Since I learned of them during my second axe throwing league, I've been deeply interested by Infinity Axes. I had yet to realize that there were many people making axe-throwing specific axes, mind you, but the idea that some dude out in middle America (I honestly don't know why I think that, or if it's true, but here we are) custom making wild-ass axes for throwing thrilled me.
Being wary of the new (at the time) IATF axe requirements, I went with the safety of the Pluot, a 1.7 lbs, 4"-bit hatchet.
I had purchased one other Infinity axe in the past, the Bruenor, and enjoyed the way the handle felt in my hand enough to not be scared off by the odd, almost fence-slat style. I'll talk more on that later in this, my axe review of the Pluot.
OVERALL CONSTRUCTION
The Pluot, like all Infinity axes, is a thing unto itself. It is a unique sort of hatchet that is hard to give comparisons to, despite the design is based heavily off of Plumbs. Like most axes from this maker, the head is attached via pinned-handle design and a socket with a 1.25 x 0.75 inch, 1/4 inch radius cornered opening.
So far, I've had zero issues with the connection on the Pluot. Likewise, I've not had any problems with the head, which according to the website, is made of 4140 steel. I sharpened it once and used it for months and months without finding the need to sharpen again. THAT BEING WHAT IT IS: the thickness of the bit will give some people reason to pause, as I think by default, most Infinity Axes come in at around 4mm. Now, I didn't have a problem with the Bruenor being this thickness, but I did thin out the Pluot a bit, just for the sake of removing that variable. I'll be real honest with you: unless you're throwing on hard boards (and even then), I don't know how much a few mm of bit thickness is gonna affect things. But I'm trying to be a good reviewer. So now you know. Queue the star flying from left to right and that little song playing.
OVERALL FEEL
The Pluot is, out of the box, an odd duck - but one that I'm familiar with. Much like a weird uncle telling you all about how the "gubment" is taking away our earwax, once you get used to it, you forget what life was like before.
Much like it's design cousin, the Plumb National, the Pluot is very head-heavy compared to the handle, and it makes it feel a little imbalanced pre-throw depending on how you hold it. That being said, it's no different than a Plumb National with a standard, familiar handle. The balance didn't feel like it was a non-starter, in short.
I keep talking about it, so I reckon it's time to get into it a bit more:
THE INFINITY HANDLE
I think one of the reasons that Infinity axes has a hard time breaking into more widespread usage with IATF throwers is the handle. For one thing, it doesn't work like any other handle for axes. If it breaks, you gotta get that exact same handle from Infinity, drill a whole, punch in a pin, and you're good to go. But you can't--at least not easily, buy a fancy looking, custom-built handle and fit it up as you would almost any other axe in the world.
The Infinity handle also is very rectangular and small in the hand. It LOOKS like it's not really suitable for throwing, and I think that goes a long way in pushing people away from using Infinity axes more often.
All of that being said: I really like the handle. I'm about as handy as a foot when it comes to any sort of craftswork, and drilling a whole/putting in a pin seems well within my ability. To that end, however, I've never had to replace an Infinity handle to start with. I enjoy the shape and width, having little badger hands. After maybe 100 throws, you are likely to notice a little movement when you're pulling the axe from the boards. A little give, I'd say. I think this is because you don't have a wedge at the top, just that pin under the eye of the axe, so there isn't really a friction connection going on. I'm not worried about the head coming off or it acting like a pez dispenser or anything, but if you want a connection that just doesn't move at all, you might find yourself dropping a round/metal wedge. I think that IS a big thing to consider.
I fully understand the critiques that people have about the handle, but I don't have those same issues. I think it looks a bit funky, but it works well and seems to be hella affordable. I haven't confirmed this, but the look of it reminds me very much of something I could find at Home Depot pretty easily, which would mean I'm spending very, very little to have a bunch of backup handles, if ever I need them - and that's pretty comforting for my broke ass.
CUSTOMIZATION
When I bought the Pluot, the sticker price of $100 bucks (It's $105 right now, without shipping) was the most I'd ever spent on a throwing hatchet. Still is, I think. In my mind, something like that shouldn't require much by the way of customization.
But I also am throwing buddies with a very skilled man called OtterGuy (operator of Otter Axe Company) who does a great job of thinning/changing axe heads to fit whateverthehell someone wants.
Having purchased this axe after losing the ability to throw Snappy Turtums in league, I wanted to pay homage. OR MAYBE OtterGuy suggested it and I liked it. Either way, I left the Pluot in his care, and soon had back a lighter, customized hatchet.
BEST USE CASE
I threw the O.G. Pluot for long enough to know that it felt a lot like throwing a Plumb National Victory, save for the handle. Now it feels like, I don't know...throwing this exact axe? The shaved weight and balance is wonderful. I use it for going clutch - not because it does a poor job of using as an all-in-one solution, but because all the best throwers in my league have two axes and I wanna look like I'm important, too.
This axe has worked SO VERY WELL as a clutch axe. Its 4-inch bit gives you that "horseshoes and hand grenades" feel of just nailing the clutch more times than not, but its light weight makes it easier (in my case) to dance between it and my bull axe. So, in my opinion, it's great.
Now, I will say: I'd love for this axe to have a flat face rather than a pronounced curve to its heel. So far it hasn't become a huge issue, but if I don't manage to land perfectly flat on a clutch, I can see how that heel could make ME a heel. HAHAHA the 1940's loved that joke.
OVERALL AXE THROWING REVIEW: PLUOT RATING
I realize, in writing that subhead, that I don't have a rating system. Maybe I should? It seems flippant to do that. Hm.
Anyway - overall, if you have even an inkling of interest in the Pluot and enjoy a heavier head (and don't care about having a very fancy, custom handle), I think you'll enjoy this hatchet. If you have the ability or desire to customize it, I think you will LOVE this hatchet after taking weight off the thing. It is responsive and very satisfying to throw, and it really feels like a hatchet that just has lots of possibilities for customization and fine-tuning. I guess you can say that about any throwing axe, if you have the tools and skills, but I'm not taking it back.
And just in case you don't wanna scroll back up to look at it on the Infinity Axes website, I'll include the link again right here. You're welcome.
Comments