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21.11.2015 Throwing Knife vs. Revolver
You of course remember the scene from The magnificent seven, where James Coburn is duelling, his knife against a revolver. He wins - twice.
If this is likely to happen outside Hollywood has been debated for years. Now a group of French knife throwers and revolver shooting enthusiasts has put up a competition event in the spirit of the movie to settle the score: On the signal - a shot of course - a knife thrower and a revolver slinger draw their weapons, and take a go at their respective target. The call which lane was faster is made by an electronic measurement system. Revolvers must be operated with one hand only, to stay true to the movie scene (full regulations). The arms are hanging on the side of the body, near the weapon.
So, who wins? René Issaurat from the Couteau Country Club, one of the initiators of the experiment, explains: "It was a draw between knives and revolvers, but with a tendency for knives being faster. We had a second starting option where the hand was to be placed on the opposite shoulder, which makes it easier for knives. Next year, we will do a completely balanced competition."
Watching a video from one of the timing duels, you will see that the knives are thrown overhand, from over the shoulder, and still can win. In the movie, an underhand throw is used. While it is far less accurate, it could be faster still - some of the competitors at the time throwing duel cup of this year's World Championship indeed threw their knives directly from the sheath.
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