Traditionally a weapon that dates back to the middle ages, today throwing tomahawks are used for sport and are a great lightweight axe for small projects around the house. They’re also perfect for camping and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy backpacking out into the wilderness and are in need of a handy axe that’s easy to carry and gets the job done.
Although axes were first created as a tool for survival, the sport of axe throwing came shortly after and has been around for thousands of years. Axes that are specifically made for throwing are a little bit smaller and lighter compared to a traditional axe. This allows for powerful precision and they can be thrown as far as 30+ feet.
For throwing enthusiasts looking to find the best throwing tomahawks, there are a few things to consider when shopping around. Namely, you’ll want to take a look at the style of the handle, the construction of the blade, and the size and weight.
How to Buy the Best Throwing Tomahawk
Below we go over the key features you should consider when searching for the best throwing tomahawk for your needs.
The Weight
When shopping around, knowing the difference between tomahawks and axes is important. The major difference is that tomahawks are typically lighter and smaller than axes, making them perfect for throwing. If you’re a beginner, you should start with a throwing tomahawk that weighs around 2-2.5 pounds. The heavier weight allows you to practice the technique with better precision and aim than with a lighter axe. For intermediate or expert axe throwers, something lighter should do the trick. Aim for getting something that weighs between 1.5-2 pounds.
If you’re interested in a throwing tomahawk for throwing that can also be a useful tool around the house, something with a little more weight will make it a better tool for chopping and cutting easy projects. The lightweight tomahawk axes are not powerful enough for heavy-duty projects.
The Handle
Another important feature to consider when shopping around for the best throwing tomahawks is the type of handle. You’ll want to look at a variety of materials as well as lengths to find the best option for you.
Handles are typically made from steel or wood and are designed with or without a grip. The wooden handles are the most traditional and visually attractive as well as usually lighter weight. However, a steel handle will provide more durability. Steel handles usually are made with a rubber grip that can reduce vibration and friction when throwing and chopping. Some are made specifically for the outdoors and have a paracord accessory that comes in handy for outdoorsmen.
The handle length on quality throwing tomahawks ranges from 14 - 20 inches and just depends on personal preference. The longer handle allows you to find a more suitable grip, but the shorter handle reduces drag and often aids in making the axe lighter.
The Blade
The blade of a tomahawk is usually thinner than an axe and ranges from being 2 - 3 inches, perfect for hitting a throwing axe target. Some tomahawks are constructed with a removable blade which makes it a great option for compact storage and travel. However, you'll want to make sure it’s properly and tightly secured onto the handle before using it. Choosing a well-forged steel blade that maintains its sharpness is another important feature.
Top 10 Throwing Tomahawks of 2021
1. SOG Throwing Hawks
This pack of three throwing tomahawks by SOG is constructed out of stainless steel and made with a 1.75-inch tactical hatchet blade that is guaranteed to stay sharp. The handle measures 10.75 inches and weighs in at about 1.6 lbs and is a great option for axe throwers. SOG is a brand you can trust with exceptional customer care to handle any repairs or replacements you may need.
Pros:
- Very lightweight, perfect for throwing.
- Pack of three for an affordable price.
- Paracord handle great for camping.
Cons:
- Not for chopping, too lightweight.
- Paracord may begin to unravel from throwing.
This product is best for intermediate throwing axe enthusiasts who enjoy the sport and need something for camping.
2. SOG Tactical Tomahawks
Another throwing axe from SOG, this tactical tomahawk is designed to be a bit bigger than the option above. At 15.75 inches and with a weight of 24 oz, these throwing axes swing fast with razor-sharp precision. They’re durable and made not only for throwing but as a superb survival axe when needed. The handle has a rubber grip so it won’t slip out of your hands.
Pros:
- Comes with a durable nylon sheath.
- Quality brand axe enthusiasts trust.
- Made for throwing and as an emergency tool.
Cons:
- The grip is made with ridges which may be uncomfortable for some.
This product is best for axe throwers searching for something with more weight that can also be used in an emergency kit.
3. M48 Tactical Tomahawk Axe
M48’s tactical tomahawk is an extremely lightweight and compact axe that is perfect for throwing and venturing out into the wilderness. The handle is made from nylon reinforced fiberglass for insane durability and it comes with a protective nylon sheath for the blade. With its 3 ⅞” stainless steel blade and weight of only 7 oz, this isn’t an axe you’ll want to use for chopping wood, but this little guy still packs a punch.
Pros:
- Attractive design.
- Very lightweight.
Cons:
- Not as sharp as other tomahawks on the market.
- Very small compared to others.
This product is best for someone searching for a small and very lightweight durable throwing tomahawk.
4. Smith & Wesson Extraction and Evasion Tomahawk
The Evasion Tomahawk from Smith & Wesson is made for outdoor tactical survival. Constructed from one single piece of carbon steel, the 3.9in blade is very sharp and efficient. The handle provides a secure grip for easy swinging that won’t slip when you swing. It’s a reliable axe for heavy-duty needs.
Pros:
- Strong carbon steel blade and handle.
- One solid piece of steel for extreme durability.
