David Adamovich

World’s Fastest Knife Thrower

The Reverend Dr. David Adamovich is the world's faster and most accurate knife thrower. Better known as "The Great Throwdini," Adamovich holds 25 world records and the Guinness world record for "Most Knives Thrown Around a Human Target in 1 Minute" (102, in case you were wondering). Adamovich only began throwing knives at the age of 50; he holds a doctorate of education degree in exercise physiology from Columbia University and taught graduate students for 18 years. He is also an ordained minister, and he has managed a billiard hall. The Great Throwdini is a currently fixture in the New York sideshow and burlesque scene, and he has performed in venues around the globe. In 2009, he received the Merlin Award from the International Magicians Society.

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The Great Throwdini in Action

Knife thrower David Adamovich walks us through some of his most popular stunts.

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5 min

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David Adamovich

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Who Would Want to Be a Knife Thrower’s Assistant?

Though Throwdini’s first target was a man, all the rest since have been women. Part of the act’s appeal is wondering what happens off-stage, he says.

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3 min

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David Adamovich

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How to Catch a Bullet

The most dangerous stunt “The Great Throwdini” has ever attempted involved catching bullets, knives, and arrows—and it did not go according to plan.

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4 min

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David Adamovich

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The Physics of Knife Throwing

The Great Throwdini shows us his favorite projectiles and explains the mechanics of making them always hit the right spot.

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3 min

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David Adamovich

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A Knife Thrower’s Confession

David Adamovich didn’t start throwing knives until he was 50 years old. He admits that in his career as a thrower he’s “scraped” a girl. But “I’ve never impaled the […]

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4 min

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David Adamovich

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A Big Think Interview with David Adamovich

A conversation with the world’s fastest knife-thrower.

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19 min

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David Adamovich