Buzz
Few experiences are as instinctively rewarding as sending a tomahawk flying through the air and watching it sink deep into the target. It's a soothing and captivating pastime that anyone can master with the right technique and enough practice. When done correctly, tomahawk throwing feels almost like a form of meditation. Unleash your inner 'hawk warrior by following these simple steps.
Steps
Getting Started
Choose the right tomahawk for throwing. While wielding a camping hatchet or an axe might seem fun, it’s unsafe and not ideal for the technique described here. Opt for a traditional throwing tomahawk specifically designed for the task. These are balanced to offer a smooth, accurate throw and are light enough for easy control.
- You can even find throwing tomahawks on Amazon, with prices starting at $20-30 for entry-level models.
Get a solid target. You need something made of wood for the tomahawk to stick into, ideally dry wood that won’t be damaged by the repeated impacts. Experienced throwers often use a piece of a dead tree stump, typically 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) thick, mounted on a sturdy stand.
- Avoid using a rounded target, as it may cause the tomahawk to ricochet unpredictably. Throwing at a live tree can damage the tree and is not advisable, even with proper safety precautions.
- Don’t throw your tomahawk at objects it can't pierce. It might be tempting to knock cans off a fence, but doing so can damage your tomahawk and wear down its head. Plus, it’s dangerous.
Keep the blade blunt. Tomahawks stick to targets not because of a razor-sharp edge, but because they’re thrown with precision and accuracy. Avoid making your tomahawk dangerously sharp to prevent injuries. In most cases, you won't need a razor-sharp blade for anything other than recreational target practice, so keep it dull and safe.
Be aware of your environment. Always throw tomahawks outdoors. Ensure you're practicing the same level of safety as if you were handling a firearm. Choose an open space free of debris or obstacles that could interfere with your throw. Never let anyone stand behind you or behind the target while you’re throwing.
Positioning and Grip
Adopt the proper stance. Tomahawk throwing relies heavily on the motion of your arm and letting the weapon fly naturally at the peak of your throw. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance and comfort. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and face squarely toward the target.
Grip the tomahawk properly. Hold the tomahawk with the handle pointing straight toward your body, gripping it firmly like you're shaking hands, about an inch or two from the end. Your thumb should wrap around the handle, much like you would hold a hammer, but not on the back like you would with a knife.
- It’s crucial not to place your thumb on the back of the handle. Doing so will drastically affect the spin, causing the tomahawk to rotate unpredictably in the air, often resulting in a loud clang when it fails to stick. Wrap your thumb comfortably around the handle instead.
- If you're in the correct position but getting too much spin on the tomahawk, try placing your thumb upwards to reduce it. Practice to find the right feel for the spin and motion that works best for you.
Keep it level. When you stand with the tomahawk, make sure the blade is perfectly perpendicular to the target. Even a slight misalignment of the blade will send the tomahawk off course, resulting in a wild and inaccurate throw.
- If needed, ease your grip slightly and allow the tomahawk to drop a bit (without letting go completely). Gravity will naturally straighten it out because of its top-heavy design, aligning it with the target.
Practice letting it rest by your side. To check if you're holding the tomahawk correctly and in the proper stance, let your arm fall naturally at your side. The blade should rest parallel to your leg, not pointing inward or outward. If it’s off, gently rotate the handle by loosening your grip while keeping your hand in the same position until it's properly aligned.
Mastering Accuracy
Take the right steps back. A key to throwing a tomahawk accurately is positioning yourself at the correct distance from your target. It’s not a long-range throw. Begin with your back to the target, as if preparing for an old-fashioned duel. Step back five normal paces and then turn quickly to face the target.
- Consider marking your spot to avoid having to count steps every time. You can draw a line with your toe or use sticks to mark it in the dirt to make things easier.
Lift the tomahawk smoothly and steadily. Keep your arm straight, maintaining a firm grip on the tomahawk. As you reach the highest point, allow your elbow to bend slightly before bringing the tomahawk forward. At this stage, your elbow should be close to your ear.
- The wrist should remain still. Relying on your wrist will not only reduce your accuracy, but it can also lead to wrist strain due to the tomahawk's weight.
- Be cautious. Bringing the tomahawk back too quickly can cause you to lose control, possibly releasing it too soon and throwing it in the wrong direction.
Move the tomahawk forward. Begin the forward motion at the same pace as the backward motion. You won’t need to move it too far forward before releasing it, but the motion is akin to throwing a football or baseball overhand. Stay upright, keeping your feet grounded and avoid stepping forward or backward as you throw.
- Throwing relies on the weight of the tomahawk and a smooth, natural motion, not a quick flick or forceful pitch. Many believe that strength is key, but proper technique involves a slower, controlled motion, focusing on maintaining a straight path and guiding the tomahawk accurately.
Let go of the tomahawk. As the middle of the handle comes into view in the upper right corner of your field of vision, release it and allow your arm to follow through, returning smoothly to your side. By the time your hand reaches eye level, the tomahawk should already be released.
- Don’t hold on too long, as the tomahawk needs to spin to stick properly. Releasing too late causes it to hit the ground, while releasing too soon sends it flying too high. With practice, you’ll fine-tune your timing for the perfect throw.
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Wood is a popular target because it's affordable, reusable, and gentle on your tomahawks. For best results, consider using thick logs rather than smaller pieces, and aim for the flat side of the log.
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Remember that the distance affects your throw. Longer distances require more spin, while shorter throws require less.
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Wear sturdy boots. This way, if you release the tomahawk a bit too late, your feet will be protected from potential mishaps.
Precautions
- Tomahawks are not toys. While they may be enjoyable to throw, they can be dangerous and even deadly if not handled properly.
- Always wear eye protection, as fragments from the target may fly into your eyes after a tomahawk strikes it.
- Never throw at people, animals, buildings, or vehicles. Always aim at designated targets to ensure safety.
Essential Items
- Target
- Tomahawk
- Eye protection
- Sturdy boots
