Before we get too far into reviewing throwing axes, we should probably clear up one of the strangest and most common misunderstandings in the axe throwing world: the difference between an axe and a hatchet.
This might seem like a small detail, but terminology matters. You would not call a canoe a yacht just because they both float. You would not call a pony a Clydesdale just because both are horses. You would not call a paring knife a chef’s knife just because both belong in the kitchen. You would not call a framing hammer a sledgehammer just because both have handles.
So why are so many people calling hatchets axes?
In a game built around accuracy, the terminology on this is a miss.
To be fair, this confusion is everywhere. There are entire “axe throwing” leagues and venues where the primary tool being thrown is not really an axe at all — it is a hatchet. Somehow, an entire sport-style industry developed around the misdefinition of a hatchet, and everyone just kind of went along with it. Nobody stopped the meeting and said, “Hold on a second… isn’t this a hatchet?”
So here we are...
We are not here to ruin anyone’s fun. Hatchet throwing is fun. It is accessible, social, and has introduced a lot of people to throwing sports. But we are here to shed a little light on the situation, because words still mean things — and tools deserve to be called what they actually are.
A hatchet belongs to the broader axe family, but that does not mean every hatchet should simply be called an axe. The proper term for a short-handled chopping implement, designed primarily to be used with one hand, and falling below the practical size and weight normally associated with a full-size axe, is hatchet.
As a practical rule of thumb, a tool should generally be called a hatchet when it has:
Once a tool starts moving beyond that range — especially with a handle over 20 inches, a head weight above roughly 2.25 to 2.5 pounds, and a design that allows or expects two-handed use — it starts moving out of hatchet territory and into the broader category of an axe.
A full-size axe will often have:
These numbers are not meant to be a perfect legal definition, because different manufacturers, regions, and rulebooks may classify tools slightly differently. But they are useful practical boundaries. If a tool is short-handled, light-headed, and clearly intended to be thrown or swung with one hand, the more accurate term is usually hatchet.
Yes, it has an axe-style head. Yes, it can be thrown. Yes, people commonly call it an axe. But technically, it is still a hatchet.
A hatchet is generally smaller, lighter, and more compact. It usually has a shorter handle, a lighter head, and is designed for controlled one-handed use. Hatchets are commonly used for kindling, camping, trail work, small chopping tasks, and recreational throwing.
An axe, on the other hand, is generally a larger tool designed for heavier work. It usually has a longer handle, more head weight, and is built for more serious chopping, felling, splitting, timber work, or full-size throwing disciplines. An axe has more leverage, more mass, more momentum, and a very different feel in the hand.
That distinction matters.
A full-size axe, a double-bit axe, a forest axe, a splitting axe, and a hatchet are all related tools, but they are not interchangeable terms. Each has its own intended use, size range, balance, weight, handling style, and performance characteristics.
And when we refer to a double-bit throwing axe, we are not talking about a small one-handed hatchet. We are talking about an actual axe: a full-size, two-sided axe with a blade on each side of the head, designed and balanced for double-bit axe throwing. These are heavier, longer, more powerful tools with a completely different rotation, feel, and level of commitment than a recreational hatchet.
Under Global Axe-throwing Commission regulations, a compliant double-bit throwing axe must meet specific size and weight requirements. The axe must be at least 24 inches / 610 mm in total length from the top of the head to the bottom of the handle, the cutting edge must not exceed 6 inches / 152 mm, and the total axe weight, including the handle, must be at least 2.5 pounds / 1134 grams. These are actual axes, not short-handled hatchets being marketed under a looser name.
The section below outlines the specification requirements for double-bit throwing axes and highlights examples of GAC-compliant double-bit throwing axes.
We also want to be clear that Black Dot Axe Club is not being paid, sponsored, compensated, or influenced in any way by any axe manufacturer.
The reviews, observations, and recommendations on this page are based on our own experience, testing, throwing, and honest opinions. If we like something, we will say so. If we see problems, we will say that too.
Before looking at specific double-bit throwing axe brands, it is important to understand the basic equipment requirements used in Global Axe-Throwing Commission competition.
The GAC specifications for double-bit throwing axes are simple, but important. These requirements are checked carefully before major competitions to make sure each axe is compliant.
