Let me just start by saying that you never know what you will have at hand to defend yourself at any given moment so it makes sense to know how use all your tools defensively.
However, we would never suggest using your best survival hatchet or axe as your primary defensive weapon especially as a throwing weapon, but if it’s all you’ve got, then you will need to make it count.
Throwing an axe isn’t really that hard to master as long as you can practice it safely and use a good target, as well as use an appropriate type of axe. In most cases, a small hatchet will be used, since the size of the handle and the weight of your axe will determine how far you have to stand away from the target, how powerfully you have to swing it, and how accurate you will be.
The target should be a tree stump, unless you have the skill, time and resources to build your own target from a piece of wood you find or buy at your local hardware store. Check out the awesome video below!
How to Build a Axe Throwing Target
Important Safety Tips
Before starting, make sure you follow the proper safety procedures to prevent injuring yourself or anyone else. In that respect, make sure there is at least a clearance of 6 feet around the target area. You don’t want anyone to stand around in that area at the moment you’re preparing to throw your axe. Additionally, make sure no one stands right in front of you and that you are completely focused while throwing your axe or hatchet.
It’s also essential that you don’t overdo it when sharpening your axe. While it’s good to make sure it’s a little sharp – so that it’ll stick to the target – you should never sharpen it to the point where the head is similar to a knife, since you run the risk of injuring yourself or even inflicting a lethal wound on someone else.
Gripping and Throwing Techniques
Before starting to throw your axe, you have to know how to grip it properly. The grip has to be firm like the way you’d grip a baseball bat, and it’s extremely crucial to make sure that the head of the axe or hatchet that you’re using isn’t pointing to the left or the right. That way the axe will fly straight and stick to the target.
The most basic as well as the easiest method is to grab the axe with both hands and swing it over your head in a similar way you’d throw a soccer ball from the sideline. First lean back, then bring the axe forward in a faster motion, building up speed and letting go of the axe the moment your arms are extended forward.
How to Throw an Axe
The One Handed Method
A more advanced way to throw your axe is using the one-handed method. This technique requires a bit more practice and accuracy if you want to pull it off properly. It might also need more strength, depending on how large or heavy your axe is.
The idea is to use the same motion as with the two-handed method, and swing the axe over your head after leaning back to pick up your momentum. Make sure that, as in the case of the two-handed method, you swing the axe precisely above your head – instead of throwing it like a baseball – to ensure that your throw is accurate.
It is typically recommended that beginners start with the two-handed method and only begin practicing the more advanced, one-handed technique once they gain a bit more experience.
Pin – How to Throw an Axe Safely
