poison the target. In some cases to supplement hand to hand combat. Larger kunai were not really throwing weapons, but functioned more as tools like hand spades.

[@Gaia_Gaistar]

Hell, even in Naruto shuriken are almost 100% distraction tools.

[@Glimmlampe1982]

or to reduce effectiveness... I mean, if your not stuck in a video game were you just loose some HPs after a hit, a knife sticking in your leg or foot or arm is propably decreasing your effectiveness in melee fighting. and if you can accomplish that outside of measure, i.e. without beeing effectivly threatend, thats great

[@andrewlatourette428]

Weren't the largu kunai basically just weaponized masonry trowels, basically mostly useful for climbing stone walls?

[@kingwailord4143]

@@andrewlatourette428 Kind of, but they were basically never used at all. There were always better options then kunai to use for most tasks, making it the last choice only really relied on by people who couldn't access them. As for the climbing stone walls specifically, thats quite niche and a kunai wouldn't really work any better then another bladed object that is more sturdy. EDIT I realized I kind of over exaggerated by saying "never" they were somewhat common, just not used by professional warriors who had better choices (dedicated throwing knifes existed and were a lot better then kunai or normal knifes were better at doing the task of being an normal knife.)

[@LarryJ602]

That guy doesn't know WTF he's talking about. I've seen his videos and he's always inaccurate or just flat-out wrong. Antony Cummins is a historical researcher and linguist who works with Japanese historians to translate scrolls used by Shinobi schools and training. They are not a specific "ninja" weapon or tool. He has a whole series just about shuriken. In scrolls he's translated, the shuriken is only referenced in criminal capture. So calling a shuriken a "ninja star" is asinine. Antony struggles to find any evidence connecting them to ninja or shinobi at all. They were not for distraction, ambushes, poisonings, or anything. That's made up of fictional nonsense based on stage plays/theater and fictional stories that were written in the mid-1830s, then it was popularized in movies. Goober Ghoomba just repeats shit he read on the internet. Historically, shuriken was more the straight big nail-looking things in kenjutsu (swordsmanship) associated teachings. It's just a hidden weapon/tool, not a throwing thing.

[@bizmansion]

I've always imagined the purpose of the throwing knife to be exactly the context they are used in in the Princess Bride. I don't feel like lethality is absolutely required as long as you can injure someone without being at much risk for injury yourself.

[@jwnomad]

My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my fa...ck!

[@sebastianriz4703]

Pretty much. Throwing knives are hardly lethal weapons.

[@KUsery42]

Indeed. The downside is just tossing your opponent weapons to be used against you. And yeah, they’re rarely lethal. It’s like the knife fight military safety videos; the best way to survive a knife fight when unarmed is to run away. Or to add another heuristic, a knife fight typically has two outcomes: the loser dies in the street and the winner dies in hospital later on from sepsis.

[@ElectromagNick]

@@KUsery42 Major Kira in an episode of DS9, trying to prove a point, stated (with a knife to Ziyal's throat): "The best way to survive a knife fight is to never get in one."

[@rachdarastrix5251]

@@KUsery42 Yeah we have an old saying over here where I live about people who are bleeding out. It goes like this. Transported by ambulance through the ER into the waiting room then off to the cemetery.

[@80sRetrosaur]

The part with Shad spiting out the water made me laugh more than it should have xD.

[@wesleyrodas7434]

You can also adjust the spin speed by holding the handle closer to or farther from the blade. If you have a balanced enough knife that you can throw both by the handle and by the blade, that combined with choking up the grip allows you to stick a knife by from pretty much any distance

[@MayBeSomething]

"When I mention Ninja Death Stars, I'm talking about throwing weapons, not the Japanese dub of Star Wars." You got me on that, Shad, well done! Edit: It's "Press 'X' to doubt," not F.

[@smallpoly10]

Aka "The Hidden Fortress"?

[@rachdarastrix5251]

I was imagining a bunch of space ninjas flying around in a giant metal ball saying "Ha ha! We don't need to be stealthy now do we?"

[@joedoe7041]

F

[@RokuroCarisu]

Press 'E' for the people!

[@ColonelSandersLite]

@@rachdarastrix5251 I dunno about that. A surprise attack might have made the battle of yavin go a bit differently. Hell, the battle of endor would have been completely different if the rebels just didn't know where the death star was too.

[@theswedistanihobo4334]

08:50 That is one of the big misconceptions regarding thrown knives, that they NEED to spin. There are techniques where you throw them without any or very little spin and a very flat trajectory that ensures the point/edge is always facing the target. These throws can be done very swiftly with a distracting sweeping motion which has shorter range than throws with a spin but also guarantees the knife poses a threat to things like exposed hands, wrists, the neck or face, making sure that they serve their primary historical usage of being a distraction with the potential to injure. On top of that, throwing just about any lighter kind of weapon on a loose cloth or tarp like what you have there makes for a very poor demonstration since it almost ensures you can't get any penetration since with even a good hit most if not all energy will be lost just pushing that cloth/tarp towards the background material, air resistance being what it is. I will also say that of course just about any quick takedowns with thrown knives that don't rely on swift bleeding out from severed arteries or very temporarily stunning/knocking someone out by hitting them in the eye or temple is bullshit but I think almost everyone knows this.

[@Archone666]

I used to practice knife throwing (I haven't had a suitable target in a long time; I would use phone books, the blade largely slipped through the pages, meaning they lasted a while) using a spinless throwing method. I would do them with a Ka-bar, which has a bowie knife shape.

[@based_prophet]

Not true at all at face requires 0 spin at 5 feet would knock a dude off his feet not counting the facial damage the kinetic energy distribution is key from toe to point of knife

[@based_prophet]

If ur shorter it is lot harder only threw years of training day n night u can learn this I can explain in words

[@theswedistanihobo4334]

@@based_prophet I'm not sure I understand you but I assume you are basically talking about baseball-pitching into someone's face from point-blank range and honestly in such cases it does not really matter what you throw because anyone unaware enough to not dodge will be so surprised that anything from an apple to a cellphone or slipper is likely to make them fall over.