To meet GAC requirements, a double-bit throwing axe must generally meet the following specifications:
While the GAC sets the minimum requirements for competition compliance, Black Dot Axe Club uses its own low tech weight-class system to help throwers sort and compare different axes.
Not every thrower wants the same feel, speed, rotation, sticking power, or level of effort. Some throwers prefer a heavier axe with more authority at the target, while others prefer a lighter axe that moves faster and is easier to throw over a long session.
For the purpose of our reviews and recommendations, we group GAC-compliant double-bit throwing axes into three practical weight classes:
2000 g and up
Heavy axes usually offer more sticking power, deeper penetration, and more authority at the target. They can be especially useful on harder target species or in conditions where a lighter axe may struggle to stick cleanly. The trade-off is that they require more strength, control, and endurance over a full competition.
1600 g to 2000 g
Medium-weight axes often provide the best balance for many throwers. They still carry enough mass to stick well, while offering a manageable throwing speed and rotation. For many competitors, this is the most practical all-around weight range.
1134 g to 1600 g
Light axes are still required to meet the GAC minimum total weight of 1134 g / 2.5 lb including the handle. These axes can be easier to throw, faster through the air, and more comfortable for some throwers. However, lighter axes may require more velocity to stick consistently, may not penetrate as deeply, and can be more affected by wind or harder target wood.
Weight is only one part of the equation. Handle length, head shape, blade profile, balance point, edge geometry, grip, and overall build quality all affect how an axe performs. That is why we recommend testing different axes whenever possible before settling on a competition setup.
The section below highlights several competition-ready double-bit throwing axe brands and models to consider. These reviews are based on our own throwing experience, testing, and observations.
Hultafors Wetterhall Throwing Axe
Hultafors is widely regarded as one of the gold-standard axe makers in the double-bit axe throwing world. With deep roots in Swedish axe making and a reputation for durable, high-quality tools, Hultafors has become a trusted choice for serious throwers.
The Wetterhall Throwing Axe is part of that long Swedish forging tradition. Hultafors axes are hand forged from Swedish steel at the historic Hults Bruk forge in Sweden, where the forging tradition dates back to 1697. That history matters. These are not novelty throwing axes — they come from a long line of real working tools made for forestry, chopping, and serious use.
The steel is one of the most interesting parts of the Hultafors story. Hultafors describes the Wetterhall as using high-quality Swedish steel, and Ovako notes that Hultafors uses a custom grade of Ovako steel developed to balance sharpness, durability, and toughness. That balance is important in an axe: the steel needs to be hard enough to hold an edge, but tough enough to handle impact and repeated use.
The handle is made from American hickory and treated with linseed oil. Hickory is a classic axe-handle wood because it has good strength, shock absorption, and feel in the hand. The Wetterhall also comes with a sharpened and polished edge and a leather sheath. Overall, the manufacturing story is a big part of what makes the axe appealing: Swedish steel, hand forging, traditional handle material, and a company tied to one of the oldest axe-forging traditions in the world.
The quality is excellent, but one thing to be aware of is variation. At Black Dot Axe Club, we purchased three Hultafors double-bit axes at the same time from different sources, and the weights came in at approximately 2,050 g, 2,100 g, and 2,190 g. All 'heavy axes' but that difference is noticeable when throwing and can affect throw timing, rotation, and feel.
We also saw variation in axe head shape and blade size. One blade measured right on at 6 inches, while another was closer to 5 3/4 inches. In a sport where every millimetre can matter, full blade coverage can be an advantage. A full 6-inch blade gives the thrower the maximum available scoring coverage, so even a small difference in blade width can matter.
In a perfect scenario, a thrower would be able to pick through available inventory, weigh different axes, compare blade profiles, check the blade width, and choose the one that best suits their throwing style. The reality is that unless you are visiting the factory or working with a supplier who can physically check inventory for you, ordering a Hultafors can involve a bit of chance. You may receive an excellent axe, but the exact weight, head shape, and blade size may not be identical from one to the next.
