Axe Throwing: An American Pastime

Three axe head styles are shown: the Boker Mohicans has a tomahawk shape, the Condor Cantina features a camp axe profile, and the Cold Steel Pro Thrower sticks to a traditional throwing axe design.

Axe throwing has made a global comeback, notably with the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) elevating it to a pub sport in nations such as Belgium and Poland. What was once a niche hobby is now a thrilling sport for all. This guide will delve into axe throwing’s resurgence and the variety of axes available for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts.

Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe

For experienced axe throwers, the Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe is an upgraded Competition Throwing Hatchet. It features a 4-inch blade made from hardened 1055 carbon steel, compliant with official tournament standards. The 16-inch American hickory handle offers great balance, and with a head weight of 22 ounces, it’s easy to handle overall. Its unique patent-pending locking mechanism allows for quick handle replacements in under two minutes, so you can focus on your aim without hassle. 

Axe Throwing Test

The CS Pro Throwing Axe excels in target sticking, featuring a straight edge with a slightly flared heel and toe. Its thin, narrow blade is not extremely sharp but performs well on old, rotting trees. Weighing 31.5 ounces, it strikes a balance between light and heavy throwing axes, with the weight concentrated in the head to enhance throw performance.

The Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe performed exceptionally well. It was lightweight and flew swiftly, accurately hitting its target.

The hickory handle has a beautiful grain and remains sturdy after my clumsy throws. Its classic straight design allows for a smooth release and prevents snagging. This is not a chopping axe; it’s engineered for easy handle replacement, ensuring it stays tight during use. In my opinion, it’s the most distinctive of the three.

Cold Steel ships the axe with a secure rubber blade guard instead of a sheath, making it safe for transport and hiking. 

Boker Mohican Set

If you’re looking for a reliable and chic throwing axe set, consider the Boker Plus Mohican 3-piece set. Designed for both beginners and experienced throwers, each axe measures 10.94 inches and is constructed from durable 3Cr13 stainless steel with a black coating.

Inspired by traditional North American tomahawks, the axe features a shorter 2.36-inch cutting edge. The paracord-wrapped handle provides a secure grip for precise throws, while a blade recess ensures balance for better accuracy. 

The set includes a matching black nylon sheath and a printed target overlay, making it ideal for home use. Each axe weighs about 8 ounces, making them easy to handle.

The Gauntlet

The Boker Mohican 3-piece set resembles tomahawks more than axes and is designed for fun rather than competition. These throwers feel more like throwing knives and can stick using either the main bit or the spike. To prevent overthrowing, take a step forward or embrace the occasional miss. 

Weighing just 8 ounces, they require some adjustment if you’re used to larger axes. The straight handle has cord-wrapping, which can cause a secure grip; consider removing it or adjusting your grip for better throwing.

The author pushed the Boker Mochican into woods utility duty. It handled light chopping, kindling splitting, and feathering.

The Mohican Hawk stands out with its dual options for target sticking and its sharply pointed toe that juts out. This design not only looks impressive but also enhances the hawk’s ability to penetrate targets effectively. Additionally, this stylish set comes with a nylon sheath that offers both safety and added value. The sheath features Velcro fasteners, ensuring that each hawk remains securely stored.

Among the various axes and hawks, the Boker Mohican 3-piece is my top pick for sheer enjoyment. It captures the essence of both tomahawk and knife throwing. These versatile tools are also capable of performing light utility tasks, making them ideal for day camps or meal prep near a small wood stove, as they can easily shave wood and split light kindling. 

A pair of perfect throws with the toe portion of the bit driven into the target. These two are very different throwers and require adjustments to nail it.

Closing

It’s hard to beat the therapeutic feeling of throwing an axe and seeing it stick. It’s fun for the whole family. Get out there and try it!

For more information, please contact Cold Steel and Boker USA.

Cold Steel Professional Throwing Axe

Blade Length4 inches
Material1055 carbon steel
GrindChisel
Handle MaterialAmerican hickory
Weight31 ounces
Overall Length16 inches
SheathRubber blade cover
Country of OriginTaiwan
MSRP$59.99

Boker Plus Mohican Throwing Axe 3-Piece Specs

Blade Length2.36 inches
GrindHollow
Steel3Cr13 stainless
Handle MaterialBlack cord
Weight8.18 ounces (each)
Overall Length10.94 inches
SheathNylon
Origin of MakeAsia
MSRP$84.95

Reuben Bolieu
Adventurer, writer, photographer, and survival instructor for Randall’s Adventure & Training, Reuben has spent most of his life hiking and backpacking through the wildernesses of the world. He has traveled abroad in extreme environments and seeks out primitive survival techniques, construction, and uses of knives and edged tools. Reuben has published many articles on survival, knife and tool use, and woodcraft. He remains a lifetime student of survival.