I just got some throwing stars (but I'm on vacation so I have nothing to throw them at. Sad. :( ) and I'm completely new to it. Do any of you guys have any advice? And should I sharpen up the tips because they don't feel that sharp. (I would try them as is regardless to test their performance before I mess with them)
Being too safe is not safe enough. When you use these, you need to understand that you're not playing with a toy. In other words, no throwing unless you're okay with breaking, hurting, possibly killing anything, everything, and anyone in front of you. Set yourself up a throwing range, where you can use them 0 risk of a bad throw escaping and doing damage.
Now that that's out of the way...
I don't know much about throwing, but I've been shooting which is a similar concept. I recommend keeping it simple (and keeping them dull) until you get the hang of it. Learn the basics first, then you can start moving on to more advanced stuff once your skills are solid. You may want to invest in a foam archery target - it might work nicely.
That's my recommendation.
Quote from: Taysby on February 15, 2014, 11:53:02 PM
Thanks, I also shoot so I know to not throw it at something living. ;). I also have a foam archery target, buuuuut... My dad won't let me throw my stars at it. Guess I'll just do it when he's not around. ;)
I was originally thinking of throwing it at plywood,
Plywood is your best friend.
Anyway, I would assume throwing stars are similar to throwing knives, then I realized that you throwing stars different then knives. :(
However, Gorzo is right about keeping them relatively dull while learning, and about the general setup. My old little area for knofe throwing was actually outside, directly at my house, away from any windows/doors. I stuck a big piece of plywood up, and just threw away. However, if you live in an apartment, or a house that is really close to your neighbors, don't do that. At that point, throw them in your room. Again, stick up that big piece of plywood, and throw at the wall opposite to your door.
Form-wise, again we throw differently so... Good luck!
Could it be very dissimilar from throwing cards? (Like 52 card decks)
They're both generally flat and pretty uniform (unlike a knife with the blade on only one end)
If your intention is to get good you might wanna try those first to damage less stuff
Also, flicker called it with the plywood
I follow a very strict code of conduct while using throwing stars or anything that could be moderately related to them (old CD's, origami throwing stars, etc,). While strict, it is also very simple. Here are a few rough guidelines:
1. See #2.
2. Yell "NEEENJAH STAR" as you throw it.
3. See #1.
I hope these quick guidelines help your overall enjoyment of your newly-acquired throwing stars.