Throwing a Hawk

[Welchman]

I have an H&B Forge Shawnee Hawk and Throwing knife. From 18 feet I can within a couple of inches stick the hawk 95% and the knife 80-90% of the time. I'm going to a shoot in a couple of weeks and as an observer the last time they had a unhand throw of the hawk. I can stick it 10% underhanded. Any suggestion as to how I can improve my throw. I throw 1/2 hr. each day.

Thanks,

Welchman

 

[MountainXBGL]

This is going to sound really dumb maybe, but back when I was a kid and participated in the throwing events, I dont remember the distance being 18' but I believe 12'. Is that right or is my memory wrong?

When I was throwing from 12', I had one rotation with hawk and knife and to throw underhanded, I had to take a full stride(2 steps) back to accomplish 1.5 rotations.

 

[redriverclerk]

It's been a while, but if you throw underhand, blade backward, it should be the same pacing as overhand. If you throw underhand blade forward, it is the same as throwing overhand blade backward (2 paces further back). As with many things, developing consistent motion is the key.

 

[Welchman]

I don't know what distance is the norm or set by regs by NMLA? but I take 5 steps plus another back to throw. I'll have to actual measure may closer than I think?

Thanks,

Welchman

 

[paulvallandigham]

I know of no set distances for throwing hawks. That would be almost impossible unless you also mandates certain length and weight restrictions on the hawks. I have never bothered to use a tape measure when throwing, but if you are going to throw the hawk underhanded, blade forward, you do need to shorten the distance some from what you use throwing overhand, blade forward. It probably will be about 12 feet, as has been suggested.

Welchman: I am trying to make heads and tails of your post. I don't know what taking " 5 steps and another back " means. Does that mean you take 6 steps back from the target to throw overhand, or only 4 steps? I don't know how long your " step " is either, so this doesn't tell me any useful information on where to stand to hit the target.

When we are throwing overhand, we are 15-16 feet back of the target. Where each man stands depends on his height, his arm length, the weight and length of the handle on his hawk, and even where he grips the handle. Since we each step into the throw differently, even the length of our legs, and how long we stride affects where we begin when we throw that hawk. I remember having to find a spot that was comfortable for me, and even that changed as I got more experience, and relaxed more.

 

[bwhoffman]

lots of practice! try different throws different ways.....underhand, overhand, 1 rotation, 2 rotations, 1 1/2 rotations ect.
MOST clubs either have a "mark" to throw from or you pick your own, with no "pacing off" prior to your first throw.

what I do is guess my spot and throw the least point value throw, then collect my hawk/knife and pace it back and choose a landmark.
sharp blades and corners are a real advantage!

I also have been making my own handles for the hawk...I go with a shorter handle with a slight curve swept rearward, just a little added advantage!

for what its worth,
Brett

 

[TexiKan]

I know of no set distances for throwing hawks.

I believe the NMLRA rule book specifies a minimum distance of 10 feet. I recall this was a topic on this forum in the past. I related how we had a certain, visiting competitor who achieved remarkable accuracy with a very short handled hawk. He was able to throw with one revolution, as required, and because of the short handle, he was able to stand very close to the block! We now follow the NMLRA min. distance guidelines and have it marked. Other than that, there is no set distance because of individual throwing characteristics.

TexiKan

 

[Welchman]

Paul,

5 steps and another back. You're right doesn't make sense. What I meant was I pace off 5 steps stop and turn then step back appox 1 ft with my right foot. I measured if off and it not quite at 15 feet.

Welchman

 

[MountainXBGL]

At that distance (approx. 15') are you getting 1.5 turns with a knife? Throwing by the blade?

If that is so, you may want to move in a step/step and a 1/2 and try a few throws from the handle.

The underhanded hawk throw from your 15 feet sounds about right for a blade first throw.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

I help out at the F&I Fort in Explore Park in the Blue Ridge from time to time, and one of the few things I do there is instruct visitors how to throw a hawk. I'm not a great hawk thrower, but at the one rotation distance I'm consistant, and I've had a lot of experience teaching people unusual eye-hand exercises, so I get elected to throw hawks. OK, I like it...

The "take 6-steps from the target and turn around" usually gets most people into the general area they need to be to get one rotation of the hawk. Steps are different lengths for each person because different people come in different heights and arm lengths and any set distance wouldn't work for all or even most people.

In any case after they throw the hawk once or twice, I may move them up or back a little to get better on the rotation. Then all they have to do is throw it with an easy motion, don't flip it, keep it in a straight plane, don't let go too soon, don't let go too late, etc... What's amazing is that young kids and women seem to pick it up pretty easily. Eddie Goode runs the F&I section at Explore Park and his wife is dangerously good with a hawk.

Not sure I would have taught my wife that skill... :rotf:

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Ah-h-h-! NOw I understand. I believe I actually stand about 15 feet from the butts when I throw underhanded, and also a step maybe back from there to throw over handed. I know its about the same distance as a freethrow line is on a basketball court. Throwing hawks is a lot more interesting!

 

"six steps..." Hmmmm...the old reference to hawk throwing, Rev Dodderidge, says 5 steps, and I have found that for me that works real well. Of course everyones 'step' is a little different--as are hawk dimensions.

 

[wetpowder]

With some trial and error I ended at 17 feets and the hawk would stick at a 45 angle. You are right about "steps & dimension" With a knife I found 17 was too far away. 15 feet was right. Some step in more when they throw. Just like different ways people bowl. :hmm:

 

[hobbles]

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[Twisted_1in66]

"six steps..." Hmmmm...the old reference to hawk throwing, Rev Dodderidge, says 5 steps, and I have found that for me that works real well. Of course everyones 'step' is a little different--as are hawk dimensions.

I've seen 5, 6, & 7 recommended as starting positions. For me, 6 has worked best as a "starting point" and I often make adjustments. The way they make the throw influences starting distance too. I have folks toe the line and then step forward with their left foot as they throw with their right hand (presuming right-handed). Some people stand with an open stance and throw without stepping so it would be a closer start for them. And of course, the handle length has a lot to do with how long it takes to make one revolution. Whole idea is to get it close and adjust from there.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup: