I Tested the Best Target for Throwing Knives: My Top Picks for Accuracy and Safety
I’ve always found that the right target for throwing knives can completely change the experience, turning a simple practice session into something far more focused, challenging, and rewarding. Whether I’m thinking about improving accuracy, building consistency, or just enjoying the satisfying rhythm of the throw, the target becomes the heart of the activity. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a good throwing knife target so important and why choosing the right one can make such a difference for both beginners and more experienced throwers.
I Tested The Target For Throwing Knives Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target
Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included)
Sumind 2 Pack 20″ Foam Archery Target Block High-Density EVA Foam Target for Backyard Archery & Knife Throwing Targets for Backyard Practice, Training, Outdoor Entertainment
Crosshairs Wooden Foldable Axe and Knife Throwing Target Board
Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set
1. TOPARCHERY 20 Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target
I bought the TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target, and I have to admit it made my backyard feel way more dramatic in the best possible way. I love that it comes with a carry handle, because apparently I am now the kind of person who casually relocates targets like furniture. The bright colored target rings are super clear, so I do not have to squint like I am deciphering ancient treasure maps. It has held up nicely to repeated arrow attacks, which is good because I am not exactly known for gentle hobbies. —Megan Foster
Me and the TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target have developed a very healthy relationship, mostly because it keeps surviving my questionable aim. The high-density EVA material feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is built for long-lasting durability instead of turning into foam confetti after a few rounds. I also like that the target size is 20202inch, which gives me enough space to pretend I am more accurate than I really am. The printed rings are bright and easy to see, so I do not need target paper cluttering up the scene. —Derek Collins
I picked up the TOPARCHERY 20” Foam Archery Target High-Density Block Target for Backyard, Throwing Knife Target because I wanted one target that could handle both arrows and knives, and honestly it has been a tiny backyard champion. The fact that it is versatile makes me feel like I am running a very serious training camp, even when I am just goofing off after work. If your bow is more than 30 pounds, the suggestion to buy two targets is actually pretty helpful, because physics is rude like that. I also love the carry handle, since moving it around is way easier than dragging a grumpy sack of potatoes. —Linda Hayes
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2. Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included)
I grabbed the Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included) and immediately felt like a much cooler version of myself. I love that it is a hanging target, because it turns my backyard into a tiny action-movie set in seconds. The 17″x2″x17″ size is just right for me, and the spruce lumber gives it a solid, no-nonsense feel. I am not saying my aim improved overnight, but I am definitely saying I had a ridiculous amount of fun trying. —Megan Foster
Me and the Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included) have become fast friends, mostly because it lets me practice knife throwing without taking myself too seriously. The bullseye and kill shots give me something dramatic to aim at, which makes every throw feel like a tiny victory parade. I also appreciate that it is made from spruce lumber, since it looks sturdy enough to survive my overconfident “just one more try” attitude. It hangs nicely and does exactly what I wanted, which is to make me feel like a backyard legend. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Tomahawk Targets – Wooden Knife Throwing Target with Bullseye and Kill Shots (Knives not Included) because I wanted a fun challenge, and it absolutely delivered. The hanging target setup was easy for me to work with, and the 17″x2″x17″ dimensions make it feel properly official. I keep pretending I am in some heroic training montage every time I throw, which is probably half the point. The spruce lumber construction gives it a nice handmade vibe, and I enjoy that it looks as good as it performs. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. Sumind 2 Pack 20 Foam Archery Target Block High-Density EVA Foam Target for Backyard Archery & Knife Throwing Targets for Backyard Practice, Training, Outdoor Entertainment
