Knives to Kill a Gladiator

Since the knife segment in Deadliest Warrior has been very popular two questions keep coming up: "How hard is it to throw a knife?" and "What's a good throwing knife?"

Well, I can teach almost anyone how to throw almost any kind of knife with a straight blade. I tell my students, "You just have to figure out its "balance point" which comes with practice." On the show, I used some of my personal knives and some that they gave me, which I've never thrown before. The third knife I threw (in the 3 knives throwing scene) was a "Fighting Knife" (not a throwing knife) custom made for me from JW Smith and Sons (out of Moody, Texas). They named it "The Snake" knife (which I, of course, approved). In fact, I rarely throw "Throwing Knives." With a solid "Fixed Blade Knife," it is very easy to find the balance point. A "Folder Knife" is harder because of the common curve and pants' clip that most have on them. All the knife scenes were done on the first take, and the knives all hit their mark 100% of the time (thank God). I threw the knives from 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet away. I also did several throws at a target on the ground, but they didn't show that clip. It's very hard to hit a target without spinning the knife past 10 feet, so I make up for it by using more force from my shoulder & hip, and my index finger is used as my aim. Beyond 15 feet you usually have to add multiple spins, which means you have to aim higher and use an arc ("Rainbow") angle of attack. It's good to practice throwing into dirt, into a solid hay stack, or into solid cardboard so you don't break your blade after several attemps when starting out. If the blade and handle are made well, then try hitting harder objects. Just remember, the harder the surface the more force you'll need to to make the blade stick. And watch out for the blade bouncing back at you if it doesn't stick. That's happened to me more than once.

More About the Knives

New Fighting Knives inspired and named after Snake Blocker
Special thanks to Jerry Smith, Custom Knife Maker and owner of J.W. Smith & Sons Custom Knives, Moody, Texas.

Introducing: “THE SNAKE” Knife, “VENOM” Knife, and “APACHE FIRE” Knife The latest Custom Creation from JW Smith & Sons Custom Knives “The Snake” Knife: Buffalo Horn and Turquoise Stainless ATS 34 Sub-Hilt Fighter This knife is one of three different custom knives from JW Smith & Sons Custom Knives that will be featured in the upcoming DVD: Apache Knife Fighting & Battle Tactics Instructed by Snake Blocker “The Snake” Knife was also featured with Snake Blocker on the hit show, “DEADLIEST WARRIOR” which premiered on SPIKE TV April 7th 2009.

Order these knives and others at: www.jwsmithandsons.com These knives retail for $425.00 - $500.00 each. J.W. Smith & Sons also makes a custom leather shoulder rig that carries the knife concealed like a gun. You can unsnap and draw the knife with one hand. The basic shoulder rig runs $85.00 - $100.00 and you can personalize it and customize it for additional costs. COMMING in late April 2009: "The Apache Fire" Knife KNIFE

AFFIRMATION: “

This is a knife…and it is my knife. If you have a knife, I will take it from you…and it too will be mine. I will never drop my knife. If my knife leaves my hand it is because it is stuck in my enemy. My knife is sharp. My knife can cut. My knife can stab. My knife can kill. I will pull out my knife if my life or those around me are in danger. If I pull out my knife, I will not hesitate to use it. If I use my knife I will not hesitate to kill. My knife and I are one. If one knife is good, two knives are better. I am not afraid to protect the innocent. And I will never use my knowledge and skill of the knife for evil. My business is the knife…I don’t play fair!” – Snake Blocker Your browser may not support display of this image. “I am very pleased with the practical and artistic design of these knives. Jerry Smith (JW Smith & Sons) has created a masterpiece that is both timeless and functional. Who said, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too” (?).” - Snake Blocker