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What do you use for a throwing hawk TARGET???

absilits said:
Look fellas, I'm not looking for an arguement here. I simply said that throwing at hay bales will only teach you how to "stick" an axe. I can set up a haybale, stand at seven paces and stick an axe without turning it backwards. What did that teach me? can stick the same axe in a hay bale at four paces. What did that teach me? I can stick an axe in a hay bale from every pace back starting at 1 and ending at 10. What did that teach someone?
All that teaches is height, a little about center and force; thats it. It doesn't teach rotation, it doesn't teach someone how to gauge, it doesn't teach technique, it doesn't teach steps, it doesn't teach stance, it barely teaches muscle memory; and by that I mean the muslces only learn what force is necessary to "stick" in a bundle of straw.
Aside from that, it only teaches bad habits.
If it works for you, go for it.
Like I said, I let my kids throw at hay bales, my students throw at targets.

Edit: spelling.
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no arguement...I was just curious...I have never learned to throw a hawk....I do not think i ever will...but for a skill to have it is great...
 
I like finding a dead standing tree off the trail, though they're crowning all the city owned trees around town right now and I'd love to get my hands on a nice 4x4 slice of oak I can put on a tripod in the back yard...
 
Burningcort said:
no arguement...I was just curious...I have never learned to throw a hawk....I do not think i ever will...but for a skill to have it is great...
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My comments weren't directed toward your question. I have instructed SCA groups, local Scout troops, Re-enactors of all types and individuals who're just interested in learning.
Axe works can range from a fun hobby to a serious study. However most styles of axe fighting will teach that throwing is a last resort sort of thing. It's a very different thing to throw at a static target. To throw at a moving person and get a fatal wound is virtually impossible. One half step off and all you can hope for is a stun blow, something used as a distraction to quickly close the distance and take the opponent down with a back up axe or knife.
And something else Vec said (not trying to start any arguements here, seriously) That a hay bale is an accurate simulation of a man is incorrect.
This isn't my opinion, it's fact.
You see, people who practice Tamishigiri (the art of cutting with a Katana) use tatami mats. Bamboo mats that are tightly rolled and soaked in water. To simulate bone wooden dowels are slid down the center. One mat is close to resistance of an arm, two mats rolled together are close to a leg.
A square bale of hay isn't tightly baled. Nor is it made denser by being soaked in water. The closest thing it does simulate is a gut shot, but the rib cage offers waaaaay more resistance. But, given that a lot of serious axe studies teach that the abdomen is one of the best places to strike ( San Shoo teaches a very effective method of this, as does the Cherokee "way") than I concede that a hay bale may be used to practice those methods. Overall I still standby my opinion that it teaches bad habits.


Sheewww, I haven't typed that much in awhile. Anyway, What I started out trying to say is that 'hawk throwing can be a fun, inexpensive way to have fun. If you have the means to get good cheap axe and easy target to start out with, give it a shot. It can be great stress relief. And it doesn't take much to get a first stick on your target. CitizenQ has a great "wisdom" thread that has plenty of links in it to get you started.
 
Ilike haybales myself for knife throwing. never tried it with a hawk. I do think it will teach better rotation for max dammage on soft targets. Stick it in hard wood and you know what it will look like as it hits the skin. I think soft, punky wood where you can get full blade penetration would be the perfect marriage.
 
Burningcort said:
no arguement...I was just curious...I have never learned to throw a hawk....I do not think i ever will...but for a skill to have it is great...
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You should try it. Mostly because it's easy to learn.

I'm no expert, but that's sorta my point.
I've tried knife throwing several times with generally poor results.
But with a hawk...I watched one video on youtube, went out and succeeded on my second attempt.
 
Sections of tree stumps ...works just fine for me.

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Uranium prospectors ;-)) and a big dead Spruce and assorted old fence posts along my walk in the bush. Been really wanting to whip one at a wild turkey. ;-))

Regards

Robin

Straw bales make great houses too.
 
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