How to Throw an Axe Like a Manly Man
Let’s take it back to the olden days and discover everything you need to know about tomahawks, what to wear, and how to throw an axe like a manly man.
Of all the manly things a man could do, throwing an axe might be at the top of the list. There’s something about chucking a dangerous weapon that awakens the senses and gets the testosterone pumping.
However, you can’t go out into your yard and start tossing tomahawks willy-nilly. If you want to throw an axe like a manly man, you’ve got to know what you’re doing.
Need help with hatchet throwing? Then don’t stop reading now. We’re going to teach you how to throw an axe.
Here’s How to Throw an Axe
Throwing tomahawk can be a little complicated at first. However, if you put the time in, you’ll eventually be tossing like a full-fledged mountain man. Here are the basics of throwing axe.
What You’ll Need
When learning how to throw an axe, there are two things you’ll need:
- An axe
- A target at which to throw the axe
While it’s possible to throw all types of axes, it’s recommended that you start off with a specialized throwing axe. These axes are specifically designed to be thrown, possessing optimized weight distribution, length, and traction. They can be found online for between $10 and $50.
Creating a target is just about as easy as finding an axe. A slice from a tree stump is really all you need (between 4 and 6 inches thick and at least 12 inches in diameter).
Once you’ve obtained this stump slice, you should mount it onto some type of wood stand. If you can’t nail together a makeshift stand of your own, an old wood chair will suffice.
Note that you shouldn’t throw axes into a live tree. While a tree might seem like the logical target, the shape of a tree creates a safety hazard. This is to say that an axe could bounce off of the tree and come flying back at you.
Safety Precautions
Throwing an axe is potentially as dangerous as you think it could be. For this reason, safety precautions are a necessity. If you don’t put proper precautions in place, you could get seriously injured.
The first precaution you should take is to find an open space. You don’t want to throw into a crowded area, as your axe could bounce off of something and come flying back toward you. Make sure that your target is the only object within 20 feet of where you’re aiming your axe.
The next precaution is to use a dull blade. By using a dull blade, you’ll almost ensure that your axe can’t cause fatal damage.
Don’t think that a dull blade will prevent the axe from sticking in the target. As long as it’s thrown correctly, it will stick.
One last safety tip is to wear protective clothing. A long-sleeve shirt, full-legged pants, and close-toed boots will protect you from your axe in the event that it flies back at you. If you want to practice extra precaution, consider wearing goggles as well.
Getting the Grip Right
Now that we have safety precautions out of the way, we can start discussing the actual act of throwing the axe. This begins with getting the grip right.
First, point the handle toward your body so that it’s parallel with the ground. Then, take your dominant hand and grab the handle so that your thumb wraps around the top of the handle, choking up an inch or two. Hold the handle tightly in your hand, but refrain from giving it a death grip.
Once you’ve gripped the axe in this manner, make sure your arm points straight forward from the side of your body. This will be your starting position. Holding the axe in this manner will ensure that it’s aligned properly, helping to make the impending throw as safe as possible.
Situating Your Stance
Once you’ve gripped the axe, you need to get into the proper throwing position. Assuming the proper stance will increase your odds of a safe and functional throw.
First, place the foot on your non-throwing side about a half a foot in front of your throwing-side foot. This will allow you to easily transfer weight both as the axe swings back and as it swings forward to leave your hand.
After you’ve put one foot in front of the other, adjust both feet so that they’re shoulder-width apart. It’s vital that you have a strong base from which to unleash your throw.
Your posture should be upright, with your non-throwing arm dangling to your side. Keep your shoulders back, your neck straight, and your eyes forward.
Perfecting the Throw
Now that you know how to situate your body, you can begin learning the mechanics of the throw itself.
First, take 5 steps away from your target, turning back to your target as soon as you reach 5 steps. This is the proper throwing distance needed to successfully sink an axe into a wood target.
Now, assume your stance with your axe gripped as instructed, facing directly at the target. Next, in a slow and controlled manner, pull the head of your axe up toward your throwing shoulder, keeping it perpendicular to the ground throughout the motion. Bend your elbow once the axe reaches the top of this motion, but make sure to keep your wrist rigid.
When the axe reaches its apex, loosen your fingers just slightly, allowing the handle to “bounce” off of them in a reflexive manner. As the axe handle starts to come forward, give a slight push with your elbow (don’t use all of your strength), releasing your fingers as you’re doing so.
If you kept the axe straight throughout this motion, it should start to spiral end-over-end, moving toward your target as intended.
You might not throw your axe perfectly right away. However, if you practice this motion in repetition, you should eventually start to get the hang of things.
Learn Other Tips and Tricks Now!
And with that, you know how to throw an axe. Now all you need is a tomahawk, a chunk of wood, and a few spare moments. With practice, you’ll be throwing like Davy Crockett in no time.
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