Starting out with spikes?

Shotgun

Shotgun

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Feb 3, 2006
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I've always been drawn to throwing spikes. I think it's mainly due to the simplicity of it. So I was looking at trying it out but was wondering if there was a way I can do it on the cheap? Would big nails from the hardware store do the trick? I've had a little exposure to throwning knives. I owned a Gil Hibben for a while about 10 years ago.
 
I've only done a very little with spikes, though I throw a fair number of knives I make :D

with a lathe, I think large nails are fine- but you need to turn them a bit to make things work.

Rebar would be a great material for this. (In fact, I may have to look into it a bit)
 
i've tried nails before and dont think they are very good for a beginner. the main reason being they are too light and dont tend to stick very well. its also hard to get down a consistant technique for knife throwing by using nails and they tend to spin too many times for you to get your distance and technique down. I'd stick with a good throwing knife if i were you. 9oz and higher and about 11-15 inchs long would be good i think.
 
I'm looking at 12 inch nails, myself- that's what "big nail" means out here - 12 or 16. :)

I am definitely trying out the rebar.
 
Try a google shopping search for "10" drift punch." They are already tapered and hardened (but soft enough to file), you just need to add the final point.
 
You will find that "Nails" 12" or whatever may tend to bend on you when you hit sideways... Ask how I know this :)
"Weldable" Rebar has some carbon in it and can be hardened somewhat usually 1045 steel. Buy a 6' piece of 1/2" or 3/8" and have the guys at the yard cut it to the sizes you want. Wrap the handle with tape or Paracord use the neighbors bench grinder and your in Bizness!
Bright Paracord or Electricians tape will give a good reference for spins
Now go annoy your neighbors
 
Hit the grocery store and pick up a pack of 9" to 12" metal skewers.

Not quite spikes, but they throw really well, stick into a variety of targets, and are a great intro to various throwing techniques.

Don't get the longer ones (over 12") as they have a tendency to bend during flight, and you'll spend more time straightening them out after each throw than actually throwing them.
 
I've thrown big nails for the fun of it. They don't have enough weight to stick into wood very well, but if you have some cardboard laying around you can make a suitable target. Are they the best throwers... no. Are they cheap, readily availible, and reasonably entertaining... yes, yes, and for me, yes.
 
Have you seen this guy before? He throws with nails and a bunch of other stuff. He has other vids.
[video=youtube;mK1T2rMONbs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK1T2rMONbs[/video]

I made some out of tent stakes by sawing off the heads and doing some sharpening. They were $1 a piece but I've never thrown them, though I know they will work fine. I throw very thin and light needles made out of an aluminum clothes hanger into a cardboard target. They are good for indoors, but are hard to aim with consistency.

I think using square stock is better for consistent release, but nails or tent stakes will do just fine.
 
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