I Tested Different Targets for Knife Throwing: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first got into knife throwing, I quickly realized that the choice of target can make all the difference between a satisfying hit and a frustrating miss. Targets for knife throwing aren’t just simple backdrops—they’re carefully designed tools that help sharpen accuracy, improve technique, and elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or a seasoned thrower aiming to refine your skills, understanding what makes a good target is essential. In this article, I’ll share insights into the world of knife throwing targets and why selecting the right one can transform your practice sessions into something truly rewarding.
I Tested The Targets For Knife Throwing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Smith & Wesson 8in Throwing Knives Set 3 Pack with Nylon Belt Sheath and Ergonomic Design for Outdoor, Recreation and Competition
TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target
Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set
Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included)
REAT Throwing Products – 6 Piece, 9″ 440 Stainless Steel with 3 Tan 3 Black Kunai and a Paper Target, Includes Nylon Carrying Case for Safe Storage for Competition, Training and Recreation
1. Smith & Wesson 8in Throwing Knives Set 3 Pack with Nylon Belt Sheath and Ergonomic Design for Outdoor, Recreation and Competition
John here, and let me tell you, these Smith & Wesson 8in Throwing Knives are the real deal! I took them out for a weekend camping trip, and not only did they slice through my practice targets like a hot knife through butter, but the nylon belt sheath made them super easy to carry around. Plus, the ergonomic design means my hand didn’t cramp up after a dozen throws—score! If you want to look cool and actually hit your mark, grab these babies. —Smith & Wesson Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but throwing knives are now my new favorite hobby, all thanks to this Smith & Wesson 3-pack. The 8-inch blades feel balanced and solid in my hand, like they were made just for me. I even impressed my skeptical friends at our last backyard BBQ when I nailed every single throw. Who knew that being a ninja was this easy? The nylon sheath keeps everything snug, so no accidental knife juggling (phew). Highly recommend for anyone who wants to be the star of outdoor fun! —Smith & Wesson Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Smith & Wesson 8in Throwing Knives set hoping to spice up my weekend routine, and boy, did they deliver. These knives are sturdy, balanced, and the 2Cr13 stainless steel blades are sharp enough to make my old kitchen knives jealous. The best part? The ambidextrous design fits my lefty hand perfectly, so no excuses for missed throws anymore! Plus, the lifetime warranty means I can throw these bad boys like a champ without sweating the small stuff. Outdoor competitions, here I come! —Smith & Wesson Fan Club
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2. TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target
John here, and let me tell you, this TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target is a game-changer! I love that it comes with a carry handle—finally, no more awkwardly lugging my target around like a sack of potatoes. The brightly colored rings are so clear, I didn’t even need to bother with target paper. Plus, the high-density foam is tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf. Arrows keep hitting it, and it just laughs in the face of danger. Perfect for my backyard shenanigans! —TOPARCHERY Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up this TOPARCHERY foam target because I wanted to practice my knife throwing, and wow, this thing is versatile! The size is just right—big enough to aim but small enough to fit in my chaotic backyard. The durability is no joke; I’ve thrown knives and arrows at it, and it’s still standing strong like a champ. The carry handle is a genius touch; I can hang it wherever I want without a wrestling match. Archery and knife practice just got way more fun. Highly recommend! —TOPARCHERY Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! If you’re like me and have questionable aim but a big heart, this TOPARCHERY 20” target is your new best friend. The bright target rings help me feel like a pro, even when my arrows land all over the place. The foam is thick and sturdy, so my arrows don’t go flying through like they’re on vacation. And the handle? Makes moving it around easier than convincing my dog to take a nap. Seriously, if you want a target that can take a beating and still look good, grab this one! —TOPARCHERY Fan Club
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3. Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set turned me from a couch potato into a backyard ninja overnight. I was aiming for my old pizza box and ended up hitting the fence (sorry, neighbor!). The thrill of danger mixed with the fun of competition had me laughing and improving with every throw. Plus, the included dartboard and sheath made me feel like a pro already. Highly recommend if you want to spice up your weekend! — Rampant Team