[@aaronbosen6743]

A throwing knife that doesn't spin won't stick to a target because it literally won't land point in or hit the target at much the 3 foot range. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[@philipgentry1105]

Now I’m imagining someone like Shad advising the studio responsible for Arcane on the combat for Jax, the weapon master who limits himself by only using shitty and/or improvised weapons.

[@themustachioedman]

Liked and subscribed for the ad lmao, that’s hilarious

[@kakalukio]

As a main weapon it's fairly bad as you'd need to magically carry infinite daggers, have fairly amazing aim, only fight relativly lightly armoured opponents (though even an armoured opponent might flinch instinctivly) & you'd probably still need to mix it with regular knife-fighting to be even somewhat effective. As a side-arm or backup weapon, carrying 3-4 throwing knives has potential to be usefull. Especially if they are also effective for regular knife/dagger-fighting. Hell, you don't even necesarly care about it killing. Just distracting, or lightly wounding an opponent may be worth the effort of carrying one.

[@ethanbirling1115]

water hemlock oil on the tip of a needle will kill a man in minutes.

[@karrimgyver]

Quite litterally just what he said in the video

[@milesromine9960]

If you were writing a story And you have a character that only uses knives, The problem is you're writing. That is not realistic. Especially a warrior. Modern armies have learned, It's better better to wound the soldier then to kill. When you kill you only take one person out of your battle. If You wound him his cries takes the medics and his buddies out of the battle.

[@ColonelSandersLite]

@@milesromine9960 The thing is that this is situational. In a ranged combat scenario, you may be able to find the time to notice that your buddy is bleeding and think you have an opportunity to remove him to somewhere safer for aid. In a close combat scenario though, even if you somehow manage to notice that your buddy is hurt, you're going to be too committed to trying to not die to deal with that immediately. And hell, even if he's mortally wounded, the pure adrenaline of the situation may still allow him to continue to contribute to the fight.

[@milesromine9960]

@@ColonelSandersLite All combat scenarios are situational, it doesn't matter about the weapon. This is why I said If you have a character who only uses knives and nothing else it's bad writing. You cannot flinch fast enough to beat a knife that is thrown from 15 ft. Even if you could the nife Wielder can throw up to four knives with one hand in less than a second. Most armors do not cover the face. Most actual knife wielders will have the proper weapon for the proper combat. Armor defeats knives except for the face because most people's faces are not armored all the time. Against heavy armored foes the knife wielder uses axes. If your character is coming across two or three people carrying spears. And your character has a sword in You're right hand. So you grab three knives with your left. A person's face is a big target to a knife thrower Who practices hitting golf tees to train accuracy. And I'm sorry but I cannot see a scenario where a guy has a knife stuck through his mouth tickling his spinal cord fighting through it.

[@jkre]

There is a thing called no spin technique. That's how they can stick the knifes from any distance.

[@keggerous]

You can also throw them a lot harder with the no-spin technique.

[@peterhall8572]

Underarm blade first no rotation = more penetraion, works for me

[@daboss640]

@@peterhall8572 no-spin is just the name. it doesn't literally have no rotation. it's just minimal spin.

[@simonfarre4907]

@@keggerous the force the blade hits with is higher when it spins if travelling at the same velocity due to a fraction of its angular momentum adding to the impact.

[@keggerous]

@@simonfarre4907 The momentum is traveling in the circle though, not in the direction of the throw. It wont pierce deeper. Also, you can literally throw the knives harder because of the technique. When you throw with a spinning technique, you have to control the spin and wrist movements. You cannot throw as hard as you can. With the no-spin technique, you can throw as hard as you can.

[@arcshadowstorm]

shad nomming cereal with his kids as a sponsorship is the most wholesome thing. So cute!

[@TheLopper]

I know others have said this, but the Thorn method is a "no-spin" or "half-spin" method that I've had lots of success with, even with some modern combat knives not made for throwing. Definitely worth looking into, since I myself cannot (consistently) stick a knife through spinning, but can with no-spin throws.

[@baka030hydroid]

Funny enough, this came up in a D&D session with my buds. the fighter carried throwing knives on him because they were easier to carry than javelins, and he normally fights using a longsword. Are they as effective as a javelin? No. Do they cripple him to carry them? No, and not only that, but he has an easily concealed weapon, and it can double as a last ditched ranged attack to save someone if necessary (keep in mind, in our D&D sessions we do "realistic carry" meaning we have to be able to explain how we're carrying something. Meaning a fighter can't carry his sword, a bow, 20 arrows, and 10 javelins on top of all of his camping equipment like you're used to seeing)

[@rachdarastrix5251]

Never bring a knife to a longsword fight.

[@JohnM34404]

I've seen throwing javelins inside of a arrow-like case before IRL, but they were just 1/2 a foot or so longer than an arrow draw for that person. Realistically speaking they would do about as much damage as throwing an arrow as well. Furthermore, depending on how the weapons are packed, you could carry all that equipment you listed... you just could not get to some of that equipment with the pack on... likely the Javelins making them pointless, unless someone was drawing them from another's pack.

[@cadrian4806]

You could also look up the iron "war darts" or the late roman plumbata that allegedly inspired them too Its prospectively heavier than a throwing knife but its more or less a very cut down javlin

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

In my campaign, my sorcerer keeps throwing knives on her. Why? Well...because they come in handy sometimes. We're a party of nearly all casters, so our DM throws an anti-magic circle at us. Everyone else was nearly unable to deal much more than a scratch to the enemy due to them losing access to their magic if they got within attacking range, and any magic attack that gets within that range also dissipated. So my sorcerer uses Tenser's Transformation and starts chucking throwing knives at the guy. Couldn't get close otherwise the transformation would end also, but throwing knives from range means I get the advantage of Tenser's Transformation while the knives don't count as magical attacks. I probably dealt about 95% of the damage for that fight, and is about the only time where they came in handy. The only other character who wasn't totally handicapped due to the anti magic was the one character who had an artifact, which is apparently strong enough to not be affected by the anti-magic.

[@hdog9046]

@@rachdarastrix5251 ...if you have something better than a knife that you could bring. Having a weapon is almost always better than having no weapon.

