My Soulthrower Open 2026, part I

It's often said that a criminal often returns to the scene of the crime. Apparently, this also applies to knife throwers. Last year I missed this competition, but this year I had the opportunity to attend. It was finally time for the first of three competitions of the year for me, the Soulthrower Open in Arboga.

A competition that, when I participated in for the first time, offered strong international competition. Unfortunately, there would be significantly less of that this year. The state of the world and the economy of individuals are putting a damper on many people.

Unusually, I did not travel together with my dear wife, but this was a solo trip. This means that the 480 km long car journey from Småland to Västmandland was a little longer and tougher than usual. But with a couple of stops, it went well. A hearty cup of coffee always does the trick. The way up was pure transport, so the extra small roads were avoided. However, most of the holiday traffic was heading the other direction, so the roads were relatively free of vehicles.

There was one problem: it was over thirty degrees when I started, and our car does not have AC. It certainly has a button marked "A/C", but the only thing that happens if you press it is that a green light is visible. Nice but not particularly cooling. 

A much-needed break in the region of Askersund, more specifically, the Hammarsund Bridge. Many hours in a car, hotter than 30 degrees, take their toll

Once there, I checked into an Airbnb in the centre of Arboga at the home of an extremely sympathetic older gentleman who turned out to be an artist with a checkered past. He also had a provident little dog, which turned out to be the centre of my attention a while later.

The second stop was the Arboga sportkastingsklubb's indoor arena. After a bit of socialising and greeting people I hadn't seen since last year, it was time for something of a surprise competition. The weekend started with a jump start, which meant duel throwing more or less on a standing foot.

This is where the dog came into the picture. I had neither training clothes nor a belt on me. Two things that are good to have if you are going to throw a knife. Shirts tend to get tight around the arms when you throw, and without a belt, you can't wear a knife sheath, which is a requirement in this specific sport. So it was just a sprint back to the accommodation on the other side of town, which thankfully isn't that big, to make up for the shortfall. 

The only problem was that Lady, the family dog, aimed for the door when I arrived and ran out! Panic was what I felt. The dog was very wary of strangers, as she was a rescued street dog from Ireland. Luckily, I somehow managed to persuade the little one not to run away, and I was able to lead her back inside. She is so old that I had to help her up the stairs.

Two beards duel, Pehart vs. Karlsson

Then there was a mixed warm-up/workshop. The latter, especially for me, who does not have access to any machines for timing and has never practised "quick draw". The principle is not difficult, but there are many details to think about. Tips and advice are therefore welcome for a beginner like me. But generally it went well, both in the warm-up and the throw. It can be stated that I am relatively safe, but in this context, slow. I rarely miss, but I am not fast. So I had nothing to do with the lead, something I did not expect either. The final consisted of the battle between the beards. In fact, the podium was sorted by the length of facial hair. With this, I have also revealed that Mr Soultrower himself did not actually win the standings but came second. Rickard has the longest beard and Simon the shortest.

After the competition, we talked over a couple of pizzas and Chinese food. Various topics were covered, and I also managed to visit the company that is located in the same premises as Arboga SK, Bra Billigt. They are developing a range of throwing knives that I got to see and test throw. It was a variant of a Seax that I believe in.

One of the models recently developed by Bra Billigt together with ASK

But since people are nice and I have a hard time being in between, time flew by. It was time to head for bed and get ready for tomorrow's activities. It would be more than expected, it would turn out.

Saturday's schedule included Walk Back in both knife and No Spin, as well as various Games. I knew most of them, but there was also something called "Mystery Game", which, of course, aroused some curiosity. Otherwise, it was Mountain Man, Speed ​​Throwing, Double Bit, Silhouette Throwing and Plank. In addition, distance throwing in both knife disciplines and basic games in Coutanque will also be completed. A very substantial program, in other words.

Then, as usual, there was going to be an axe competition on Sunday, that's how it was planned anyway. However, the reality looked a little different.

/ J - your thrower in the ether