The sport of axe throwing is a rising pastime in the United States. This old hunting sport is becoming increasingly organized and easier to do on a Saturday with friends. If you really want to get competitive in the Axe Throwing community (maybe join a league), then you need a good competition throwing axe.
Competition Throwing Axe Regulations
Believe it or not, there are actually rules and regulations in the Axe Throwing sport, and this includes what constitutes a legal throwing axe. According to the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF), an appropriate Standard Throwing Axe (hatchet) should meet the following specifications:
- Handles may only be constructed from wood. Unfortunately, this disqualifies hatchets like the Fiskars X7.
- Handle length must be between 13″ and 17″ long. This is measured from the butt of the handle to the top of the axe head. Sometime the wood of the handle protrudes through the axe head. Any excess is not counted in the measurement.
- Entire axe weight needs to be between 1.25 and 1.75 pounds. Every ounce counts.
- The blade of the axe cannot be more than 4″ long.
As long as your competition throwing axe meets these standards, it will be legal in competitions with the National Axe Throwing Federation and the World Axe Throwing League.
Recommended Competition Throwing Axes
So, this is a bit of a loaded section, to be quite honest. The most important aspect of a good axe is consistency. You’ll find a weight, length, and balance that works for you, and then you should stick with that. Here are some axes across the spectrum that might interest you:
| Product | Length | Weight | Description | Buying Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WATL Official Competition Throwing Axe  | 15" | 1.75 Pounds | This is a heavy, medium length axe. At the top of the legal weight and middle of the legal length, this is a solid axe for most throwers. The extra weight will give the axe more carry. This is the official axe of the World Axe Throwing League. | Buy on Amazon |
Shopro League Hatchet | 14" | 1.50 Pounds | Great league throwing axe, a little on the smaller side but the weight is in the head for more controlled rotation. | Buy On Amazon |
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp | 15" | 1.50 Pounds | It's got the length but a little bit lighter weight. | Buy On Amazon |
A note about balance: not all axe heads weigh the same. You’ll notice that some axes throw and rotate differently based on the the ration of the head weight to the handle weight. You’ll either find something that works best, or just get used to the axe you practice with.