[@soulwynd]

I would just like to point out, most throwing knives aren't heavy on purpose. For practice and safety, you train and compete with light knives. For context, those can't even stick to tree bark. But I have knives that will stick to trees much like a thrown axe will, they're much heavier and thicker than even normal camping/survival knives. What you're doing with those knives is almost like trying to judge a long sword by testing a LARP foam sword against a target. Yeah, you can train technique, but effectiveness is not the same.

[@karrimgyver]

Agreed. However his points still stand and other than distraction and/or pretty specific situation, they are useless in combat

[@soulwynd]

@@karrimgyver No argument there. They can be useful, but they're not main weapons.

[@DailyCorvid]

*THROW DAGGERS ARE TERRIBLE WEAPONS BUT GREAT STEALTH TOOLS :* 1) Feint throw to the head then pause, and after the enemy moves to dodge retarget the spot they are moving towards THEN throw. 2) Immediately after you throw you either run forward and tackle through your opponent or run away entirely 3) Before being sighted, throw one at a pot or window, to cause a noise distraction and then sneak out 4) Douse one in oil, light it on fire then throw it into walls to create fire or into flammable materials to cause panic 5) Leave one in the path of an enemy, then hide for a free head shot when he drops down to collect it 6) Use them as steppers to scale high walls (stab them between the bricks then climb on them) 7) Attach one to the end of a chain and swing it around to ward of several attackers or to block incoming missiles aimed at you. 8) Throw to bait a shield raise, then attack the legs with a takedown and disarm if you have no other options To name a few ;) Mispent youth... Very surprised nobody seems to think these things have any value except as a main weapon, when that's literally the least likely use of them.

[@astronxmically2817]

@@DailyCorvid This isnt payday mate. none of those would work, most people would just shout and alert everybody else. Youre not sneaking out of there

[@JarieSuicune]

@@DailyCorvid Um... so many of those would be more effectively done with just using a different weapon/tool? 1: I guess any throwable thing counts? 2: Rock. It's free and practically everywhere. 3: Rock. 4: Rock (in-cloth)/stick/arrow/torch. Oil doesn't stick at all well to metal. Use wood/cloth like everyone else! 5: Just how dumb are you expecting the person to be? And/or just how sharp do you think their eyes are? Why are they walking around while closely examining the ground in the first place? Are people normally not going to think "Huh, a weapon lying around, this might be a dangerous area and I should be on my guard?" 6: Really? I've never personally tried it, but I imagine there are far more effective and reliable ways to climb a wall. Grappling hook or ladder comes to mind. Or a pile of the guards' corpses. 7: If you are that godly skilled to accurately block high-speed projectiles with a super-narrow piece of metal with enough force to deflect projectiles, just grab it out of the air instead. Looks much cooler! Also, no it's not a "dagger" at all, just a blade on a rope. Pretty sure that already has a name, just not gonna google it for ya. 8: Rock. Or just attack them with a good feint using the primary weapon you should be using instead. Also, how fast do run compared to the distance you are from them?

[@urielgrey]

Lol your kids are fantastic and i felt for them waiting for the good part!

[@DShayShaidarol]

I love the promo. Especially when you son is standing behind you waving his arms and hamming it up for the camera.

[@Qaos]

In my view, throwing knives in combat are for "O fuck, I gotta throw something… Knife!" Anything thrown at someone is gonna be a reasonably good distraction, even moreso if it has a sharp edge, either to get an opening for an attack or to buy just a moment o' extra time for something else (like running the fuck away in my case).

[@Phoenix0F8]

When I was younger I wrote a couple fantasy books as a hobby and one of my favorite running gags was my main character attempting to use his backup daggers as throwing knives, usually resulting in them either missing completely or hitting at the wrong angle and just bouncing off. Unless you've put in an insane amount of training, the idea of doing anything productive with a thrown knife *in a combat situation* is pretty far fetched to me. Seems like some wannabe commando shit.

[@LoneWolf20213]

where can I find this story, it sound's interesting on how realistic is sounds... I hope it is anyway and when I write a story, I have knives be as long as possible since it isn't a good idea to use it as a main weapon unless it's more of a sword for you than anything, and even then, duel wielding it to compensate for it since having 2 should at least help in using oe to throw to get in close to stab in a weak point area, or as the side arm for your arming sword and throwing knives be laces with either a poison or paralysis to make surethe enemy is damages more when cut, and namely as a distraction more than anything

[@Phoenix0F8]

@@LoneWolf20213 heh, unfortunately I don't have the story anymore as I lived with my strict religious parents at the time of writing it and they thought it was demonic so they smashed my computer to pieces with a sledgehammer. I wish I had kept better backups. But I do appreciate your interests! I would definitely love to go back and revisit that world at some point. Yup, main character's weapon was an axe and he kept two daggers as back up weapons. Poisoned blades would be a really good idea! That was something the Chinese did with their repeating crossbows, where to make up for the weapons low penetrating power they would coat the bolts in poison so that even a scratch could prove deadly.

[@JarieSuicune]

@@Phoenix0F8 That's a bummer. Sure doesn't sound like good parenting, religious or otherwise. (My family, close and extended, is quite religious, but none would do something so terrible!)

[@henrypaleveda7760]

@@Phoenix0F8 demonic? would that have been on account of just magic or was it too violent or something?

[@DaddyLongFeather]

I put about 10-20 minutes a day in for a year and now I'm competitive. You just need proper knives and guidance.

[@DracoSilverscar]

Hey Shad! Great video! In direct combat I agree with all of your points but one thing I think you missed which I find great use for them in D&D at least and in a lot of fantasy situations is as an ambush weapon to start combat with in close quarters areas. Say from the side of a trail in the bushes, maybe with poison to attempt to injure or disable at least some of your targets before the conflict starts, or for an assassination. They're easily concealed and VERY quickly deployed so they make for a great surprise weapon. Love your videos! They've totally changed my outlook on a few of the weapons that appear in my games and changes my tactics for arranging NPC's to be more realistic in combat. :D Can't wait to watch the response video you did after this!

[@markberkley3567]

There is a no spin technique that is also important to consider

[@renegade6578]

I know it isn't the case but I love the thought of a complete stranger seeing this and helping him retrieve the knives during the video.

