Nice video.  I throw nails and (supposedly bamboo)chopsticks myself now and then, but do not carry them for self defense.  They are just for fun, and "wannabe-ninja" use.
Here is my sharpened chopsticks for indoor use, and Kugigata(nail-shaped ) Shuriken for outdoor use.
Even the bamboo ones can stick in cardboard at 15 feet, but I prefer to use them indoors because even a little wind can blow them away.
timann

I bought a box with 6" nails in a hardware store, when I finaly found one.  When I came home I measured them and found they are really 7 1/4".  This is a rather good lenght for throwing.
The bamboo chopstics are fun, do not do much building damage indoors, and MAY be a bit impressive, too. 
But I would not trust them too much as a throwing self defence weapon .

The video gives a very good idea of how to use such weapons, but they CAN be used on longer distances with a half turn throw.  Even the bamboo ones.  BTW, I just whittle them thin, and use sand paper for the "sharpening".
timann

The Japanese call this type of device "bo-shuriken"  ("stick" shuriken, to differentiate from the more common "star" shaped shuriken)

You throw them much as you'd throw any such weapon or small knife; either from one end or the other, timing the spin, or letting them slide out of the palm for a non-rotational throw. (only effective at shorter range)

There used to be street performers who'd throw apparently-wooded chopsticks through plywood and such, but these are always "gaffed" or rigged; usually with a steel wire through the middle.

Any big hardware store will have a variety of big nails; the so-called "landscape spikes" are great.  You can cut off the heads and grind a better point with any sort of grinder.  (or a file if you're patient....)

The Japanese with sense of mimiscule detail divided their bo-shuriken in several sub-classes, like my nail-shaped kugigata shuriken.  Appearently even a samurai could talk to a carpenter, get some nails, and make or have made shuriken from them.  Other sub-classes is harigata (needle-shaped) shuriken, wich could be a large sewing needle, or just a thin and wery pointy shuriken, and yarihogata shuriken, shaped like a spearhead.

My shopsticks is not "gaffed", my use for them is noiseless indoor throwing to avoid making my wife upset
timann

And now I must go rummage in my shop . . . .

You know, going out for Chinese sounds good tomorrow too. I wonder if you can buy chopsticks in a package like you do toothpicks.

Incidentally, my chosen goodie to throw is my tomahawk. I'm working on a knife to match it. About 15 inches long, 15 ounces. The 'hawk is longer and heavier.

K'Jev

The knife I don't have a picture of yet, but this is the tomahawk. It's actually my second one. (Sorry for hijacking the thread by the way. I'll be looking for some chopsticks tonight) The first was a 15-inch long mouse hawk I bought several years ago in Indiana. It served me well for throwing, camping, and household chores, but was lost in a house fire last year. I bought this one last year at the Portneuf Rendezvous (conveniently across the valley from my house) to replace it. It's longer and heavier, but sticks just as well.

Not the greatest picture. I was still learning how to use our camera. The brown blur below the head is a gaucho knot, braided from flat parachute cord. Theoretically, it's supposed to help keep the head on. In reality, it's like parsley--mostly for looks.

K'Jev

Well I have a new project. Cool thread I had always just thrown my chopsticks into the styrofoam box from up close. I had never thought of trying it at more of a distance.



Nice 'hawk Kjev. It looks a lot like the pair I had. That was really annoying, I had just gotten to where I could stick them reliably, then let a friend borrow them and never saw them again.