Throwing axes

Is anyone really throwing axes here?

I have a question or two.

What size axe?

How long is the handle, can it vary?

What distance from the target does one stand, and does this depend on the length of the handle.

What is the most common distance to throw from?

Is there an official size target?

Has anyone made their own axe for throwing?

Does the handle function better if it is straight with no fawns foot on the end?

Tim

Glad to have been of assistance, now tell me about the axes and related stuff. Is it as much about axe length as body mechanics, it could be like fishing, releasing at 1 o'clock with a bit of flip?

Tim

This past weekend I demonstrated at the local historic shindig, I repaired one bent on a small barn, 24'x30', 3 bay, side entry, english barn. There were other participants, one was letting people throw axes. At the end of the day I went over to try. Five paces back, that was the special distance, the hawk would turn just right with the blade contacting. At home we have set up two targets and use two small hatchets, throw to one target and retrieve them turn around and throw to the other, we soon got tired of walking back and forth. The hatches are nothing special. One of my boys was trying 20 paces. So I was just wondering if other have tried this?

I am a user of worms, I know it is ugly.

Tim

I think it's usually called "double-bit," or "double-bitted." But probably just slang anyway.

Tim got me w/ the term "fawn's foot." Never heard that one before.

Well, it could be a "scroll knob", for sure it is not a "swell knob".

The question goes back to throwing axes, I have seen photos of guild events where this was promoted, what has been the outcome?

Tim

the gransfor throwing axe has no knob- whether fawnsfoot or otherwise- and works really well. i'd love to see a homemade one- head or handle or both.

what a good way of getting over any bad thoughts or ego. so long as one is satisfied with the 'thunk' of the axe into wood, so much so as to simply do it over again, things seem to work well. that is as long as the sound of axe on wood is satisfying in itself- just chopping away at a distant tree to no intent.

toivo and other interested parties....here is a link.

http://www.osograndeknives.com/gransfors%20bruks/gransfors_bruks_-_tomahawk_french.htm

That is a finely made axe, the ones used at the demo I witnessed were a little more crude. They use the same principle, a froe type eye and handle, tapered with no wedge, similar to the adze as well. I have too many irons in the fire right now to attempt making one, defiantly before my demise.

That thunk is a satisfying sound, way better than the rattle of the handle just before it falls onto the ground.

Tim

I have been known to throw a few axes around. Not in competition but just for fun at back yard functions.(well away from the kids of course) Any size can be thrown from what I gather. I have used the standard hardware store type Hatchet and Axe. If I remember correctly it was 7 paces for the hatchet and 9 paces for the axe. My target was a 3 ft dia. stump set up on a stand with rings painted on. The hatchet was easy to throw but the axe required using your whole body to generate enough steam. If your just learning, you may want to pick up a spare handle when you buy the axe.
Thane