Thrown Weapons:Inspecting equipment

Inspecting equipment

The equipment and safety standards vary greatly depending upon the type of thrown weapon and the techniques that are used to throw the weapon. All inspections and decisions should be made with the following considerations:

1. How will the user be throwing the weapon? For example, will a knife be thrown by the handle or the blade?
2. Can the weapon be thrown safely?
3. Is the weapon sturdy enough to be thrown?
4. How sharp is the blade? Is it dangerously sharp? Is it sharp enough to stick in the target?
5. How balanced is the weapon? If the weapon is so unbalanced that it would be awkward to swing, the thrower should demonstrate that it can be thrown safely.
6. Is the weapon either excessively light or heavy in weight for the person throwing it?
7. Is the weapon either excessively short or long for the person throwing it?
8. Is the handle taped? If a weapon's handle has been taped or reinforced, it must have been done for a reason. Ask the owner about it.
   1. Give it extra attention; make sure that it is structurally sound and safe.
   2. Duct tape is not an acceptable fix for a handle with a major crack. If it cannot be inspected due to coverings, it should be failed.
9. Is the distance this weapon will travel appropriate for the range where it is being used?