In May, we launched a new bounty here on JAJA, asking our community members to teach us about the subjects they’re most passionate and knowledgeable about. Judging by the amazing array of entries we received and the great responses to the first winning post we published - Stella’s discussion of Bristol’s links to the slave trade - it’s a feature that’s going to be here for the long haul.
This time, the topic is about something that we think is - for lack of a better word - rad. Horror and Cats has put together a piece about his journey in throwing sharp objects - latterly, axes and tomahawks. Enjoy!
“I have an interesting hobby, and I’ve recently expanded my repertoire within it. I’ve been throwing cutting tools since I was a pre-teen, starting with butter knives in the lawn and eventually moving up to folding knives, combat knives, axes, hatchets, and machetes - literally anything with an edge or point.
“When I first got my SOG tomahawk, I tried throwing it a few times, but I wasn’t very good and stopped. Then 2022 rolled around, bringing with it the film Prey, starring Amber Midthunder. I was reinvigorated and reinspired to give it another try. This is what I’ve learned:
“When throwing anything that rotates in the air, the first thing to figure out is how far back to be from the target in order to get a single rotation while holding the throwable as low on the handle as possible. The lower one holds a throwing implement, the faster it spins in the air; there is less of the palm, or fewer fingers, to slide past.
“Once I’ve got the right distance for the least choked-up grip, I take a single short step back, - replacing my back foot with my front foot - and hold the weapon ever so slightly further up the grip. Typically, that works and, once I’ve got that dialled in, I step back further and choke up further until I can’t make it to the target in a single rotation.
“The further back I step, the more cognisant I have to be of my aim. From six feet away, it’s not too tough to trust instinct, but the more steps back I take, the more I have to make sure my shoulders stay equidistant. Keeping my shoulders together ensures my throwing arm doesn’t swing too far across my body, and so it keeps the trajectory straight.
“Tomahawks are a slightly different beast, and there’s only so far I can choke up on the handle before it becomes wobbly when leaving my hand. Since it can’t just sink into a wooden target without immense force when fighting against the grain, wobbly won’t work. Moreover, the balance point on tomahawks is very close to the top, so they spin a lot faster than an axe or a hatchet.
“It took me a while to figure out that holding it in a ‘thumbs up’ position was the best way to get a slower rotation without choking up any further. The handle slides down the thumb, slowing the rotation and giving me maximum distance from the target.
“After I’ve got all my distances figured out for a single rotation, the real fun begins. Stepping back a little further, holding as low as I can once again, and trying to measure out a double rotation.
“Naru easily throws her tomahawk 20 to 25 feet in Prey, so that was my goal. The thing about tomahawks is they’re heavier than the other single-handed throwing tools I’ve used, so it isn’t as simple as just doubling the distance. There is an arc to the throw, so I incrementally have to account for a bit of distance potential for every rotation I try to fit in. Ultimately, I’ve managed to get that dialled in as well, making about every three of four throws.
“After about a week of idle-minded practice, I’d say I got pretty good, and it’s something I do all the time on the various stumps on my property to keep the skill up.”
Well, we know who we’re going to in the case of a zombie apocalypse or predatory alien hunting season. Please note that this is not intended as a detailed weapon throwing guide. If it does inspire you to try your hand at weapon or tool throwing, we suggest starting with something considerably less sharp than a tomahawk, be sure to take all sensible precautions, and be wary of bounces!
At the time of publication, our second Members’ Corner bounty is open for submissions. If you’d like to win a cash prize for discussing a subject close to your heart, get involved. Image credit: andreanatuoil
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