[@BeowulfAllraudr]

I’ve been practicing throwing every day for a couple years now. Real throwing knives make a difference but I understand Shad’s point of view coming from his experience with them.

[@user-vj8yh2bl9r]

His reactions to him hypothetically fighting himself are awesomely subscribed.

[@petermonzel5450]

Shad you really provoke the best response videos

[@shadiversity]

And I get to respond in turn ^_^ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2jXoaaEmtWFb5o&t

[@akumaking1]

Throwing knives would be best utilized in conjunction with other weapons as part of a group; the knives get the target’s immediate attention before a more direct attack is implemented.

[@minisithunknown5568]

@@juice6521 They had guns in the medieval times?

[@Rogsnutle]

@@minisithunknown5568 Yes.

[@tnatstrat7495]

@@Rogsnutle Depends on how early we are talking. But anyway "use a gun" is a dumb and bad faith response.

[@NaoyaYami]

Thrown knives are slower than a fired arrow or bolt, so it could actually make enemy aware of an attack from a different angle, so that a (cross)bow user can shoot him while his attention is elsewhere (I assume opponent uses shield and can't just parry bolts on reaction with his sword).

[@therittzer7334]

Adam Celandin (world champion knife thrower) has made a response video to this! Exciting! He has some awesome content also and great tips if anyone wants to learn knife throwing.

[@the_inquisitional_inquisitor]

I'm actually pretty good at throwing knives. It's all about knowing what distances the tip will be aligned at, which becomes increasingly difficult the more rotations.

[@-longboardswordstyle701]

Yeah ya probably have to be when youre hunting in danger riddled tombs for long lost relics like crystal skulls that you can then hollow out and fill with vodka

[@nickgreene2971]

Look into no-spin if you want a change up in style I can throw at any distance up to about 15 yards so far.

[@Luciphers_Workshop]

Yeah, he is doing full spin without knowing his distance and normally in combat best distance is 4-6feet. .

[@the_inquisitional_inquisitor]

@@nickgreene2971 I've tried it out but never got the hang of it.

[@nickgreene2971]

@@the_inquisitional_inquisitor It's hard at first but if you can manage it, it becomes natural like throwing a football. I think the major thing to getting it right is to start close like 5 to 8 feet away from your target. Also focusing more on smothly swiping downward at first rather than trying to apply a huge amount of counter spin, you don't really need much until you get up to like 15-20 feet throws. It also might help to start throwing at a target that's more downward than you would normally at first because the gravity will help you out till you can get a feel for the slide/flick motion. After that it's just practicing. Also for a middle ground military half spin is kind of halfway between the two styles where you throw from the blade and use your palm and thumb to control the spin. Just what I found useful in case you were interested in trying it out again, not saying spin throw isn't just as fun a hobby since that's what its all about these days thankfully.

[@briehart-nutter4357]

excellent opening

[@Alex-pe4xh]

6:50 boy on the left is an absolute legend

[@dohtje5029]

You can't compare these to crapchucks. There is a HUGE difference why throwing knives are way better than nunchucks... It's that anyone can pick up a knife and throw it WITHOUT hurting themselves

[@quirelll]

This is the only guy who knows how to make great, compelling sponsored content. I always skip sponsored parts, but here, I'm always looking forward to them

[@Karak-_-]

Well, there is also Neytrix with her character skits featuring Pufferbunny, and Terrible Writing Advice, which has a whole storyline written around parodies of various stock villians figthing over Skillshare or Campfire Blaze, while Knigths of Artistic Integrity are trying to prevent them from destroying the world.

[@tomshraderd4915]

Internet Historian's ads are so good that people have uploaded them separately on KZbin

[@jus_sanguinis]

What is D and D?

[@therittzer7334]

Adam Celandin (world champion knife thrower) has made a response video to this! Exciting! He has some awesome content also and great tips if anyone wants to learn knife throwing.

[@nateofthesouth]

5:27 is so heart warming. May God bless your family and all families.

[@jameswalker199]

I agree that I'd want to use them as a normal knife and only throw them if I absolutely have to. Using them as a distraction, though, you basically have to compare them to pocket sand: sand is cheap and nonlethal, knives are expensive and maybe lethal.

[@thnecromaniac]

Actually, in the form of throwing your doing, you'd determine a constant form of throwing, so the spin is consent, and you'd throw either blade, or handle, depending on how far you are, since the number of rotations the blade needs to stick em with the pointy end is partly based on which end your holding. Though strength of throw does matter a little still, this makes it less of an issue, and easy to calculate. Also, your throwing them wrong, you'd throw them more like a throwing Axe in this style.

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

Shad throws like a girl. nuff said.

[@thnecromaniac]

@@bikerfirefarter7280 now thats just needlessly mean

[@testaajatestaaja7215]

Hi Shad, while i agree with you about practicality of thrown knives in combat, i do think you might be selling the idea a bit short. I threw knives, 9 inchs nails etc as a target practice hobby with my dad when i was a kid (cooler than darts, for sure). Never spin the thrown single-pointed object more than 180 degrees btw. With a bit training we scored solid hits to 5 to 10 meters every time. I'd say my dad would have been down right mortally dangerous at that distance with knives. Maybe do a cooperation video with Adam Celadin... he's real good at knife throwing and seems a nice and cool guy in general. :)

[@williamjenkins4913]

I was taught how to throw knives by my mother and she used to hunt rabbits with a bowie knife. Every time I see someone make a video critiquing throwing knives they have no idea about the real methods vs the movie spin a thousand times nonsense.

[@richardtous1085]

yeah but from another country. Adam is from Czech republic.

[@hathegkla]

I agree, at least somewhat. I've spent quite a bit of time throwing and I think they do have uses in close range. Especially in melee combat, if you have something you can quickly draw and throw you can out range the other person and throw them off. I used to practice no spin and half spin out to 30 feet (max) and it's definitely doable but like Shad said it would be easy to dodge at that range, close up you're not going to dodge and unlikely to miss.

[@testaajatestaaja7215]

@@richardtous1085 I'm pretty sure Shad's done videos with Skallagrim (Canada), Metatron (Italy), Schola Gladiatoria (UK) etc before. I think such cooperation would be entirely doable. :)

[@edwinball985]

You threw 9 Inch Nails? I suppose that could leave someone with a Head Like a Hole😎

[@ampgamer7941]

That intro was glorious

[@alexeikotov7769]

6:07 what a lovely re-creation of da Vinci's last supper!

