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[[File:Earlyjuggling 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Juggling with balls and knives (circa 18th century)]]
:''This article focuses on one aspect of [[toss juggling]]. For a more general discussion of juggling, see the main article: [[Juggling]]''
[[File:6428 - Luzern - Juggler.JPG|thumb| - Luzern - Juggler]]
[[File:Earlyjuggling 1.jpg|thumb|Juggling with balls and knives (circa 18th century)]]


'''Knife juggling''' is a variant of [[toss juggling]] using special [[knives]] as [[juggling prop|props]] which are thrown and caught. Although knives are sometimes juggled recreationally, it is generally a [[performance art]]. Knife juggling is typically seen performed by [[Busking|street entertainers]] as part of a [http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g154945-d219337-i102804288-Inner_Harbour-Victoria_Victoria_Capital_Regional_District_Vancouver_Islan.html routine] or at art or historical [[festivals]].
'''Knife juggling''' is a variant of [[toss juggling]] using blunt [[knives]] as [[juggling prop|props]] which are thrown and caught. Although knives are sometimes juggled recreationally, it is generally a [[performance art]]. Knife juggling is typically seen performed by [[Busking|street entertainers]] as part of a routine, or at art or historical [[festivals]].


The knives are thrown with vertical spin, lending them stability in the air, and are typically allowed to rotate once or twice before being caught. Knife juggling can be performed with any number of objects, but the vast majority of performers use three knives. Patterns used are usually basic and consist solely of a [[Cascade (juggling)|cascade]], and sometimes involve simple juggling tricks such as an under the leg throw. This is due the unwieldy nature and increased weight of knives and the increased level of danger when compared to such props as juggling clubs.
The knives are thrown with vertical spin, lending them stability in the air, and are typically allowed to rotate once or twice before being caught. Knife juggling can be performed with any number of objects, but the vast majority of performers use three knives. Patterns used are usually basic and consist solely of a [[Cascade (juggling)|cascade]], and sometimes involve simple juggling tricks such as an under the leg throw. This is due the unwieldy nature and increased weight of knives and the increased level of danger when compared to such props as juggling clubs.


==Dangerous Props==
==Knives used==


[[File:6428 - Luzern - Juggler.JPG|thumb|A street performer in [[Lucerne]] juggling with knives]]
Juggling is rarely performed with sharp knives, because there is little point in increasing the risk to performer for no aesthetic benefit. Specially balanced juggling knives are used, usually with a bevelled edge to appear sharp.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bradbury|first1=David|title=Juggling Knives - Method|url=http://www.juggling.org/help/other-props/knives.html|website=Juggling Knives|accessdate=2014-08-14}}</ref> Performing with genuine [[machetes]] is not generally advised because the spin and balance are unfavourable, and tricks beyond the basics become much more difficult. Various bladed implements ''can'' be juggled, but many have a dangerous and unpredictable spin as seen on an [[axe]] or [[chainsaw]]. Such items are generally avoided, although chainsaws provide a preferable spin to axes if needs must.
Juggling is rarely performed with sharp knives, because there is little point in increasing the risk to performer for no aesthetic benefit. Specially balanced juggling knives are used, usually with a bevelled edge to appear sharp.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bradbury|first1=David|title=Juggling Knives - Method|url=http://www.juggling.org/help/other-props/knives.html|website=Juggling Knives|accessdate=2014-08-14}}</ref> Performing with genuine [[machetes]] is not generally advised because the spin and balance are unfavourable, and tricks beyond the basics become much more difficult. Various bladed implements ''can'' be juggled, but many have a dangerous and unpredictable spin as seen on an [[axe]] or [[chainsaw]]. Such items are generally avoided, although chainsaws provide a preferable spin to axes if needs must.


