Axe throwing, as a sport, likely dates back to the American Frontier, but the tools themselves are much older. Axes with handles (or hafted axes) have existed for centuries, with the first-known hafted axe dating to around 6000 BC! Many of these axes were fashioned from sharpened stone and had handles made from wood—not entirely unlike our modern throwing axes. But as this competitive sport continues to grow in popularity, our Hatchet House experts are constantly shedding light on common axe-throwing misconceptions and sharing their favorite fun facts with our guests.
Axe Throwing Is Safe
While the idea of hurling a sharp tool or weapon into space, be it toward a wooden target or not, sounds dangerous, our guests are regularly surprised when we share how safe this sport actually is.
More traditional, All-American sports, like basketball, baseball, and football, result in a higher rate of injury than their less common counterparts, such as bowling or darts. Although you can be hurt by dropping a bowling ball or dart on your toes, axe throwing poses a similar risk—and that is why our experts make safety the top priority for our guests!
With a few precautions and appropriate axe throwing attire, you’ll be throwing back-to-back bullseyes in no time!
Throwing Axes Are (Kinda) Dull
But how can it possibly be safe to throw sharp objects? Well, while throwing axes are sharp, they aren’t razor-sharp like those used for chopping down trees…and they don’t need to be that sharp to stick in our wooden targets.
Hatchet houses and expert throwers, across the globe, utilize the axe head’s wedge shape, over its sharpness, to score major points! When thrown properly and safely, there’s no need to even touch the axe, hatchet, or tomahawk blade.
Accidents are only likely to happen when our throwing tools are mishandled!
Axe Throwing Connects Us to Ancient Roots
Originally part of larger lumberjack competitions, axe throwing as a sport has been around (in some form or another) since the early 19th century. Prior to that, there is some recorded evidence that suggests similar competitions were held between Celtic tribes and historical documents show that axes are prevalent throughout Viking culture.
Throwing Axes AREN’T Heavy
Although axe throwing may seem like a sport that requires pure force and brute strength, many of our visitors are often surprised by how little our tools weigh. The axes used for the sport of throwing are made with axe heads that weigh less than two (2) pounds! On average, the weight for beginners is closer to one (1) pound. Practicing your aim and throwing form is far more important to successful axe throwing than pure strength alone.
Axe Throwing Is For EVERYONE
Adults, teens, and younger children can all enjoy axe throwing—as long as safety is kept in mind. Our experts require that youngsters (under 18) be accompanied by an adult while in the throwing bay. We also offer lighter axes and hatchets, if needed, for all our beginners to start building strength, form, and precision.
If you have children under 10 years of age, many venues offer foam axes and targets to get kiddos started (safely) in this fun, challenging sport!
Despite the image of masculinity, women are becoming more and more involved as our beloved sport grows. And unlike the sporting events most of us grew up with, men and women compete against each other in many leagues and tournaments—in fact, women tend to excel! Bonus Fact: Only 3 women have been known to throw a perfect score. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, destress at the end of a long work week, or just want to have fun with a few friends, the Bisbee Hatchet House is the perfect place to stop for a visit!
Bisbee Hatchet House 