When it comes to throwing axes, there’s no single axe that is objectively the best. The best throwing axe ultimately depends on your individual skill and preferences, as well as what you plan to use the axe for, whether that is competition, casual use, or for use in a venue. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the best throwing axes and highlight the best axes for different purposes.
Official Competition Throwing Axe Regulations
If you want to compete in axe throwing, one of the most important things to do before you purchase a throwing axe is to check your league’s guidelines. Below we will outline axe regulations for axes in the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) Hatchet, Duals, and Big Axe Leagues.
Hatchet Regulations
These regulations are for sanctioned Hatchet and Duals leagues.
- The maximum specifications for all hatchets are:
- Weight- 3lbs/1.36kg total
- Length- 19 inches/48.26cm (as measured from the top of the eye)
- Bit- 4 inches/10.16cm (as measured tip to tip in a straight line)
- Axes may only have one sharp bit. No sharpened bits, spikes, or blades are allowed opposite the intended scoring area of the axe.
- Axe Heads must be held securely to the handle. Axe heads that are in danger of coming off the handle or have a head that is easily removed (ie. heads that are clamped or held into the handle by a screw or pin) are not legal for sanctioned events unless otherwise approved by WATL®.
- Illegal Axes for Competition
- Any axe that infringes on design patents and trademarks held by any organization or are direct copies or replicas of other individuals’ or businesses’ intellectual property, unless special dispensation has been granted. Warriors Axes are not permitted for WATL® competition use.
- Use of illegal axes may result in the loss of points, position and prize money. At WATL’s® discretion, further action may be taken.
Big Axe Regulations
Big Axe regulations follow the same Hatchet/Duals specifications with the following changes.
- The specifications for all big axes are:
- Weight- minimum 3lbs/1.36kg, maximum 4.25lbs/1.93kg total
- Length- minimum 23in/58.42cm, maximum 30in/76.2cm (as measured from the top of the eye)
- Bit- 4 5/8in/11.7602cm (as measured tip to tip in a straight line)
For more details read the World Axe Throwing League Rules
1. Best Throwing Axe Kit for Beginners: The Ultimate Starter Kit
Ready to dive into axe throwing from the comfort of your own home? The Ultimate Starter Kit provides everything you need to kickstart this exciting sport. Designed with beginners in mind, this kit includes high-quality essentials for setting up your own target, practicing your throws, and maintaining your axe for peak performance.
What’s Included in the Ultimate Starter Kit
- WATL Stencil – Easily create regulation targets on your wooden boards with the official World Axe Throwing League stencil, designed for consistency and precision.
- WATL Marker Kit – Mark your target accurately to get a true competition experience at home.
- Hatchet of Your Choosing – Select from a range of top-rated hatchets to suit your style and needs, ideal for both beginners and experienced throwers.
- Three 36″ Cottonwood Boards – The preferred wood for axe throwing, these cottonwood boards are long-lasting with a forgiving texture that helps axes stick with ease.
- Whetstone – Keep your hatchet sharp and competition-ready with a high-quality whetstone for clean, effective throws every time.
Best Bang for Your Buck
The Ultimate Starter Kit not only provides top-tier equipment and materials, but it also offers unbeatable value. With everything included to begin your axe-throwing journey, you’re getting a complete setup without the need for extra purchases. Plus, with free shipping included, it’s truly the best “bang for your buck” option for aspiring axe throwers.
The Ultimate Starter Kit
2. The Best Throwing Axe for Casual Throwers: The Kill Shot
For those who want a durable and affordable axe for casual use, the Kill Shot from the World Axe Throwing League is the best throwing axe. This axe features a fibreglass handle that is built to last and a steel head that is designed to withstand repeated use.
“A fibreglass handle that is built to last”
Additionally, like the competition thrower, the Kill Shot is very affordable, making it a great option for those who want a reliable axe without breaking the bank (or breaking a wooden handle) while they learn to throw.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: Molded Fiberglass
- Blade Finish: White Semi-Gloss Paint
- Handle Finish: N/A
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.5 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.25 lbs
The Kill Shot Throwing Axe
3. The Best Throwing Axe for Venues: The Spitfire
The Spitfire from the World Axe Throwing League is a top-of-the-line house throwing axe that is designed specifically for use in axe-throwing facilities. This means it is designed to withstand whatever abuse inexperienced throwers can put it through. This axe features a strong molded fibreglass handle making it extremely durable and the perfect option for venues that see a lot of traffic.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: Molded Fiberglass
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: N/A
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 4 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.25 lbs
The Spitfire Throwing Axe
4. The Best Throwing Axe for Big Axe Leagues: The Colossus
For those who want to compete in big axe leagues/competitions, The Colossus from the World Axe Throwing League is the best axe for you. The Colossus features a massive 4.525” coverage on the target, this larger scoring area makes it easier to score points in big axe competitions.
