Welcome to the TMA - the Traditional Muzzleloading Association

The TMA is always free to access: totally non-profit and therefore no nagging for your money, no sponsors means no endless array of ads to wade through, and no "membership fees" ever required. Brought to you by traditional muzzleloaders with decades of wisdom in weaponry, accoutrements, and along with 18th and 19th century history knowledge of those times during the birth our nation, the United States of America.

!!! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ AN IMPORTANT TMA MESSAGE !!!

Author Topic: Throwing knives  (Read 148 times)

Offline cwgrizz

Throwing knives
« on: January 27, 2026, 09:43:20 PM »
I attended a rendezvous a few months ago and was participating in a hawk & knife throwing competition.  About half way into my throwing, I was stopped and told that my knife was not legal for the competition.  This really surprised me as it is the same knife I have used at vous for over 30 years.  They said it was illegal because it had a point which had cutting edges on each side of the point.  They said that the bowie knife style was all that was legal which only has a cutting edge on one side. I think the knife I was using had probably been purchased at the Winter Nationals in Phoenix back when they still existed and never had an issue.  They told me that they were going by NMLRA rules.  What is correct?  TIA
CWGRIZZ

Online doggoner

  • TMA Contributing Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 181
  • Total likes: 35
  • TMA: Supporting Member # 687
  • TMA Member: Membership Expiration; 9/2021
Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2026, 01:51:09 PM »
Check this site.
https://www.nmlra.org/rules
There is no rule for knives that I saw. YMMV.

doggoner
"A hand on a gun is better than a cop on the phone," --Jerry Ellis, Oklahoma State House of Representatives.

Offline No Powder

  • TMA Contributing Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 895
  • Total likes: 665
  • TMA Exp. Date; Dec. 14 2026
  • TMA: Contributing Member
  • TMA Member: TMA Charter Member #75
  • Location: PA
Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2026, 04:23:09 PM »
I'm glad this question was asked. Because several years ago, I searched for some info on that exact topic. And I struck out. The group I shoot and throw with is very relaxed when it comes to knife and hawk rules. Basically because we are trying to encourage others to join us. Sometimes strict rules discourages newcomers. The knife I throw has one edge. I've only thrown at one vous years ago. Was no problem there. I'm really interested in hearing what anybody has to add.
The only thing I read one time was, the knife had to have an edge the whole length of the blade. But it didn't say anything about using a  double edged blade being wrong.


TMA Exp. Date; Dec.14 , 2026

Online KDubs

Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2026, 07:53:28 AM »
Can't really see why it would matter.
 Probably stitch counters trying to keep it close to a " bowie" knife.
 I've found trying to be HC/PC is very subjective.
I've seen throwing knives stick in a punky hawk block by the handle and they still counted it!
 What's 2 edges gonna do?
 I say throw whut cha brung !
Kevin
TMA Idaho rep.
USAF Medic 1982-1992  Aim High

Online Jim in Wisconsin

Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2026, 08:11:28 AM »
I think I remember a scene in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" about this subject - "There ain't no rules in a knife fight!"

Offline Nessmuk

  • TMA Admin
  • ****
  • Posts: 1285
  • Total likes: 462
  • 2019 thru 2026 Postal Match Director
  • TMA Member: TMA Contributing Member #821
  • Location: OK
Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2026, 11:06:38 AM »
As long as it only has only ONE pointy end what's the difference?
I'm  not  H/C or P/C or even a particularly  good shot but I have a hell of a good time!

Dedicated to the TMA.
Join us, Friend

Online Winter Hawk

Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2026, 03:04:33 AM »
Sounds sort of like, back in 1986 I started shooting with the Forest Hills Black Powder Brigade in Oregon, and the bourgeois said we could not rest our supporting arm against our side.  He wanted to be able to put his fist between your elbow and your body, because that was required by the NMLRA.  I still shoot unsupported, but from photos I see in Muzzle Blasts most folks have that left elbow (for right handed persons) firmly pressed against their sides.  I should look if there is anything in the rules on that....

~Kees~
NMLRA Life
"All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse and a good wife." - D. Boone
USN June 1962-Nov. 65, USS Philip, DD-498

Dues paid to 02 Jan. 2027

Online RobD

Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2026, 09:41:48 AM »
The NMLRA has some wonky rules. 

At least one is dangerous to limb and life. 

I avoid the NMLRA as much as possible and employ my personal common sense rules.

To each their own!

YMMV.


Online RobD

Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2026, 09:57:08 AM »
Sounds sort of like, back in 1986 I started shooting with the Forest Hills Black Powder Brigade in Oregon, and the bourgeois said we could not rest our supporting arm against our side.  He wanted to be able to put his fist between your elbow and your body, because that was required by the NMLRA.  I still shoot unsupported, but from photos I see in Muzzle Blasts most folks have that left elbow (for right handed persons) firmly pressed against their sides.  I should look if there is anything in the rules on that....

~Kees~


What NMLRA nonsense. How you address yer long gun is yer business, as long as there isn't a public safety issue.

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Offline No Powder

  • TMA Contributing Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 895
  • Total likes: 665
  • TMA Exp. Date; Dec. 14 2026
  • TMA: Contributing Member
  • TMA Member: TMA Charter Member #75
  • Location: PA
Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2026, 10:39:07 AM »
Good philosophy. Safety is #1.


TMA Exp. Date; Dec.14 , 2026

Online Winter Hawk

Re: Throwing knives
« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2026, 10:39:25 PM »
I think that that bourgeois had heard from a friend of a friend that this was the rule, and that it really wasn't as evidenced by the photos I see now where the shooters have their elbows tucked tight against their sides, like Rob demonstrates in his photo.  Which was the point I was trying to make that just because somebody says something is in the NMLRA rule book doesn't mean that it really is.

Enough of this, before i get accused of hijacking the thread....

~Kees~
NMLRA Life
"All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse and a good wife." - D. Boone
USN June 1962-Nov. 65, USS Philip, DD-498

Dues paid to 02 Jan. 2027