Juggling knives are constructed with a blade of [[steel]] or sheet aluminium several millimeters thick and a wooden or composite handle such as found on juggling clubs. The blades are often [[scimitar]] shaped with a [[bevel]]led 'cutting' edge, and the other edges are rolled to prevent injury. The other common blade shape is an elongated diamond with all edges and the point rolled or otherwise made safe. While this makes knife juggling much safer than popularly assumed, knives can still cause severe [[Physical trauma|trauma]] injuries to the head and body when falling from a height. Because of this, the juggling of large lumps of metal should only be attempted by competent club jugglers who understand the risks.
Juggling knives are constructed with a blade of [[steel]] or sheet aluminium several millimeters thick and a wooden or composite handle such as found on juggling clubs. The blades are often [[scimitar]] shaped with a [[bevel]]led 'cutting' edge, and the other edges are rolled to prevent injury. The other common blade shape is an elongated diamond with all edges and the point rolled or otherwise made safe. While this makes knife juggling much safer than popularly assumed, knives can still cause severe [[Physical trauma|trauma]] injuries to the head and body when falling from a height. Because of this, the juggling of large lumps of metal should only be attempted by competent club jugglers who understand the risks.


== World Records ==
== World records ==
The current world records for juggling both five (103 throws and catches) and six knives (six throws and six catches) are held by [[Thom Wall]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://recordsetter.com/world-record/catches-juggling-five-knives/44689|title=Most Catches Juggling Five Knives|website=RecordSetter|language=en|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://recordsetter.com/world-record/catches-juggling-six-knives/34341|title=Most Catches Juggling Six Knives|website=RecordSetter|language=en|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref>
The current world records for juggling both five (103 throws and catches) and six knives (six throws and six catches) are held by [[Thom Wall]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://recordsetter.com/world-record/catches-juggling-five-knives/44689|title=Most Catches Juggling Five Knives|website=RecordSetter|language=en|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://recordsetter.com/world-record/catches-juggling-six-knives/34341|title=Most Catches Juggling Six Knives|website=RecordSetter|language=en|access-date=2019-03-31}}</ref>



Revision as of 13:05, 1 April 2019

Juggling with balls and knives (circa 18th century)

Knife juggling is a variant of toss juggling using blunt knives as props which are thrown and caught. Although knives are sometimes juggled recreationally, it is generally a performance art. Knife juggling is typically seen performed by street entertainers as part of a routine, or at art or historical festivals.

The knives are thrown with vertical spin, lending them stability in the air, and are typically allowed to rotate once or twice before being caught. Knife juggling can be performed with any number of objects, but the vast majority of performers use three knives. Patterns used are usually basic and consist solely of a cascade, and sometimes involve simple juggling tricks such as an under the leg throw. This is due the unwieldy nature and increased weight of knives and the increased level of danger when compared to such props as juggling clubs.

Knives used

A street performer in Lucerne juggling with knives

Juggling is rarely performed with sharp knives, because there is little point in increasing the risk to performer for no aesthetic benefit. Specially balanced juggling knives are used, usually with a bevelled edge to appear sharp.[1] Performing with genuine machetes is not generally advised because the spin and balance are unfavourable, and tricks beyond the basics become much more difficult. Various bladed implements can be juggled, but many have a dangerous and unpredictable spin as seen on an axe or chainsaw. Such items are generally avoided, although chainsaws provide a preferable spin to axes if needs must.

Juggling knives are constructed with a blade of steel or sheet aluminium several millimeters thick and a wooden or composite handle such as found on juggling clubs. The blades are often scimitar shaped with a bevelled 'cutting' edge, and the other edges are rolled to prevent injury. The other common blade shape is an elongated diamond with all edges and the point rolled or otherwise made safe. While this makes knife juggling much safer than popularly assumed, knives can still cause severe trauma injuries to the head and body when falling from a height. Because of this, the juggling of large lumps of metal should only be attempted by competent club jugglers who understand the risks.

World records

The current world records for juggling both five (103 throws and catches) and six knives (six throws and six catches) are held by Thom Wall. [2][3]

References

  1. ^ Bradbury, David. "Juggling Knives - Method". Juggling Knives. Retrieved 2014-08-14.
  2. ^ "Most Catches Juggling Five Knives". RecordSetter. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  3. ^ "Most Catches Juggling Six Knives". RecordSetter. Retrieved 2019-03-31.