Suggestions for "synthetic" targets

BryFry

BryFry

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just wondering if anyone has tried useing archery or other synthetic targets for knife throwing? And how did they work for you?

I thought I'd try out a wallmart foam archery target, and found that blades sink into very easily, maybe too easy, and that it didn't take long at all for the styrofoam (however you spell that) to fall apart and start to get all over the place.

I know people might say that you can't go wrong with wood, but I was just wondering about other "softer" options. I figured a softer target might be used to practice throwing "nicer" knives (that one would not normaly throw), without damageing them.

Anyway, any thoughts/ ideas would be appreciated.:)
 
You'll probably hack through it pretty fast. I've used a cheap boogie board. If I were to do it over I'd glue some cardboard to the back for a little more durability. I'm real interested to see how it works out for you.
 
I used a haybale. It holds up a long time. If you don't have access to a haybale then make one out of cardboard scraps. Just tie the stuff together after aligning it. It must be TIGHT for it to work. A softer target allows you to throw cheaper knives too. The myriad stainless steel knives can easily break on hard targets, not so on a soft target. A softer target will also better approximate flesh as far as your distance (not that that is a huge consideration). Frankly I like both hard and soft targets, but when learning to throw a new knife or learning a different throwing style, I'm chunkin' at the haybale.
 
You could try getting several layers of cardboard (try the local grocery store). Stack several layers about 10 -15, drill through them and use zip ties to hold them together. I have tried glue and it usually leaves an unpleasant residue on the knife after a stick. Good luck
 
aleyn1975 said:
I used a haybale. It holds up a long time. If you don't have access to a haybale then make one out of cardboard scraps. Just tie the stuff together after aligning it. It must be TIGHT for it to work. A softer target allows you to throw cheaper knives too. The myriad stainless steel knives can easily break on hard targets, not so on a soft target. A softer target will also better approximate flesh as far as your distance (not that that is a huge consideration). Frankly I like both hard and soft targets, but when learning to throw a new knife or learning a different throwing style, I'm chunkin' at the haybale.
Click to expand...

I've had a hell of a time trying to find my knife in the middle of a bale of hay before!
 
masivatak said:
You'll probably hack through it pretty fast. I've used a cheap boogie board. If I were to do it over I'd glue some cardboard to the back for a little more durability. I'm real interested to see how it works out for you.
Click to expand...

ooh, i like the boogie board idea! maybe some foam insulation?

how about cork board?
 
donna-conna board (that fibrous board used for various construction jobs....) get a couple of 4 x 8 sheets, make about 8 squares in each piece, score and cut, then glue and stack em up. pin on your target.
 
I've used some archery targets with some success. In my mind, anything will make a mess. I like the archery targets for the noise reduction.

The rigid foam insulation that is silver on one side and black/blue on the other side is incredibly loud and not durable.
 
I owe nixelplix an apology for laughing at his agony.
although it must have been a pretty good throw!
 
It happened more than once! Usually when I was throwing flat knives with no handle scales or wrap. At least I knew where they were, though. I had one knife disappear behind a target that was found five years later.
 
a darwin award has been given to an archer who overshot his target into the woods.

he was looking for his arrow, so he asked his friend to shoot another arrow over the target so he'd have a better idea of where his might have gone. he was subsequently struck and killed by his friend's arrow.

i'm toying with the bristle board principle, where damage is not done to the surface because the dart passes between layers of material and is held by friction.

what about a massive amount of coffee stirrers or something along those lines? you'd need some way to cram them all together, like a trash can or shoeboxes.
 
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