Overall, Hultafors remains a top-quality and highly respected throwing axe. The steel, handle material, forging tradition, and overall build quality are excellent. The only caution is that ordering one can be a bit of a “crap shoot” in terms of exact weight, shape, and blade size. When you get a good one, though, it can be an outstanding double-bit throwing axe.
Website: https://hultafors.com/en-gl/products/wetterhall-throwing-axe
Gränsfors Bruk is one of the most respected axe makers in the world, known for traditional Swedish craftsmanship, hand-forged quality, and a deep commitment to building tools that are made to last. Founded in Sweden in 1902, Gränsfors Bruk has been producing axes for more than 120 years, and their double-bit axe carries that heritage extremely well.
The Gränsfors Double Bit Axe is based on traditional North American working axes, but has been adapted specifically for axe throwing. Both edges are identical, and the centre of gravity and handle placement are designed to help the axe rotate properly in flight. The result is a premium throwing axe that feels like a real working tool — simple, durable, beautifully balanced, and built with the care you would expect from a high-end Swedish forge.
One of the most interesting things about Gränsfors Bruk is how much care goes into the manufacturing process. The axe head is hand-forged from specially selected, high-carbon recycled steel supplied by Ovako, one of Sweden’s major steel producers. Gränsfors does not publicly list a simple alloy number for this axe; instead, the steel is described as a special alloy developed for axe production. The head is forged from steel heated to approximately 1200°C, then the edge is hardened at 820°C and rapidly cooled in water. It is then tempered at 195°C for 60 minutes to relieve stress and reduce brittleness before final testing, sharpening, polishing, and handle fitting.
The handle is made from carefully selected hickory, the traditional premium wood for axe handles because of its strength, flexibility, shock resistance, and long, parallel fibres. Gränsfors Bruk dries the wood before turning the handle, helping prevent the handle from continuing to shrink after the axe head is fitted — one of the common causes of loose axe heads. The Double Bit Axe handle is commonly available in longer competition-style lengths, including the 89 cm / 35 inch hickory handle, shaped for a firm and comfortable grip, then treated with warm linseed oil and beeswax to help protect the wood and improve the feel of the shaft.
For double-bit axe throwing, a Gränsfors Bruk axe is a serious piece of equipment. Depending on the version and handle length, listed weights for the Gränsfors Bruk Double Bit Axe commonly fall around 2.1 kg to 2.4 kg, or approximately 2100 g to 2400 g / 4.6 lb to 5.3 lb. In Black Dot Axe Club’s practical weight-class system, that places it firmly in the heavy double-bit axe category.
That weight is part of what gives the Gränsfors its authority. It has the feel of a true working axe rather than a novelty throwing tool, with excellent steel, a clean profile, strong target presence, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes it highly respected among throwers and axe enthusiasts.
The trade-off is that this is not a light or casual-feeling axe. Some throwers may love the extra mass, deeper sticking potential, and slower, more deliberate rotation. Others may find it heavier than they want for long practice sessions or high-volume competition throwing. As with any serious throwing axe, personal preference matters.
While every thrower will have their own preference for weight, handle length, balance, and rotation speed, Gränsfors Bruk remains one of the benchmark names in the axe world. For anyone looking for a premium, heritage-quality double-bit axe with real Swedish forging history behind it, it is one of the standout options.
Ochsenkopf by GEDORE is one of the great heritage names in European axe making. The brand was founded in 1781 by the Fahlefeld brothers in Remscheid, Germany, making Ochsenkopf Germany’s oldest axe forge. The name Ochsenkopftranslates to “Ox Head,” which is why these axes are often casually referred to by throwers as an “Ox Head.”
The Ochsenkopf OX 18 H Throwing Axe is designed specifically for axe throwing competitions, with a double-bit head, balanced flight characteristics, and a form made to meet competition-style demands. It is a serious European-made throwing axe rather than a novelty item, and it carries the feel of a proper forestry tool adapted for sport.
One of the standout qualities of the Ox Head is the steel. Ochsenkopf edged tools are widely associated with C60 steel, a tough medium-to-high carbon steel commonly used for hard-wearing tools. The OX 18 H axe head is forged and fine polished, giving it a clean, durable working finish. This contributes to the axe’s solid feel, good edge performance, and long service life when properly maintained.
The blade size is also worth noting for double-bit axe throwing. The OX 18 H has a listed cutting edge of approximately 150 mm, or about 5.9 inches, but that measurement appears to follow the curve of the blade. When measured more like a straight GAC-style bit measurement — point to point across the usable cutting face — the practical bit size seems closer to approximately 5 1/2 inches. That distinction matters because blade coverage affects how forgiving an axe can be on close throws. While the Ochsenkopf still offers good practical coverage, it may not provide quite as much straight-line scoring width as a true 6-inch bit.
The handle is made from high-quality hickory, a traditional premium handle wood valued for its strength, flexibility, shock resistance, and long fibres. On the OX 18 H, Ochsenkopf highlights the handle fitting as a key feature: the handle is secured with 3x wedging, which helps create a very strong head-to-handle connection. For throwing use, that is a major advantage because repeated impacts can loosen poorly fitted handles over time.
At Black Dot Axe Club, we have had three Ochsenkopf double-bit throwing axes in heavy use for more than five years, and the handle fit has been one of the most impressive things about them. Despite years of regular throwing, repeated impacts, and hard use, the handles have never budged. That long-term durability says a lot about the quality of the factory handle fitting and the practicality of the 3x wedged design.
Compared with some of the heavier Hultafors double-bit axes, the Ochsenkopf tends to fall into more of a middle-weight throwing axe category. The listed OX 18 H model has a total weight of approximately 1.975 kg, a length of 750 mm, and a listed cutting edge of approximately 150 mm. That puts it in a very practical range for throwers who want something substantial, but slightly more manageable than the heavier traditional double-bit axes.
Overall, the Ochsenkopf double-bit throwing axe offers a strong mix of heritage, balance, durability, and performance. With German forging history dating back to 1781, a forged and polished steel head, a high-quality hickory handle, a practical straight-line bit measurement of around 5 1/2 inches, and an exceptionally secure 3x wedged handle connection, it is a reliable middle-weight option for throwers looking for a serious European-made double-bit axe with excellent build quality.
Wild Axe Dragon
The Wild Axe Dragon is one of the most distinctive modern double-bit throwing axes connected to the Canadian axe throwing scene. Created by Darren Hudson, known as the Father of the Dragon, the design was based on an heirloom axe from his Uncle Stanley and then modified specifically to meet modern world-class tournament standards.
The Dragon is immediately recognizable for its wide double-bit head, bold profile, and hammered “dragon scale” finish. One of the standout features is that the blade profile is designed close to the practical limit of allowable size, which gives the axe a serious performance-minded feel. In theory, more blade coverage can create more scoring opportunity when the axe is rotating cleanly and landing well.
The weight profile also makes the Dragon a serious competition-style axe. The head comes in at roughly 1,467 g / 3.23 lbs, while the total axe weight usually falls between 4.0 and 4.4 lbs, depending on the wood handle selected. The handles are made from hand-selected American ash, giving the axe a strong, traditional feel with natural variation from one handle to the next.
One of the big advantages of the Dragon is that it is not a one-size-fits-all axe. Unlike ordering from a major brand where the size, weight, and finish are usually fixed, the Dragon has been offered in a number of different sizes, weights, handle combinations, and special edition finishes. This gives throwers a better chance of finding the right axe for their own style, strength, timing, and preferred feel. For double-bit throwing, small differences in weight and balance can make a big difference, so having access to a range of Dragon variations is a real advantage.
From a performance standpoint, the Dragon has developed a strong reputation among throwers and is frequently described by competitors as one of the smoothest-flying throwing axes in the world. At Black Dot Axe Club, we do have a few Dragons in rotation, and they always stand out for their combination of size, balance, visual presence, and throwing feel.
Rumour has it that the next generation of Dragons is currently being tested, which is exciting to hear. With the current Dragon already having such a strong identity and reputation, the evolution of this axe is something many serious throwers will be watching closely.
Overall, the Wild Axe Dragon is more than just a good-looking axe. It has a real backstory, a tournament-minded design, a serious weight profile, and a strong connection to Canadian double-bit axe throwing culture. For throwers who appreciate a bold, smooth-flying axe with character, the Dragon is one of the most memorable options in the sport.
For more information, the best advice may be to keep an eye on the Wild Axe community, try to narrow down your most comfortable size and weight dragon axe at Timber Lounge, or better yet, hope you cross paths with Darren Hudson himself. As the Father of the Dragon, Darren is the best source for the backstory, design details, future versions, and the kind of axe lore that does not always make it onto a spec sheet. Testing a variety of axes in person is the best way to find the size, weight, and feel that works for you.
Contact: Darren Hudson — xlsports@mac.com
Tuatahi is a New Zealand-based axe and saw maker with deep roots in competitive wood chopping and racing axe culture. Founded by Eddie Fawcett, Tuatahi has built a world-class reputation for hand-crafted axes and saws designed for serious performance. The name “Tuatahi” means “Number One” or “The Best,” and that standard is reflected in the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and custom craftsmanship.
For double-bit axe throwing, Tuatahi represents the premium, performance-focused end of the axe world. These are not casual hardware-store axes — they are purpose-built tools made by people who understand axe sports, racing axes, chopping, balance, and performance. Tuatahi describes its racing axes as individually hand-forged, heat-treated, and ground to suit the user’s requirements, which speaks to the level of hands-on craftsmanship behind the brand.
The Tuatahi throwing axe head is hand-forged and ground with a chiselled edge. The listed throwing axe head weight is approximately 1350 grams, with a blade approximately 150 mm across, or about 5.9 inches. As with other double-bit axes, it is worth noting that curved cutting-edge measurements and straight-line bit measurements can feel different in practice, but the Tuatahi still offers strong practical blade coverage for double-bit throwing.
One of the main points of difference is the shorter, tapered handle. This gives the axe a very distinct feel compared with more traditional Swedish or German double-bit axes. The taper can make quick, no-look hand positioning very fast because the thrower can feel where their hand is on the handle without needing to visually check grip placement. It also has a comfortable, natural feel in the hand, especially for throwers who like a more athletic, competition-style setup.
That said, this handle style is not for everyone. Some throwers may love the speed and feel of the taper, while others may prefer the consistency of a more traditional straight handle. It is definitely a handle type worth trying before deciding what works best for your own throwing style.
In our experience at Black Dot Axe Club, Tuatahi double-bit axes fall into a medium-weight throwing category, although there can be a fairly wide range in actual weight depending on the individual axe and setup. Black Dot currently has four Tuatahi axes ranging from approximately 1,700 grams to 1,950 grams, giving throwers some choice depending on their preferred balance, speed, and feel.
The Tuatahi is not without a few small quirks, and our experience is that these axes should be treated as performance tools that may require some service, tuning, and breaking in.
At Black Dot Axe Club, three of our four Tuatahi double-bit axes developed varying degrees of handle wiggle or slop shortly after taking possession. Our belief is that this is likely related to slight wood shrinkage after fitting. Re-wedging an axe is not a difficult procedure for someone familiar with axe maintenance, but stabilizing, kiln drying, or aging the handle wood a bit more before final fitting could likely help reduce this issue on the manufacturer’s end.
Another practical note is the through pin. Pins are often fitted for shipping and safety, but many experienced throwers prefer to remove the through pin before serious long-term use. In our experience, leaving the pin in place may increase the chance of the handle splitting under repeated impact. For that reason, we generally recommend removing the through pin and treating the handle fit as something to inspect, tune, and maintain.
It is also not uncommon to see a Tuatahi axe head mounted on a more traditional double-bit handle, this speaks to one of the interesting things about Tuatahi: the axe head itself is a very strong performance platform, and for someone with the skills to hot rod, re-handle, tune, and customize their axe, it can be an excellent option.
That said, despite these small maintenance considerations, the Tuatahi has proven itself as a serious performer. At Black Dot Axe Club, a Tuatahi double-bit axe currently holds the club’s longest unofficial bullseye streak, which says a lot about how well these axes can perform in the hands of a dialed-in thrower.
Overall, Tuatahi double-bit axes are high-performance, competition-minded tools with excellent heritage, strong steel, a unique handle feel, and real-world results behind them. They may require more handle attention than some factory-wedged European axes, but for throwers who like a fast, balanced, performance-focused axe — and especially for throwers who are comfortable tuning or customizing their equipment — Tuatahi is one of the standout names in the double-bit throwing world.
https://www.tuatahiaxes.com/product-page/throwing-axe
Precision Axes is a U.S.-based axe maker focused specifically on competition throwing axes. Unlike traditional forestry brands that have adapted working axes for throwing, Precision Axes approaches the sport from the other direction: building axes specifically for throwers who want a modern, purpose-built competition tool.
One of the main points of difference is the construction method. The Razor Series throwing axe from Precision Axes is made from high-quality plate steel, cut using a computer-operated plasma system, then welded, hardened, tempered, and finished by hand. This gives the axe a very different character from a traditional forged Swedish, German, or New Zealand axe. It is more modern, more engineered, and clearly designed with competition throwing in mind.
The Precision Axes double-bit model is often listed with a 6-inch blade edge, which is a major advantage for double-bit throwing. In this sport, blade coverage matters. A true 6-inch edge gives the thrower more practical scoring width and can be more forgiving on close throws compared with axes that measure closer to 5 1/2 inches across the usable bit. For throwers looking for maximum coverage within common competition-style expectations, this is one of the most appealing features of the Precision Axe.
The handle is typically listed as straight-grain American hickory, with a smooth sanded and wax-coated finish. Hickory is a classic premium handle wood because it combines strength, flex, shock resistance, and good feel in the hand. A straight-grain handle is especially important on a throwing axe because repeated impacts can put a lot of stress through the handle over time.
At Black Dot Axe Club, we purchased three Precision Axes, and our experience is that they fall very clearly into the lightweight axe category. That lighter feel may be attractive for some throwers, especially those who prefer a faster axe or who throw one-handed. However, the lighter head and blade can also change how the axe behaves. In our experience, the Precision Axe may require a higher throwing velocity to ensure a solid stick in the target. If thrown too softly, it can be more prone to bouncing or failing to bury properly compared with a heavier double-bit axe.
This lighter weight also seems to affect how deeply the axe sticks into the target. For obvious reasons, a lighter axe generally carries less mass into the board, and in our experience the Precision Axe does not tend to bury as deeply as heavier double-bit axes. That can limit point potential, because a shallow stick gives the axe less authority in the wood and can make close scoring shots less forgiving. In double-bit throwing, it is not just about touching the line — how confidently the axe enters and holds in the target can matter.
Another issue we noticed is that because the Precision Axe is so light, it can make the thrower feel like they need to throw harder to get a confident stick. That can become a problem. When you start focusing too much on throwing harder, it is easy to lose some of the relaxed accuracy and clean release that double-bit throwing depends on. This becomes especially clear on harder target species, where the axe needs more energy to bury properly. In those situations, the lighter axe can push the thrower into a higher-effort throw, which may reduce consistency and scoring accuracy.
Like any lighter axe, it may also be more affected by wind in outdoor throwing conditions. A heavier axe generally carries more momentum through the air and into the target, while a lighter axe can feel quicker but less planted. For that reason, the Precision Axe may not be the best match for every thrower, especially those who prefer the steadier, more authoritative feel of a heavier traditional double-bit axe.
In terms of weight, the Precision Axes double-bit throwing axe is commonly listed around 3 lb 5 oz, or roughly 1,500 grams, with an overall length of approximately 28 inches. That puts it below many traditional European double-bit axes in overall throwing weight. For some throwers, that lighter weight can make the axe feel quick and easy to control, especially over longer throwing sessions. For others, it may feel like it lacks the mass and bite they want at the target.
Overall, Precision Axes offers a practical, competition-minded double-bit throwing axe with a very different personality from brands like Gränsfors Bruk, Hultafors, Ochsenkopf, or Tuatahi. It may not be our top choice for a standard two-handed double-bit throwing axe, but for someone looking for a lightweight option — especially a one-handed thrower, a smaller thrower, or someone who prefers a faster release or recovering from an injury— it could be an axe worth considering. It is best understood as a light, modern, sport-specific axe rather than a traditional heavy double-bit throwing axe.
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