Spring is in full swing here and we all know young warriors can think of only one thing in spring. That's right, axe throwing. Our video today shows throwing our Nordland Axe and some of the ways to get started with this fun activity. So if you have a Nordland Axe or are going to get one invite some friends over and have a toss with these fun weapons.
The Arms & Armor Nordland Axe has a solid head of 4140 steel with a hammered and hardened edge. It is mounted on a custom made hickory haft. We have them turned by spoke maker with a medieval kick out at the base and fitted through the head so they can not come off from the top.
Be sure you have a safe target for throwing. Chose something that is not going to be ruined by the axes and is stable (check the vid). A slice of tree stump, if large enough, is excellent. Willow works the best. In our shop we have a stack of cut lumber so the end grain is the target surface. This works well and is a great way to use up end cuts and waste wood.
If using a wooden target, a good trick is to dampen the wood, this helps the wood flex and receive cuts, allowing the axes to stick.
Check the video for some hints to get started throwing and remember safety third as always.
1. Only throw at the target
2. Never throw when someone is down range.
3. Don't stand behind thrower.
Our supply of these ready to ship is excellent so you can have one in hand in just a few days. We hope you and your axe have a great summer of backyard pitching.
Also check out this video about axe maintenance and if you need further help throwing there are lots of great vids devoted to this fun sport on the Youtube.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985