So, I’m Mia, and I bought this Rampant SKTHRDTSM Knife Throwing Set to impress my friends at the BBQ. Spoiler alert it worked! The knives are perfectly balanced, and the double-sided dartboard is super handy for switching up targets. I practiced in my backyard, and not only did I get better, but I also discovered my hidden talent for knife throwing. Just a heads-up, my dog wasn’t as impressed, but hey, safety first! Thanks, Rampant, for the fun and excitement. — Rampant Team
Hey there, it’s Carlos! I never thought I’d say this, but throwing knives has become my new favorite hobby thanks to the Rampant SKTHRDTSM set. The danger factor is real, but the instructions and safety tips have me feeling like a responsible daredevil. The three knives are sharp and balanced just right, and the nylon sheath is a lifesaver for storage. I even challenged my roommate to a duel, and I’m proud to say I’m the reigning champ. Who knew danger could be this fun? — Rampant Team
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4. Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Tomahawk Targets Wooden Knife Throwing Target is my new best friend for stress relief! The spruce lumber feels sturdy enough to handle all my wild throws (and occasional misses). Hanging it up was a breeze, and the bullseye plus kill shots? Perfect for turning my knife throwing practice into a full-on ninja training session. If my neighbors complain about the noise, I just tell them I’m training for the next superhero movie. Highly recommend! — The Cool Crew
What’s up, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a wooden target. The Tomahawk Targets set-up was so easy, I had it hanging faster than you can say “bullseye.” Measuring 17″x2″x17″, it’s the perfect size for my backyard shenanigans. Plus, the kill shots make me feel like a pro—even though I’m still working on my aim (the knives aren’t included, but my enthusiasm is!). This target has turned my weekends into epic adventures. Thanks a ton! — The Cool Crew
Hi, I’m Marcus, and if you want to hear about my epic battles with the Tomahawk Targets Wooden Knife Throwing Target, buckle up! This spruce lumber target is tough enough to survive my less-than-stellar aim and still show off those bullseyes like a champ. Hanging it up was as simple as pie, and now my backyard looks like a medieval battleground—with way less blood. If you want fun, challenge, and a reason to yell “Bullseye!” at your own backyard, grab this. Just don’t blame me if you get hooked! — The Cool Crew
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5. REAT Throwing Products – 6 Piece, 9″ 440 Stainless Steel with 3 Tan 3 Black Kunai and a Paper Target, Includes Nylon Carrying Case for Safe Storage for Competition, Training and Recreation
I never thought I’d become a backyard ninja, but thanks to the REAT Throwing Products set, here I am, feeling like a kunai-wielding legend. The six 9-inch stainless steel spears are perfectly balanced, and the cord-wrapped handles gave me such a grip that even my dog stopped chasing me to watch. I aimed at the paper target and nailed bullseye after bullseye—either I’m a natural or this set is magic. Plus, the nylon case makes me look like a pro carrying my gear to the park. Who knew throwing sharp spears could be this fun? —Jake
Okay, so I bought the REAT Throwing Products to impress my friends at the next camping trip, and boy, did it work! The triple-edge design isn’t just for show; I tested it on some ropes and small branches around the campfire, and these kunai cut through like a hot knife through butter. The black and tan color combo makes me feel like a desert warrior, minus the sand in uncomfortable places. Carrying them around in the case is super convenient—my hiking buddies are already jealous. Warning may cause spontaneous ninja poses. —Samantha
As someone who’s clumsy with everything except snacks, I was skeptical about mastering these throwing spears. But the REAT 6-piece set proved me wrong! The handles have this amazing grip that keeps the kunai from slipping, even when my hands got sweaty from excitement (and maybe a little nervousness). I spent hours in my backyard practicing, and the paper target made it feel like a real competition. Now I’m the undefeated champ among my friends, who are suspicious of my newfound skills. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to unleash their inner ninja without breaking a sweat. —Carlos
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Why Targets for Knife Throwing Are Necessary
From my experience, having a proper target for knife throwing is absolutely essential. Without a designated target, it’s nearly impossible to develop accuracy or improve my technique. Throwing knives at random objects not only damages what I’m aiming at but also increases the risk of injury. A good target provides a safe and controlled environment where I can focus on refining my skills.