“Massive 4.525” coverage on the target”
This axe features a similar head design to one of WATL’s best performing hatchets, The Butcher. Furthermore, The Colossus has an extremely thin blade profile designed specifically for sticking in the target, meaning it can be thrown and stuck in the board with very little force. Overall, this axe is the best possible choice for Big Axe Leagues.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: American Hickory
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: Clearcoat Finish
- Handle Length: 27.5 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 4.525 in
- Approx. Total Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Approx. Head Weight: 2.35 lbs
The Colossus – Big Axe
5. The Best Big Axe for Casual Throwers:
The Patriot
The Patriot from the World Axe Throwing League is a great option for those who want a big axe for casual use or those looking to begin competing in big axe. Big Axe Throwers start from the 17ft mark, and cannot cross the 15ft mark. Because they’re throwing from a further distance, for casual throwers who are just starting out, you do not want an axe with a wood handle if you cannot consistently land the axe on the target. Otherwise, you may break your axe on the first throw. That’s where the Patriot comes in.
“One of the most affordable big axes”
This axe features a highly durable fibreglass handle and a well thought-out design that makes it easy to throw and stick accurately. Additionally, the Patriot is one of the most affordable big axes, making it a great option for those who want a big axe, without the big price.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: Molded Fiberglass
- Blade Finish: White Semi-Gloss Paint
- Handle Length: 26 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.94 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 3.55 lbs
The Patriot: Big Axe
Top 5 Best Throwing Axes for Hatchet Competitions/Leagues
1. The King of Diamonds:
The King of Diamonds, one of the most popular axes in WATL’s Royal Lineup, is a premium throwing axe that is designed for professional competition use. Following the 2023 WATL US Pro-Am Tournament, we’ve moved this axe up to the #1 spot as it was the axe of choice for both the Pro Hatchet Champion Brett Jariabek, and the Amateur Hatchet Champion Erik Rimblas.
The King of Diamonds has a weight of 2.25lbs and a handle length of 17”. The axe head is made from high-quality carbon steel, which provides excellent durability and edge retention. Furthermore, the axe’s unique shape with added weight towards the back of the axe head ensures the axe is buried deep in the target. The straight handle is crafted from high-quality American hickory wood, a straight handle allows for easy release and consistent throws. Furthermore, this axe is also available with a straight square handle. Square handles are praised among professional axe throwers as they provide an additional point of reference, allowing for throws to be replicated even more consistently.
“The axe of choice for both the 2023 Pro Hatchet Champion & 2023 Amateur Hatchet Champion”
The King of Diamonds has an extremely thin blade profile designed specifically for the sport of axe throwing. This thin blade profile allows the axe to stick in the board with ease. We recommend this axe for experienced throwers who demand the best performance from their equipment.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: American Hickory
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: Clearcoat Varnish
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.93 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.70 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.25 lbs
The King of Diamonds
2. The Ace of Spades:
The Ace of Spades, the first throwing axe in WATL’s Royal Lineup, is extremely popular within the axe throwing community. The ace features a patented design with an easy-to-stick curved blade. This professional-grade throwing axe is designed for competition use. It has a weight of 2.35lbs and a handle length of 17”. A 17” handle is suitable for almost all throwers, but also allows for the handle to be cut down if you prefer a shorter handle.
The Ace is also available in a square handle variant. Square handles are praised among some of the best axe throwers in the world as they provide an additional point of reference, allowing for a more easily replicable throw. The axe head is made from high-quality carbon steel, which provides excellent durability and edge retention. This axe was the axe of choice for 2021 World Champion Mike Philabaum.
