Women are leading the rise of knife throwing across the country and the world.
As an accessible and affordable hobby, knife throwing is seeing a surge in development and an astounding cultural impact. Since my first knife-throwing tournament over 30 years ago, the sport has steadily grown. One of the largest gatherings of knife throwers began in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, guided by knife designer and champion thrower Joseph “Brokenfeather” Darrah. Now known as Brokenfeatherpallooza, it has evolved into a top national event.
The Quaker State event isn’t alone in rallying throwers in the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition. The Columbia City, Indiana-based Dangerfest—led by online knife-throwing sensation Brandon “Danger” Dillon—has become a mainstay on the throwing circuit.
It’s unsurprising these major events have taken root where they have, given throwing’s deep roots in the region. Michigan is among knife throwing’s historic epicenters, thanks in large part to BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame® member Harry K. McEvoy. As a result, the state has long been home to devoted McEvoy and Tru Balance knife enthusiasts.
During my time at the helm of the Tru Balance Knife Company, I met countless throwers—many of them members of a group known as the Michigan Blade Throwers. This group held frequent tournaments and became a driving force in the regional throwing community. From this large and passionate collective emerged a group of women who would soon redefine knife throwing in Michigan and beyond.
Birth Of A Movement
In 2015, Kelly Grove launched Women With Knives (WWK), igniting the world’s largest women-only knife-throwing league. What began as informal backyard sessions with her husband, Jeff, quickly evolved into a grassroots movement. Long before entering the competitive circuit in 2019, Kelly was already building the sport. In 2018, she organized her first league event, the Gung-Throw, which later became the now-iconic Battle of the Blade Maidens. Kelly’s influence extends even further. A founding member of the Michigan Blade Throwers, she helped establish the state’s first Throwstorm Tournament in 2020. Recognizing the importance of preserving and growing the community she had created, she converted WWK into a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization in 2021.
Kelly officially retired from competitive throwing and league leadership in 2023 but continues to guide WWK as a member of its Board of Directors. Upon stepping down, Kelly appointed Dawn Solomon as Chair and Executive Director of WWK. Under Dawn’s leadership, WWK continues to set record-breaking benchmarks for women’s participation in competitive knife throwing.
Dawn, who entered the sport in 2019, is a dedicated competitor and a member of the Michigan Blade Throwers. Together with her husband, Tim, she operates MBT Range, the largest outdoor throwing range in Michigan. MBT has grown into a hub for seasoned athletes and newcomers alike.
Membership in the WWK is diverse. Teachers, nurses, small business owners, corporate executives, stay-at-home moms, retirees and more fill its ranks. This includes throwers of all ages, ethnicities, fitness levels, abilities and disabilities. All find a place within the league.
The attraction of knife throwing is as distinct as WWK’s members. For some, it’s a release of daily stress; for others, a confidence booster. For practically all, slinging steel is a way to forge lasting friendships. Adding to the escapism knife throwing allows, each member adopts a unique alias. These are proudly displayed on league T-shirts—adding an element of fun, freedom and identity to the experience.
At its core, WWK empowers women by teaching the art of knife throwing while fostering strength, confidence and community. Whether members aspire to compete in sanctioned events or simply want to unleash their inner warrior in a supportive environment, the organization offers a place to belong.
Today, WWK continues to thrive under the guidance of a dedicated Board of Directors and leadership team who share Kelly and Dawn’s mission. Together, they travel the country competing, coaching and championing the sport—ensuring knife throwing continues to grow and welcomes new women into the community.
Live Nationwide
Women have also stepped forward to lead major tournaments across the country. One such event is Blades Out Or Bust (BOOBS), founded by Jessica Gold McClain. A longtime supporter and advocate of the sport, Jessica—also known as “Goldi Lox”—sponsors at least two tournaments annually near her home in Bastrop, Texas.
For Jessica, the passion for knife throwing began in her teenage years. She spent countless hours honing her skills in a friend’s backyard before eventually setting up her own target at home. When she began competing, she was often the only or part of a handful of women at most events.
After a five-year hiatus from the sport, the seed was planted for what would become a powerful new community. In 2019, Jessica founded the Bladed Sisterhood with a bold vision: to unite women around the globe who share a passion for blades. This small idea has grown into a thriving international network where women connect, learn and
celebrate knife, tomahawk and axe throwing.
The organization’s dream is ambitious—to see these disciplines recognized worldwide, including as Olympic events. Until then, the Bladed Sisterhood continues building a community that inspires women, celebrates skill and honors tradition.
While women like Kelly and Jessica built strong foundations at home, others were already taking knife throwing onto the world stage.
Throwing Goes Global
One of those women is Melody Emel, a multi-award-winning champion with more than two decades of experience in the sport. After attending stunt school, Melody developed a deep interest in Western arts, which naturally led her to knife throwing.
Following multiple first- and second-place finishes in major tournaments, Melody founded Blade Aces in Las Vegas to serve and grow the local throwing community. In 2015, she traveled to Europe to compete in the Eurothrowers World Championships for the first time, marking a significant milestone in her international career.
Melody’s passion for both throwing and teaching continues to drive her involvement in events around the world. She actively supports competitions that empower women and raise funds for breast cancer awareness and other causes dedicated to uplifting women.
From backyard grassroots to the global stage of professional competition, women have redefined the sport. With a growing international network and a dedicated leadership, the future of female knife throwing is certain.
More Knife Throwing:
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