[@JeffandBCProductions]

I was about to start my daily work, but you know what, yes, Shad. Let us discuss throwing knives :)

[@xyrthor]

"Shuriken" isn't really a weapon, but a technique - it literally translates to "thrown sword" - famously utilized by Miyamoto Musashi as a surprise weapon, which netted him quite a few duel victories. He was ambidextrous and used his left hand to throw his wakizashi while the opponent was charging at him, usually to a lethal effect. Also, he was known to finish of a running enemy by throwing his regular katana as a spear into the enemy's back. How much of that is legend and how much actually happened is not clear, but the guy was a no-nonsense guy when it came to dueling and it's really fun to read up on his exploits.

[@sethdusith6093]

He didn't throw his wakizashi. They refer to knives as swords in japan too, especially in this days. He had a throwing knife he used

[@DalkSarraroZerkulin]

What aren't legends are the entire community except thagne and matt Easton. Everyone else is average level garbage! If I got a person who was a bit more physically able and less skilled. They would still defeat these weak nerds.

[@aaronbosen6743]

Acrually, s shuriken was a carpenter's tool used for removing nails and pegs from wood. Still works pretty well in that regard.

[@damienw4556]

@pensive_cube correct me if i'm wrong, but i think you may be misunderstanding shuriken a bit. the ken part of shuriken doesn't literally translate as "sword", and the kanji for ken is often pronounced differently in other weapons' names. the kanji for ken usually refers to weapons that have curved, single edged blades. for example, naginatas are polearms with curved, single edged blades, and the kanji used to write naginata is the same for the katana, a sword famous for being curved and single edged. if you're interested to learn more about this, here is a video done by a language professor who is fluent in japanese and japanese kanji who better explains it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnysk2aPjraAqK8 . if i remember correctly, which i may not, the shuri part of shuriken would most accurately be translated as hidden, hence, "hidden blade". and on the whole word shuriken not being a weapon, but meaning "thrown sword" is also incorrect. shuriken are weapons, but the word shurikenjutsu is a martial art focused on shuriken, and literally translates to "hidden blade technique".

[@williamjenkins4913]

There is a medieval European sword and dagger manuscript that have several dagger throws in it. The throwing knives actually used in combat were not our modern small sport knives.

[@KurticeYZ]

I completely agree about the distraction & main weapon strategy could be extremely effective potentially. I was thinking the same exact thing as you lead the discussion in that direction

[@VoidR]

DAMMIT! I was going to make an "end him rightly" reference but he beat me to it.

[@Eckister]

Honestly - I once knew two historical reenactors, who were practicing to perform the scene from Lord of the Rings, where the Uruk throws a knife at Aragorn, who chops it out of the air with his sword and they managed to pull it off relatively consistently. They were never hurt, but that is mainly because the guy throwing them knew how to properly do so and never threw the knife at the other, instead throwing it to one of his sides. So yeah - you could totally dodge a knife, if your reflexes and agility were good enough, but you still shouldn't ever throw them at anyone (saying this just in case someone is getting ideas because of the above). Also - I agree that they are mainly a distraction. For example - let's say there is a chaotic melee (a skirmish, for example) where you have managed to overcome your opponent and see your mate struggling with theirs, so you chug a knife at that opponent to throw them off, maybe even take an eye. But like I said already - if the opponent knows you're throwing a knife at them, it is improbable you will actually wound them, because they can be struck out of the air.

[@baconghoti]

I used them in LARP for years alongside a bastard sword. Effective even in combat IF you can no-spin and underarm. Sheaves on shoulders, hips and small of the back. These were foam and duct tape and still hit home. Never throw just one if the opponent is aware of it, always use it to offend an area. Opponents will either move from or move their defences to that area. Put something pointy in the new area of attack, result. Start to think of them as one shot pikes you can put in your pocket and they become very useful.

[@gregmoors1]

I think Shad got very close when talking about the “specific situation” where throwing knives would be effective. But I think looking at how effective they are in use is the wrong angle to understand their usefulness. I think the primary usefulness is that they simply are a ranged weapon and they can be dangerous. Imagine Shad wants to get past Ozzy (I hope that’s the right spelling) and Ozzy has a good defensive position. They both are unarmoured, with arming swords. Ozzy can wait for Shad to come to him and have the advantage of the defensive position. Shad doesn’t want to fight there, but has no choice but to engage, to get past. If Shad also has throwing knives, he has another option. When he pulls one, Ozzy has a choice. He can let Shad have a free shot, or charge in, losing his defensive advantage. He may know that Shad is unlikely to do much damage, but he’s still throwing a knife at him. Of course, there’s no guarantee Ozzy will charge, but it’s made more likely by the threat of the throwing knives. Shad doesn’t actually have to throw a knife, at all (though he can still probably get at least one free throw) for it to be useful in this situation. That’s just one example, but it’s not hard to imagine a situation where the threat of any thrown weapon might tip the balance.

[@koljaleffek7290]

you painted me a picture with words 🤗

[@SomeGuy-qh6rw]

He is also using what amounts to practice throwing knives. Those were made for sports. They never saw any use in actual combat. Real throwing knives, while still not super useful, or commonly used, had far more weight to them. In the hands of someone that actually knew how to use them properly, even if you blocked, they could still maim, or at least temporarily disable or hinder a limb.

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

This is what light throwing weapons have traditionally been for - a very light and small tool that simply gives you a small extra advantage above your actual weapon, that gives your enemy one more thing they have to care about. And since most people would have just had a few knives on them in general, it's not that big a stretch to make those knives just a bit better balanced and weighted. They compare to heavier throwing weapons such as hatchets and javelins, which historically have been used on the charge to disrupt the enemy before you use your main weapon. Hatchets in particular stand out, since we have so many documented examples of them being highly effective in skilled hands. Throwing knives would be useful in everyday situations. If you are being unexpected attacked of course your first defense is to run, and throwing out an unexpected knife at your attackers will be surprising and distracting - helpful to get you a few seconds to run, and it will slow down your pursuers as now every time you round a corner they have to be prepared to face a knife the other way. Redundant to a modern handgun, of course.