“Patented design with an easy-to-stick curved blade”
The handle is straight and is crafted from American hickory wood. A straight handle allows for an easy and accurate release, where the axe simply slides out of the hand. The Ace of Spades has an extremely thin blade profile, allowing it to stick in the target much better than any axe you would buy from the hardware store. This tried and tested axe is easily one of the best throwing axes for experienced throwers who want a top-performing axe.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: American Hickory
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: Clearcoat Varnish
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.93 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.70 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.35 lbs
The Ace of Spades: Gen 3
3. The Queen of Hearts:
The Queen of Hearts is a high-quality throwing axe that is designed for competitive use. It has a weight of 2.20lbs making it a slightly lighter axe than the King of Diamonds, and features the same handle length of 17”, allowing for it to be cut down if necessary. The axe head is made from high-quality carbon steel, this provides excellent durability and edge retention.
The Queen’s straight handle is crafted from Genuine American Hickory, which is extremely durable. A straight handle, as mentioned, allows for an easy release and consistent throws. Furthermore, this axe also is available with a square handle design, many professionals prefer a square handle as the flat edges give them another point-of-reference for a more consistent and accurate throw.
“High-performance axe at a reasonable price”
The Queen of Hearts has an extremely thin blade profile designed for axe throwing, this allows it to stick in the board with little force. We recommend this axe for experienced throwers who want a high-performance axe at a reasonable price.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: American Hickory
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: Clearcoat Varnish
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.93 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.20 lbs
The Queen of Hearts Throwing Axe
4. The Jack of Clubs:
The Jack of Clubs is a versatile and highly praised throwing axe that is perfect for competition use. Its blade is made from durable 1045 carbon steel, and its handle crafted from high-quality American hickory wood. It has a weight 2.25lbs of and a handle length of 17”. A 17” handle is suitable for most throwers, but also allows for the handle to be cut down to meet individual preferences if you prefer a shorter handle.
“Designed to be used by beginners and advanced throwers”
The Jack of Clubs, like the other members of the Royal Collection, features an extremely thin blade profile, allowing the axe to stick in the target with little force required. This axe is also available with a square handle. The Jack of Clubs is designed to be used by both beginner and advanced throwers, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their axe throwing skills.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: American Hickory
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: Clearcoat Varnish
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.93 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.70 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.25 lbs
The Jack of Clubs Throwing Axe
5. The Butcher:
The Butcher is a professional-grade throwing axe that is designed for serious competitors. The Butcher’s unique and patented design allows for an unprecedented amount of coverage on the board at 3.99 inches (with the maximum allowed in leagues being 4 inches). It has a weight 2.25lbs of and a handle length of 17”. As previously mentioned, this 17” Handle allows the axe to be cut down to meet individual preferences whether you prefer a longer or shorter handle.
“Patented design allows for an unprecedented amount of coverage”
The handle is crafted from hickory wood and is straight. A straight handle allows for an easy release and consistent throw. The Butcher is sharpened to a razor edge, allowing it to stick easily in the target with little force required. The axe head is made from high-quality carbon steel, which provides excellent durability and edge retention. This axe is highly recommended for throwers who want to take their skills to the next level.
Specifications:
- Head: 1045 Carbon Steel
- Handle: American Hickory
- Blade Finish: Brushed Steel
- Handle Finish: Clearcoat Varnish
- Handle Length: 17 in
- Approx. Blade Length: 3.99 in
- Approx. Head Weight: 1.72 lbs
- Approx. Total Weight: 2.25 lbs
The Butcher Throwing Axe
The Best Throwing Axe for Duals Leagues: The King of Diamonds
Well, they call it the King for a reason. Not only is this axe phenomenal for hatchet, it also happens to be hands-down the best axe for duals. This is due to not only its top-of-the-line quality, but also its one-of-a-kind-design which we will expand upon below.
The unique shape of the back of the King’s axe head reduces the likelihood of hitting your partner’s axe during a throw.
“Favored by many duals teams during the 2022 WATC“
In the rare case that you do collide, the tapered design of the axe head makes it more likely to glance off your partner’s axe and stick into the board, rather than destroying your axe on the flat back of another axe. This design makes the King of Diamonds the clear winner when it comes to the best axe for duals leagues. The King of Diamonds was favored by many duals teams during the 2022 World Axe Throwing Championship.
The King of Diamonds
In Summary:
Overall, the World Axe Throwing League offers a large range of throwing axes that are suitable for all different skill levels and purposes. Whether you are a beginner looking to get into the sport, or an experienced competitor looking for a high-quality axe that you can rely on, there is an option available that will meet your needs. Remember, the best throwing axe for you will ultimately depend on your individual preferences and what you plan to use it for.
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