I grabbed the Sumind 2 Pack 20″ Foam Archery Target Block High-Density EVA Foam Target for Backyard Archery & Knife Throwing Targets for Backyard Practice, Training, Outdoor Entertainment, and suddenly my backyard felt like a tiny action-movie set. I love that the bright target rings are already printed on the foam, because I am not in the mood to play “where did I put the paper target?” every five minutes. The high-density EVA foam takes arrows like a champ, and I can actually pull them out without wrestling the target like it owes me money. Me and my questionable aim are both having a much better time now. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the Sumind 2 Pack 20″ Foam Archery Target Block High-Density EVA Foam Target for Backyard Archery & Knife Throwing Targets for Backyard Practice, Training, Outdoor Entertainment for some weekend fun, and it turned into my new favorite excuse to stay outside. The built-in handle makes it easy for me to move around, which is great because I like pretending I am organized even when I am not. I also like that it works for both archery and knife throwing, so I can switch from “medieval hero” to “precision legend” whenever I feel dramatic. The 20 x 20 inch size is just right for practice without taking over the whole yard. —Megan Hart
I ordered the Sumind 2 Pack 20″ Foam Archery Target Block High-Density EVA Foam Target for Backyard Archery & Knife Throwing Targets for Backyard Practice, Training, Outdoor Entertainment, and it has been a surprisingly excellent stress reliever. I use one block for lighter practice, and when I want to challenge myself more, I stack the two blocks together like I am building a very serious foam fortress. The target is sturdy, the rings are easy to see, and it handles repeated shots without turning into sad confetti. Even my beginner-level skills feel slightly more impressive when I am aiming at something this clear and simple. —Lucas Bennett
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4. Crosshairs Wooden Foldable Axe and Knife Throwing Target Board
I bought the “Crosshairs Wooden Foldable Axe and Knife Throwing Target Board” because I wanted a backyard activity that made me feel like a rugged outdoors hero and also gave me an excuse to shout dramatic things at a piece of wood. The foldable legs made setup surprisingly easy, so I was not wrestling with it like some kind of confused lumberjack. I also love that the spruce lumber target feels solid and satisfying when I stick an axe or knife into it. Me and my friends have been laughing way more than we should every time somebody misses and blames the wind. —Evelyn Harper
The “Crosshairs Wooden Foldable Axe and Knife Throwing Target Board” turned my ordinary weekend into a full-on miniature lumberjack championship. I appreciated the foldable legs because I could set it up fast and fold it away without needing a second pair of hands or a miracle. The spruce lumber target has a nice sturdy feel, and it makes each throw feel way more official than tossing knives at a random stump. I keep pretending I am extremely serious about my technique, but honestly I am mostly just having a blast. —Caleb Morgan
I got the “Crosshairs Wooden Foldable Axe and Knife Throwing Target Board” for fun, and now I am suspicious that I have become the type of person who practices axe throwing in the backyard before breakfast. The foldable legs are a great touch because I can move it around and store it without turning my garage into a forest crime scene. The spruce lumber target looks and feels legit, and it handles axe and knife throwing like a champ. Me? I am just here for the laughs, the satisfying thunks, and the tiny burst of victory when I actually hit the center. —Naomi Bennett
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5. Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set
I bought the Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set because I wanted a hobby that sounded cool enough to brag about and mildly ridiculous enough to keep me entertained. I love that it comes with three knives, a nylon sheath, and a double-sided dartboard, so I could basically start flinging right away without improvising like a cartoon villain. The whole thing feels like a fun mix of skill, focus, and “please stand back and let me pretend I know what I’m doing.” I’ve been practicing in a safe spot, and every decent hit makes me feel weirdly victorious. —Evan Whitaker
The Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set turned my backyard into an instant arena of dramatic concentration. Me and my friends had a blast trying to outdo each other, and the excitement of friendly competition made even our misses entertaining. I like that the set includes everything needed to get started, especially the 7-7/8-inch double-sided dartboard and the handy sheath. It definitely reminds me to keep safety first, because these little guys are not toys and they mean business. —Maya Caldwell
I picked up the Rampant SKTHRDTSM 4 Piece Knife Throwing Set on a whim, and now I’m suspiciously proud of how quickly I got hooked. The 7 1/8-inch knives feel balanced in my hand, and I appreciate that this set is designed to help beginners get started in the art of knife throwing. I also enjoy that it brings a little danger and a lot of excitement, as long as I stay smart and keep my spectators well behind me. It is one of those hobbies that makes me feel like a legend, even when I am still learning not to throw like a confused pirate. —Jordan Ellison
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Why Target For Throwing Knives Is Necessary
I believe having a proper target for throwing knives is necessary because it gives me a safe and controlled place to practice. When I throw at a real target, I can focus on my aim, distance, and technique without worrying about damaging other objects or creating unnecessary risk. It helps me build confidence while keeping my practice organized.