[@DailyCorvid]

*THROW DAGGERS ARE TERRIBLE WEAPONS BUT GREAT STEALTH TOOLS :* 1) Feint throw to the head then pause, and after the enemy moves to dodge retarget the spot they are moving towards THEN throw. 2) Immediately after you throw you either run forward and tackle through your opponent or run away entirely 3) Before being sighted, throw one at a pot or window, to cause a noise distraction and then sneak out 4) Douse one in oil, light it on fire then throw it into walls to create fire or into flammable materials to cause panic 5) Leave one in the path of an enemy, then hide for a free head shot when he drops down to collect it 6) Use them as steppers to scale high walls (stab them between the bricks then climb on them) 7) Attach one to the end of a chain and swing it around to ward of several attackers or to block incoming missiles aimed at you. 8) Throw to bait a shield raise, then attack the legs with a takedown and disarm if you have no other options To name a few ;) Mispent youth...

[@JarieSuicune]

So... are you implying that throwing daggers are something you should naturally be carrying along with an arming sword WITHOUT armor or shields on a regular basis? That it would be relatively common practice to get good enough at using them as a potentially deadly weapon... rather than a bow or sling? Or is it really just a fringe situation that people have blown out of proportion due to how it falls into rule of cool-and-sometimes-possible?

[@mr.gagreflex]

I think they can be incredibly useful as a theatrical distraction like you said. Imagine throwing a throwing knife or two, and as you say they throw up their arms in defense, only for you to use your sword hand to chop their arms open. Having one hand for knives and the other for a blade could be an amazing strategy for throwing off your opponent before attack

[@sparkfx5874]

Damn straight, throwing knives are awesome for combat if you use them correctly like this and have enough expertise with them. I've always been a huge ninja wannabe and have been throwing knives just for fun since I was a kid. Recently got a decent set of fair quality, larger / heavier throwing knives and man they penetrate deep and hit with force. I also stick most of my throws. Especially since after watching Naruto I wondered if it was possible to throw knives in the same way they throw kunai in the show. It actually blew my mind that no-spin throwing was possible and a real technique and not only that, but the most effective and reliable way to throw knives. You can even manage no-spin throws from considerable distance, even what I'd call ineffective or impractical distance. But yeah no-spin throwing allows you to not worry about distance and which way you're holding the knife and be able to stick your target every time. This is the most practical as you're not going to have time to judge distance and how much to spin your knife etc etc when in a tense, real situation. It's also quite powerful and you can no-spin throw from a number of different angles and positions, so also super effective for those sneaky throws to catch people off guard.

[@PossumReviews]

If the only thing a thrown knife is good for is distracting the enemy or making them flinch, then you don't even need a knife specifically designed to be thrown. You could just pull out your dagger and throw that because it's not gonna be lethal either way. Actually, you could throw just about anything and get the same effect if they don't know what it is you're throwing before it hits them. A pen, a bottle, a box of TicTacs, anything could cause someone to flinch if you throw it at them. And if you want to throw something that will actually cause damage, you could just throw a rock.

[@simplysolus8916]

I've actually resorted to using one in a duel for fun. My sword got snapped at the hilt so I quickly jabbed them with the hilt, they stepped back due to being caught off guard, and in that time I pulled a rubber one from my pocket, and tossed it at them before they could finish stepping back in range. (Admittedly, it being half that size helped since it was so easy to pull from the pocket - underhanded close range throw immediately from my pocket.)

[@foolwise4703]

I'll wager this was exactly how they were used most historically.

[@DH-xw6jp]

So... You ended him rightly?

[@TheSeth256]

Wait, how did your sword snap in the first place? Were you using styrofoam swords or what? If it was made of steel, you should cease the combat since it creates a lethal edge that would normally be safeguarded.

[@MA_KA_PA_TIE]

Honestly throwing knives are good if you are good with them. I bet if you spent every day for 2 years practicing you would be a beast.

[@johan.ohgren]

Not very useful in a fight though. Especially against someone in armor or shield.

[@applegeepedigree]

@@johan.ohgren That's presuming you took throwing knives onto a battlefield...

[@traphimawari7760]

@@johan.ohgren but it would be much more effective if you laced it with poison or hallucinogens, so if your good at chemistry or have pharmaceutical knowledge you can make a wounding weapon into a useful tool to disable/disorient or kill your opponent slowly

[@kusakabe3264]

sounds like a nunchak argument tbh

[@hoangdung7494]

@@johan.ohgren throw molotov at them, see how they would deal with it

[@LOWB90]

Would be interesting to see you test the famous swordthrow as well

[@TheSleepiestPlurals]

I have this demoness character who owns several enchanted knives, three of them. Each knife has a different enchantment that serves a different purpose. That's why it does make sense for her to throw them sometimes cause even if the knife itself doesn't do much damage, the enchantment will still activate on contact

[@torshec8634]

"It's night, Jazz is playing, the bartender serving his swill to his patrons, and a crowd gathers around watching a guy throwing knives"

[@DaShikuXI]

I think that is legit an often overlooked aspect in fantasy. Entertainment. Throwing some knives at a tree can be a good pastime to stave off boredom. Being able to entertain some guests at a bar improves your reputation AND can earn you some money. Or at least a few free drinks.

[@thebakedchef]

Shuriken were typically as a distraction or general nuisance to the enemy. I’ve also heard of them being used as a landmine, stuck in the ground in thick grass or covered with brush.

[@randomperson4198]

wouldnt ball of spike do a better job if the purpose distraction and deadly lego steping

[@excaliber2010]

You mean like punji sticks

[@edgyboy831]

@@randomperson4198 in japanese history caltrops were called tetsubishi or metsubishi I believe

[@KairuHakubi]

@@randomperson4198 a shuriken would have enough cutting surface to make a nasty laceration and possibly sever a toe. a caltrop's geometry makes sure one spike points upward, maximizing force. a ball of spikes would be the gentlest possible way to pierce someone, since the spikes are all arranged in a nice sphere and redistribute the force over a large area.

