Dear thrower,

old books (by Heinrich Böll) and new handbooks on knife throwing,
stylish throwing knives tested, the World Championship and more
meetings: That's what you'll find below in the spring edition of the
KnifeThrowing.info-Newsletter.

++ Meetings and Competitions 2016
An overview of all major knife thrower meetups in Europe is always
available at:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/thrower-meetings.html

- World Championship in Knife and Axe Throwing, July 21-24, Maniago, Italy
A quaint little village in the foothills of the Alps, only 120km from
Venice or royal Trieste; We are expecting around 150 throwers from all
over the world - last year 12 nations participated! The EuroThrowers
event is open for all throwers, beginners welcome, it's as much about
the fun of throwing together in a friendly environment as about competing!
Registration (obligatory) and details:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/Championship

Some of the other competitions in 2016:
- 3rd - 5th of June, 22nd Western Championshihp in Beaver City, Strážek,
Czech Republic
- 14th of August, KATTA Tournament, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, Great
Britain
- 27th-28th of August, Swiss Championship in Knife and Axe Throwing, St.
Moritz, Switzerland
- 3rd of September, Rigac National Cup, Alsómocsolád, Hungary (Janos,
the organiser, invites international participation, speaks English and
can assist with travel and accommodation)
- 3rd/4th of September, "Silver Knife" Throwing Competition, Moscow, Russia

For the first time, the EuroThrowers Championship did not take place on
the European continent: It was held in Nottinghamshire, Great Britain.
Here's some photos from our stay at Robin Hood:
http://www.messerwerfen.de/werfertreffen_weltmeisterschaft_huthwaite_2015_photos.html

++ Throwing Knives Tested
The well-like Perfect Balance Thrower is now available in a "sport"
edition. But Cold Steel opted for cheap manufacturing, so it can not be
recommended. Full review:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/throwing_knife_perfect_balance_thrower.html

The "Grafknives" from Poland are very robust throwing knives, that
either have well-known ancestors (think "Bowie"), or were conceived with
a single purpose in mind (such as the "Juggle"). Michał Prądzyński
knives have blunt blades, leave the grip when they should, and best of
all he ships within Europe (and to the US) if required. More details:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/self_made_throwing_knives.html#grafknives

To throw knives no-spin, you usually have to train for months. Not so
with this "cheater" knife, the Gyro Dart. Its tip will always face the
target in flight, and it's extremely fun to throw (49€ in our Shop).
Full details:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/gyro_dart_throwing_knife.html

++ Heinrich Böll: The man with the knives
A very entertaining short story: Germany, just after WWII. An ex soldier
is living in the ruins for and off his knife throwing skills. But even
his most astonishing solo act (wooden block on the head) fails to engage
the audience at the varieté. Included in ISBN 039451405X

++ Handbook "Guide to Knife & Axe Throwing" by Dieter
The best German book on knife throwing, now available in English.
Seasoned knife thrower Dieter Führer wrote this comprehensive handbook
on knife and axe throwing, with nice photos of the throwing motions. All
important topics are covered, on occasions with rather compact
explanations. Our full review:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/book_guide_to_knife_and_axe_throwing.html

++ Throwing boredom?
Throwing game ideas galore at our knife games page:
http://www.knifethrowing.info/knife_throwing_games.html

If Snooker, Hangman or Battleship are not enough of a variation, have a
look at this short Russian video with ideas to spice up your throwing
training (crouching, turning,...):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOe0oNnAULI


Now, have fun reading and throwing!

Christian Thiel
--KnifeThrowing.info