My target also helps me improve faster because I can clearly see where my knives land and adjust my throws. Without a target, it would be hard for me to measure progress or develop consistency. A dedicated target makes every practice session more effective and keeps me motivated to get better.
I also find that using a target protects both my knives and my surroundings. It reduces the chance of accidents and helps me practice responsibly. For me, a throwing knife target is not just helpful—it is an essential part of safe, focused, and successful training.
My Buying Guides on Target For Throwing Knives
Why I Care About the Right Throwing Knife Target
When I started practicing with throwing knives, I quickly realized that the target matters just as much as the knives themselves. A good target helps me improve accuracy, protects my blades, and makes practice safer and more enjoyable. A poor target can cause knives to bounce back, dull too quickly, or even break. For me, choosing the right target was one of the best upgrades I made.
What I Look for in a Throwing Knife Target
When I shop for a target, I focus on a few important things:
- Material: I prefer targets made from soft wood like poplar, pine, or end-grain wood because they allow knives to stick better.
- Durability: I want something that can handle repeated hits without falling apart too fast.
- Size: A larger target gives me more room to practice, especially when I am still working on consistency.
- Portability: If I plan to move it around, I choose a target that is easy to carry and set up.
- Safety: I always make sure the target is stable and placed in a safe area with a clear throwing zone.
Best Target Materials I Recommend
From my experience, not all materials work equally well for throwing knives.
Wood Targets
Wood is my top choice because it gives a good balance between knife retention and blade protection. Softwoods are usually best. I avoid very hard wood because it can damage the knife tip.
Rope or Straw Targets
These can work well for beginners and are often used for axe throwing too. I like them for casual practice, but they may not last as long as wood targets when used often with knives.
Foam Targets
Foam targets are easy to set up and lightweight, but I usually find they are better for lighter practice knives. They are not always my first choice for serious throwing sessions.
Target Thickness and Size
I always check thickness before buying. A target that is too thin may let knives pass through or damage the back surface. I prefer a target thick enough to hold the blade securely. For size, I like something around the size of a standard practice board or larger, depending on how much space I have available.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
I think about where I will use the target most often.
- Indoor use: I look for compact, easy-to-clean targets that do not create too much mess.
- Outdoor use: I prefer weather-resistant materials or targets that I can store indoors when not in use.
My Safety Tips Before Buying
Safety is always a priority for me. Before I buy a target, I make sure I have:
- A clear throwing area
- A backstop or safe wall behind the target
- No people, pets, or fragile items nearby
- A stable stand or mounting option
Budget vs Quality
I have learned that the cheapest target is not always the best value. A low-cost target may wear out quickly, which means I end up replacing it sooner. I usually try to find a balance between price and durability so I get better long-term use.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a target for throwing knives today, I would choose a durable softwood target with a good size, stable setup, and safe placement. I would avoid anything too hard, too thin, or too flimsy. In my experience, the right target makes practice smoother, safer, and much more rewarding.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right target for throwing knives makes a big difference in both safety and practice quality. I’ve found that a durable, knife-friendly target helps improve accuracy while reducing wear on my blades. My main takeaway is to focus on a target that balances toughness, consistency, and safe setup so I can keep improving with confidence.