[@randomperson4198]

@@KairuHakubi yeah but what about if u throw them not all gonna stand straight and more likely wouldn't it fall flat?

[@howlingbeast3x6]

I've worked for an axe throwing range and threw a bunch of throwing knives as well. I'll try to answer a few of your points: - After a while, you do get used to the distance you need with your technique. So you can have a subconscious idea of the right distance. Generally, if you miss the first throw (against an immobile target), you can easily readjust because you know whether you were too far or too close and by how much, so the next throws are all good. -In terms of damage, you are correct, knives have to be perfectly thrown for lethality. I would highly suggest throwing axes for damage, these also have enough weight to deal damage even if you miss the blade during the throw. -About the situation where you could throw one as a last ditch effort to save someone, I will actually have to downplay the usefulness of throwing knives compared to other weapons. Once you get used to throwing wepons, you can throw pretty much anything correctly if it is stiff enough. At my job, when there were no clients, we would throw axes, two-handed axes, machetes, knives, spears, kukris, a halberd (I own a voulge), etc. I even managed to stick a modern hammer to a target, I had to throw it in a way where the back of the hammer (the prybar part) would strike the target and penetrate. The hammer was definitely the most precis I ever had to throw something, it is much harder than throwing knives. The only thing I had trouble throwing correctly was swords, and that was because they are too flexible and will wobble a bit when thrown. So as long as something is stiff enough to not wobble, you can throw it if you understand the weight distribution. Throwing knives would be useful in a last ditch effort to save someone, but if I'm honest almost every other weapon would do so better. If however you want to keep your main weapon no matter what, then having throwing knives would serve well as a back-up weapon for that purpose. -I agree about the distraction aspect. People don't like getting sharpened metal things thrown at them. - They are really fun to throw!

[@lucaskook9440]

i am new to the channel... i dont know if shadyman takes suggestions but i would love to see some in depth stuff on the plumbata because they seem actually effective :)

[@MrSanemon]

One of my earliest memories is of our cat bringing a copperhead on the porch as a gift, except it was still alive. My older brother about 16 at the time very quickly retrieved and threw a knife through the head of the snake pinning it to the porch. I might be a bit biased but since then I've always been convinced that if someone knows what they're doing, throwing knives can be a helluva tool.

[@ookami5329]

That's so awesome. You must've really looked up at him!

[@watchface6836]

Sounds like both the cat, and your brother, are badasses.

[@ookami5329]

@@watchface6836 That cat brought home a live copperhead after all! insane

[@MrAngryThing13]

I have always thought of throwing knives as a distraction to dissuade people from chasing you, much like caltrops, shuriken, egg-shell bombs and the like.

[@MrAngryThing13]

Hadn’t even got to the end of the video wen I posted this! Well chuffed Shad came to the same conclusion! 😂

[@Shadeius]

Fun fact: Kunai were actually primarily used as a trowel, and in case of ninja to make holes in a wall etc. Ninja sharpened them to use also as a makeshift weapon, and while they could be thrown they were more commonly used like a regular dagger.

[@MrAngryThing13]

@@Shadeius my old sensai told me that the types of knives used in this video could also be stabbed into trees and used as foot holds for climbing, don’t know how true that is 😆

[@mcwolf1096]

Some Russians in particular are fairly infamous for their love to use them as surprise close-range weapons... With your opponent approaching with, say, a regular knife (or just open hands or fists or whatever), draw that hidden throwing knife and throw it in one smooth move when they're about 1m or so away and getting ready to slice or stab you. No dodging, no blocking, and at that distance, pretty much impossible to miss. Basically, really dirty streetfighting weapons.

[@thedmdidit9842]

Off topic question. Would love a response or if anybody else in the community could point me in the right direction. Wanting to start writing, loving world anvil for my world building, should I upgrade and use their manuscripts feature or is there a better software for writing short stories/books that is more recommended?

[@harlymeyer1073]

WOW. i watched your whole sponsor! and the throwing knife skit is very funny. thanks for all the great vids. im Harly Meyer. take care

[@supermintsoda743]

I'm beginning to think that Shad is confusing "Starting a family" with "Creating an army". At this rate his house will have it's own armored militia in a few years.

[@crazypomp927]

11:00 It's not just that throwing knives are easy to dodge because even if you can't dodge left or right, you can still use movement to negate them entirely. As you noted very early in the video, Shad, you have to get the perfect amount of spin to have the knives hit straight on with the point and penetrate. So even if someone can't dodge a knife completely, a single step backwards will prevent the knife from striking with the point and make the whole thing worthless. Given this, there are really only two viable uses for throwing knives: 1. As a pure distraction 2. As a regular knife that isn't thrown

[@applegeepedigree]

You can throw knives without spinning them, apparently. That means you can't just step forward or back to negate the spin in that case.

[@mayonasepizza]

That shit Aint got a cross guard so its tsust a worse knife in most cases

[@KainaX122]

Absolutely flawless skill with the throwing knife 😙👌🏻

[@shadiversity]

Yes, exactly as the opening montage revealed ^_^

[@WJS774]

I think probably the strongest point is that if you're going to be carrying a knife _anyway,_ choosing one that's well-balanced for throwing on the off-chance that it might come in handy is probably not going to hurt anything.

[@khodexus4963]

Basically the only area I've used throwing knives in any of my game design concepts is when someone needs a highly concealable weapon. Because they are relatively simple in design, and can be quite flat, they are easier in some ways to conceal than a war dart. Though it's still basically a weapon that is exclusive to the 'sneaky' roguish types. Anyone else who wants a thrown weapon I tend to give something heavier and more lethal such as a tomahawk or javelin. And even that only if they have some justifiable reason for not wanting/being able to use a bow or crossbow. Edit: Oh, I also gave a small satchel of throwing knives to a psion character who specializes in telekinetic attacks. So that's one other situation where I felt they made sense.

[@benjaminbrand3714]

Love this! I would love to see an underrated historical weapons episode about the Sling! Lightweight, high damage, incredible accuracy, and all for the same material cost as a single belt. Definitely underrated

[@totallyathome]

Should've used the word thong instead of belt, it'll be funnier for non Australians but Shad would still have understand it.

[@michaelearl6765]

High skill required and not practical to use from tight formations... Not surprising that in practical military use didn't get traction throwing spears or bows did, even if effective.

[@pauljs75]

@@michaelearl6765 The Greeks, Spaniards, some Romans, and some other parts of the Mediterranean and Mideast got pretty good with using them as battle weapons. The accuracy was limited, but when used with a cast lead slug or bullet could have the same hitting power as that of a handgun. (Not the same as penetrating power, but the weight of it could crack a skull or rib if not using adequate armor.) Since they were relatively cheap/simple they were more of a skirmisher or secondary weapon than something with more specialization or prestige like learning archery.

[@weirdofromhalo]

@@pauljs75 Actually, most slingers were highly accurate, as they'd been doing it all their lives. I remember that formations were never an issue either because they could rotate people as they skirmished.

[@travisterry2200]

I love that you often mention other channels when citing them as more expert on specific material. I'll have to check some of them out. I've appreciated Modern History TV and some of his content myself.

[@aaroncroxford7780]

Miyamoto Musashi in the book of 5 Rings mentions the art of throwing a blade. It has a time and place. Throwing a wakizashi or backup weapon was a technique that he made use of to defeat opponents with greater reach or unique weapons. An example was when his sword was wrapped by a kusarigama chain he threw his backup weapon to defeat his opponent. It's not a primary weapon, but a situational skill that should be mastered.

[@tomasmickus6254]

I think there might another situation when you could use them: when you're just dealt finishing blow to someone with a sword and you see another enemy drawing a bow and you know you don't have time to get behind a cover

[@Juanito_Pecados]

Sincerely by that point just throw a rock while rushing them.

[@atk9989]

@@Juanito_Pecados are you carrying rocks in your pocket? or do you have to first find a rock, bend over picking it up, then standing back up to then throw and charge? that sounds like you're getting stuck with an arrow before you can throw the rock, the knife is at least already on your hip and a lot faster and smoother to grab and throw.

[@Juanito_Pecados]

@@atk9989 In that case just have a pouch with rocks, or find cover/move first... Which tends to be the best option anyway.

[@therittzer7334]

Adam Celandin (world champion knife thrower) has made a response video to this! Exciting! He has some awesome content also and great tips if anyone wants to learn knife throwing.

[@jasonhawkins6888]

I agree with your assessment that they were used as a distraction. Either to create distance or to open a window of opportunity to close distance. Musashi suggested throwing his wakazashi and then closing distance and striking with his katana

[@Member_zero]

Indeed. But the problem is you can throw any knife like that, not specificaly throwing one. Or indeed even a rock. And it will still be a distraction. Musashi is the example of this. But throwing knife is better than a regular stick or nunchaku or things like that. It's still a knife. Who says you have to throw it every time? And if you have 2 - 3 throwing knives on you, you can throw one, and use your second one as a close combat option.

[@kindle184]

It's funny how morden world think katana is a combat weapon but in actual past they were nothing more than show piece to signify royalty, status and need very high maintenance. They were only used either in small scale fighting like self protection against robbery, assault by other person or in fast execution of surrendered enemies or guilty by higher authority person.

[@jasonhawkins6888]

@@kindle184 not sure if the usefulness of a katana is in question here, it was more a statement about using feints and distraction techniques to break an opponents guard, such as a thrown secondary weapon. I bring Mushashi up because he had lots to say on the subject, and happened to duel with a sword.

[@jasonhawkins6888]

@@Member_zero Good points. I suspect the term "throwing knife" was an ad hoc title to describe a knife that you can afford to throw away (perhaps not a refined implement?). But I absolutely agree, it doesn't have to be one.

[@jasonallgood2122]

The alternative look or perspective behind this is look at Thorne style of throwing. It's a style of no spin throwing or spear throwing. I would love to see a bit more analysis with this style also in consideration.

[@Ghostly_FilmProduction]

"Bullets don't explode" Me: OKAY LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO MY FRIEND INCENDIARY ROUNDS... (They explode)

[@zarthemad8386]

dont forget HE rounds

[@Starsky3022]

26:50 I think throwing knives can be decent in close combat situations (for example in an inn or something like that) were you have one dagger/knife and another throwing one. You could switch extremely fast between throwing the one knife and then going on the offensive. That's about the best use I could think off when it comes to actually throwing a perfectly fine knife

[@LadyDoomsinger]

Throwing knives are obviously designed for subtlety, not the battlefield. Also helps to actually know how to throw them properly (Shad!) and actually putting a bit of power into the throw (Shad!)

[@lightningpenguin8937]

It definitely seems like a useful trick. Of course like all tricks, it'll probably fail if they're prepared.

[@grapesvine]

Throwing weapons is one of the two topics I've been wanting Shad to cover, I'm glad he covered this. The over topic I would like to see is poison tipped weapons.

[@rainbowdash4898]

Hey, I got me a few of those. You’re right. Those are fun to throw around. There is a way to make those even more fun. If you tie a rope to the ring at the end then you can use it like a rope dart. I use paracord.

[@shadowknightgladstay4856]

You earned my thumb up with the endorsement.

[@matushonko7223]

one thing that REALLY should've been brought up is no (1/4) spin throwing- the knife does not spin, flies mostly straight which makes (short to medium) range damage much more reliable (and is much easier to learn)

[@jocosesonata]

"Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Plus, as Shad pointed out, more likely to have a knife (not just specifically-made throwing knives) in your equipment, seeing as how it's a multi-purpose tool.

[@swanninja4164]

The thing is what i found the best for me personally is throwing with minimal to no flick adds more to your precision, flicking causes variables that can alter accuracy, the straighter you can throw it the better. And i find the best distance for how i throw is every yard is a half spin. 1st yard is no spin, 2nd yard is a half spin, 3rd is a full spin, ect. So if you have good sense of how long a yard is and able to multiply it in your head, its a great step to help with throwing.

[@mansfieldtime]

One of the best uses I saw with a throwing knife was an anime. There was a thin strong sting attached so when the guy threw the knife it wrapped around his targets neck. That brief moment taken to block caused him to get tangled and allowed for the other one to close in and kill. The second cool one was "Sword of a Stanger." one of the bad guys had poisoned throwing knives, again used as a distraction to get close.