For most people, the practical range to throw a knife accurately and have it "stick" (land point-first) is between 10 and 20 feet (3–6 meters). While a knife can physically be thrown much further, its aerodynamics make it difficult to control beyond these distances.
Description. Knives, like axes, are thrown from between 15 and 30 feet away from a target that is painted on the end of a log. The bulls-eye is 3 inches in diameter and worth 3 points, a 9 inch diameter ring around it is worth 2 points, and an 18 inch diameter ring is worth 1.
The longest officially recorded knife throw in history is 42 meters (137.79 feet). This Guinness World Record was set by Turkish athlete Osman Gürcü in Denizli, Turkey, on March 22, 2025. He achieved the historic stick using a heavy-duty, front-balanced "Proton" throwing knife.
1. Myth: A small knife is not dangerous. It is amazing the damage even a small 2-inch blade can do to human flesh. A small knife can be hidden easily and can penetrate an artery before the victim realizes what has happened.
Disguised knives like belt knives, lipstick knives, and cane knives are legal. Throwing knives are legal. Stilettos, dirks, and daggers are legal. Knives that will not set off metal detectors and have a pointed tip are illegal.
Yes, you can throw old knives away in a trash bag if they're properly packaged. Wrap the blades in newspaper or cloth, then secure them in cardboard or a rigid container before placing them in the trash. Never throw away loose blades—they can puncture the bag and cause injury.
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are restricted or illegal in many areas primarily due to their rapid, single-handed deployment and concealability. Lawmakers often classify them alongside switchblades or gravity knives, linking them to historical associations with violent crime and Hollywood portrayals.
A "Texas toothpick" can refer to two entirely different things: a classic, slender pocket knife or a popular Tex-Mex appetizer.
Medium Blades (3-5 inches): These are versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks from self-defense to general utility. They strike a balance between portability and functionality. Long Blades (Over 5 inches): These are often used for heavy-duty tasks like chopping wood or self-defense in extreme situations.
In the high-end folding knife community, the original "Holy Trinity" refers to three legendary American makers who pioneered the modern premium tactical folder. Together, their designs set the gold standard for durability and precision.
Navy SEALs commonly use the Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) for training and the Ontario Mk3 Mod 0 for diving operations. While these are standard-issue, SEALs often choose personalized knives based on preference, such as those from Benchmade, SOG, or custom makers.
In most U.S. states, owning a kukri (or khukuri) — a traditional Nepalese fixed-blade knife — is legal as personal property. There is no federal ban on owning fixed-blade knives like kukris, and many states treat large knives as tools rather than inherently prohibited weapons.
The "stupidest" world records are entirely subjective, but several famously bizarre and pointless achievements frequently top the list of ridiculous Guinness World Records:
Cutting boards made of glass, granite, ceramic, or your dinner plate may look stylish or convenient, but they are the fastest way to destroy a knife's edge. These surfaces are harder than your knife's steel. So every time your blade contacts them, it suffers microscopic edge deformation, chipping, or even rolling.
Rule #1: It is important to use a knife adapted to what you want to do / food you want to prepare. For example, you shouldn't use a bread knife to slice a roast or use the blade of a paring knife and use it as a screwdriver (don't laugh, we've all done it!) Rule #2: Don't drop your knife on the floor.
Although this technique has been used by at least one magician to emulate knife throwing, the great majority of knife throwers perform genuine acts. There are secret tricks behind certain stunts, such as throwing while blindfolded, but they do not involve fake knives springing from the target board.
The "5 A's of self-defense" are a set of principles used to build proactive safety habits and prevent dangerous confrontations. They emphasize that the most effective way to protect yourself is by mitigating risks before a physical altercation occurs.
California follows a “reasonable force” standard when it comes to self-defense. This means: You must have a legitimate reason to believe you're in imminent danger of being harmed. The force you use—including a knife—must be proportional to the threat you face.
Dennis Tueller, the "21-Foot Rule" or Tueller Drill demonstrates that an average attacker armed with a knife can close a distance of 21 feet (6.5 meters) in about 1.5 seconds. That's faster than most trained defenders can recognize the threat, draw their firearm, aim, and fire.
The only knife federally banned across the U.S. is the ballistic knife (a spring-loaded knife that shoots its blade). All other restrictions—such as bans on switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives—are determined entirely by individual state and local laws, which vary drastically.
In the sharpening phase, we do not recommend any current WD-40® Brand Products although some may be used later for storage & protection. For sharpening stones the lubrication can come from water or oil.
In trucking culture, the phrase "trucker toothpicks" refers to toothpicks soaked in powerful stimulants—historically liquid methamphetamine or potent chemicals—that drivers would chew on to stay awake during long, grueling cross-country hauls.
Karambits are not federally banned in the US, but they are highly restricted in many areas. They face heavy regulations for three main reasons:
The law describes them as knives with blades at least two inches long that open automatically by mechanical action or blade weight. Carrying a gravity knife on your person or in a vehicle violates California Penal Code Section 21510, a misdemeanor.
No, OTF (out-the-front) and automatic knives are not legal in all 50 states. While the vast majority of U.S. states allow civilian ownership and carry, several states still enforce strict bans or restrictions.