How To Throw An Axe

Do you want to learn how to throw an axe? Have you been to an axe-throwing place lately and want to do it at home? Are you inspired to compete in professional axe throwing?

Long ago, axes were only thrown in war. Today, it’s becoming an increasingly popular sport that men and women all over North America are dying to try.  If you have a decent-sized backyard and the right axe and target, you can learn to throw an axe yourself, just like one of those professional lumberjacks.

But, before getting to that level, you’ll have to start with the basics first. Keep reading to learn how to throw an axe like a pro lumberjack in three simple steps!

Choosing The Right Axe For Throwing

Throwing axes are much smaller and lighter than the typical axe. They’re around 14-16 inches long and range in weight from 1.5 lbs up to 4 pounds. Many throwing axes are also double-sided so that they have a better chance of hitting the target. 

To start, you should choose the heavier axe, so that you can learn to throw with precision. Then, you can move ahead to the lighter axe. The throwing axes that are recognized by the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) are subcategorized as throwing axes, hatchets, and tomahawks.

It’s easy to think that throwing hatchets and camping hatchets are the same, but they are. Not only are throwing axe blades thinner, but they’re also shorter in length. Normal hatchets are made for cutting wood, so they are heavier and thicker to be able to stand all that pressure.

Best Throwing Axess Recommended By The WATL

There are so many models of throwing axes to choose from, but they are not all equal. And, if you plan to compete then you will want an axe that won’t get you disqualified. In light of that, here are some recommendations..

Throwing Tomahawks

Tomahawks like the SOG Fasthawk have shorter blades than normal axes. They’re lighter and razor-sharp to hit the target and stay there. They are usually around 14-16 inches, and the blade is around 3 inches long. Tomahawks are very lightweight, only weighing in at 1.5 to 1.7 pounds.

Throwing Hatchets

Throwing hatchets, like the WATL’s brand of competitive throwing axes, are slightly larger, with a much longer and broader blade, resembling that of a regular axe. These are a bit shorter, at 14 inches. But, unlike the Tomahawk, the hatchet has a longer blade of 4 inches.

Throwing Axes

Throwing axes, like the Estwing Double Bit Axe have a thin blade and two axe heads instead of one so that there is a better chance of striking the target.  These axes are also very lightweight and often have a steel or fiberglass handle, for a lighter axe weight and for better throwing.

Setting Up Your Target

Now that you know what axe to get, the next thing you’ll need is an axe-throwing target. Make sure that you have a big area for this setup because you’ll need to stand at least 12 feet away from the target.

You can make your own target by building a board of planks and drawing a bullseye on it, but if you want a regulation axe-throwing target, choose the Viking Culture target or one from Bigshot Targets. You can learn more about scoring and guidelines at the WATL website.

Make sure that you’re practicing in a secluded area that has enough room for you, the target, and any ricochets that might happen. Hold your arms out and make sure that there is nothing in the way to affect your throw or to get in the axe’s way.

How To Throw An Axe Like A Pro

Throwing an axe can be fun, and actually quite liberating, as long as it’s been done properly. There are even televised events and national championships for it.  And, luckily, it’s easy to learn how to throw an axe like a pro. Like every skill, all it takes is a little practice, and taking the right steps.

Step One: Your Axe-Throwing Stance

To get in the right axe-throwing position, you’ll need to line yourself up with the bullseye. Stand directly in front of it, around 12 to 15 feet away. These are the axe-throwing standards set by the WATL.

Place one foot back to stabilize yourself. If you’re throwing with one hand, your opposite foot should be the back foot. As you throw, you will bend your front knee, in a lunging position. However, don’t bend too low, or you will miss the target.

Step Two: Lining Up Your Throw

If you’re just learning how to throw an axe, you should start by you’ll want to throw an axe with two arms, not one.  Holding the axe firmly, but not too tight, bring the axe up and behind your head. Then, bring it down to eye level and line the tip of the axe up with the center of the target.

For a more advanced axe thrower, throwing an axe with one hand means lining up the shot with the shoulder of the hand you’re throwing with. Bring your axe back beside your ear. Not too close, but at that distance. Then, bring your axe down, extend your arm, and line the tip of the axe up with the bullseye.

Step Three: Making Adjustments

You may need to adjust your position, depending on how many times your axe rotates before hitting the target. After lining up your shot and taking a few practice throws, you’ll know the right spot to stand in. If your axe hits the board handle first, you should take a tiny step back to give the axe more room.

If the top of the axe or top corner of the blade is the only thing that touches the board, step forward. You’ll know you’re in the right spot if the axe hits the board with the whole blade. It might be useful to draw a line in this spot, to remember it later.

Conclusion

Throwing axes have become very popular in North America as a recreational sport and even in professional sporting events. When proper measures are taken, it’s not as dangerous as it may seem, but it does take a lot of practice to get good at.

It might be tempting to show off your throwing skills when amongst friends, but it’s still a weapon that should be used with all safety measures put into place. So, if you do have spectators, make sure they’re standing a good distance behind you to stay safe. 

If you have the right axe, a good target, and the patience to achieve a perfected swing, you’ll be wielding an axe better than a Viking warrior!