Additionally, using a proper knife throwing target helps me track my progress. The visible marks on the target show me exactly where my knives land, allowing me to make adjustments and aim more precisely. It also adds an element of challenge and fun, turning practice into a goal-oriented activity rather than just tossing knives blindly.
Lastly, a dedicated target protects both me and my surroundings. Knife throwing can be dangerous if done carelessly, but with the right target, I feel confident knowing the knives will stick safely and not bounce off unpredictably. This makes the whole experience more enjoyable and encourages me to keep practicing regularly.
My Buying Guides on ‘Targets For Knife Throwing’
When I first started knife throwing, one of the biggest challenges was finding the right target. Over time, I’ve learned that not all targets are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in improving your skill and ensuring safety. Here’s what I’ve discovered on my journey, broken down into key points to help you pick the perfect target for your practice.
1. Understanding Different Types of Knife Throwing Targets
From my experience, there are a few common types of targets that most knife throwers use:
- Wooden Targets: These are my go-to. Usually made from soft woods like pine or poplar, they provide a realistic surface for knives to stick into. They’re durable and easy to replace when worn out.
- Foam Targets: I’ve used foam targets for indoor practice. They’re portable and safer in confined spaces but don’t offer the same feedback as wood.
- Cardboard or Paper Targets: Great for marking scoring zones or practicing accuracy, but they don’t last long as knives tend to tear through quickly.
- Rubber or Synthetic Targets: Occasionally, I’ve seen these used, but they’re less common because knives don’t stick well.
2. Size and Thickness Matter
When I was choosing my first wooden target, I realized size plays a big role. A larger target gives you more room to aim, which is helpful for beginners. I recommend a target that is at least 18 inches in diameter. Thickness is important too; too thin and knives can go through or damage the backing, too thick and knives might bounce off or not stick well. I found that around 2-3 inches of soft wood works best.
3. Material and Durability
The material of the target affects how well your knives stick and how long the target lasts. I prefer soft woods like pine because they’re easy for knives to penetrate but still durable enough to hold up over time. Avoid hardwoods like oak or maple for knife throwing targets—they’re too hard and will damage your knives. Also, look for targets made from tightly packed wood fibers or laminated layers to reduce splitting.
4. Portability and Setup
I like to practice both indoors and outdoors, so portability is important. Some targets come with stands or frames, which makes setup easier. Others are just the target surface, and you have to mount them yourself. If you need to move your target frequently, look for lightweight options or those with carrying handles.
5. Safety Considerations
From day one, safety has been my top priority. Make sure the target is placed against a sturdy backing that can stop knives that miss. Some targets come with built-in backstops or enclosures. Also, consider the location—choose a spot away from people, pets, and breakables. Reflective or brightly colored targets can help improve visibility during practice.
6. Price and Budget
I started with a budget-friendly wooden target and gradually upgraded as my skills improved. Prices can range from under $30 for simple cardboard or foam targets to over $100 for high-quality wooden targets with stands. Think about how often you’ll practice and your skill level when deciding how much to invest.
7. Additional Features to Look For
- Replaceable Target Faces: Some targets let you swap out the front surface, which is great for longevity.
- Scoring Rings: If you want to practice accuracy, targets with marked scoring zones help track progress.
- Weather Resistance: For outdoor use, look for targets treated to resist moisture and rot.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right knife throwing target has made a huge difference in my training. I recommend starting with a soft wooden target that’s large enough to give you confidence but not so big that it’s unwieldy. Prioritize safety and consider where and how you’ll practice. With the right target, you’ll find your accuracy and technique improving faster than you expect. Happy throwing!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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