- Very sharp tool.
Cons:
- A bit heavy for throwing.
This product is best for strong throwers seeking a very heavy duty and strong throwing hatchet for substantial work.
5. Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
Gransfors Bruks, an axe company based out of Sweden with an exceptional reputation, delivers a traditional wildlife hatchet that tops the charts for best throwing tomahawks. Made of beautifully worked hardwood, the handle measures 13.5 inches and the entire axe weighs 1.3 lbs. It’s designed as a traditional scouting and camping axe but is great fun to throw.
Pros:
- An internationally recognized brand in the axe community.
- Known for utmost quality and durability.
- Precision design and construction.
- Great for throwing and handiwork around the house.
Cons:
- The edge isn’t as shaving sharp as anticipated.
This product is best for experienced axe throwers who are serious about their craft and want an axe from an internationally recognized brand.
6. Estwing Double Bit Axe
Estwing’s double bit axe weighs 2.55 pounds with a handle of 8 inches. It’s a versatile axe that doubles as a sharp tool for small wood chopping and wilderness survival to a great throwing axe for beginners. Made from forged steel, you can trust it’s very strong and durable. The handle is designed with a shock reducing grip and cuts vibration down by 70%.
Pros:
- A great axe for beginners just starting out.
- Doubles as a sharp tool for kindling, felling small trees and chopping branches.
- Made in the USA from the finest American steel.
Cons:
- On the heavy side for expert or intermediate axe throwers.
This product is best for beginners on the hunt for a versatile throwing tomahawk that is durable.
7. Thrower Supply Throwing Axe
Thrower Supply is one of the top brands of throwing axes and is known for their quality, well-balanced and durable throwing tomahawks. The blade is forged from carbon steel and the handle built from grade A American hickory hardwood. The blade measure 3.75” with an edge that sinks into targets effectively.
Pros:
- Competition grade throwing axe.
- Lightweight at 1.6 pounds.
- Durable and sharp.
Cons:
- Recommended for expert throwers.
This product is best for expert axe throwers looking for a competition-ready throwing tomahawk that is reliable.
8. Armory Replicas Zombie Killer Skullsplitter Throwing Axe
The zombie killer by Armory Replicas is sure to turn heads with its awesome vibrant green design and epically sharp blade. The width of the head measures 3.875 inches and is made from stainless steel with a powder black finish and silver lining. The handle length reaches 11.5 inches with a useful nylon cord wrap and the entire axe weighs only one pound.
Pros:
- Designed to be lightweight and precise.
- Finger hole design for better grip when throwing.
- Comes in a cool color that will be the envy of the zombie apocalypse.
Cons:
- Nylon cord handle may unwrap while throwing.
- Recommended only for throwing.
This product is best for throwing hobbyists looking for something unique, small and precise.
9. Estwing Sportsman's Axe Camping Hatchet
Forged in one steel piece, this durable and long-lasting axe from Estwing is perfect for throwing as well as chopping small trees, branches, and logs. The total length is 14” and the weight is over a pound. The grip is made with genuine leather and the blade comes with a ballistic nylon sheath to secure the sharp edge.
Pros:
- Genuine leather grip.
- One forged steel piece for durability.
- Versatile and perfect for small chopping jobs and axe throwing.
Cons:
- The grip has varnish to protect the leather but may make it slippery.
This product is best for outdoorsmen looking for a versatile tool that will get the job done in the wilderness but also is fun to throw.
10. MTech USA Camping Axe
MTech’s camping axe is a compact and portable tool that is great for camping and outdoor adventures. The blade has a two-tone satin finish measuring 3 inches that’s made from stainless steel. The 11-inch handle is constructed from rubber for a steady grip and long-lasting durability. This throwing tomahawk comes with a black nylon sheath to protect the blade when stored.
Pros:
- Dual-purpose - great for throwing and camping.
- Attractive and strong two-tone blade with a satin finish.
- Rubber handle that absorbs shock and is comfortable to hold.
Cons:
- Smaller than people anticipated.
This product is best for those looking for a throwing tomahawk that is small, compact and easy to carry from place to place.
The Best Throwing Tomahawk: Gransfors Bruks Hatchet
There are so many different things to consider when choosing the best throwing tomahawk for you. As a shopper, you first need to think through everything you’d like to use your new axe for. Is it solely for throwing purposes? Would you like to also use it around the house for small wood chopping projects? Or do you need something powerful enough to chop larger wood? These all dictate which axe is best for you.
You’ll also want to closely examine all of the different axe features that come with throwing tomahawks. The handle and the grip is one of the most important aspects of an axe because the power and precision of your swing comes from how well you can hold the axe. You can find handles that are made from leather, rubber that’s ribbed for grip or rubber that is more smooth, or even a handle that comes wrapped in paracord for outdoor use.
The blade and way the axe is constructed are important for durability. Choosing something made from forged steel will give you a strong and sharp axe, but the strongest axes will be made from steel that is one single piece. Wood is the traditional method of axe construction and makes for a beautifully finished tool.
The possibilities are endless in the world of throwing tomahawks!