Axe throwing started out like so many fringe sports: low point of entry on cost, "whatever works" mentality and, of course, drinking. But it's graduated from those waddling baby steps into an activity that can cost a-plenty of hard earned money.
And while it's still absolutely possible to still throw on a relatively low budget (save for that ~$140ish league cost), it's just as possible to spend a cool thousand without really trying. And that makes me sad, honestly, because I enjoy heating. And food. And as/if axe throwing grows, prices will also increase because capitalism be like that.
With all of this in mind, I want to share a few ideas around how to be a frugal axe thrower. Specifically, how to play this sport with the least amount of impact on your late nineties wallet with a chain that clips to your belt buckle.
I know you still have one. Just waiting for the right moment to come back into rotation.
AXES THAT AREN'T 200 BUCKS
You see them. Those bee-eee-aaa-utiful, custom axes posing seductively on the axe thrower marketplace. The Distals. The bespoke handles. The newest models. And you think "if I could just buy ONE of those sweet, sweet Philly Axe Co jobs, I'll definitely get into Round 2.
And I mean, I'm not going to say you're wrong because I don't know. In fact, I have that exact same thought.
But let's say that little, neglected part of your brain that houses rational thought pipes up and says "but what about affording rent?" Well, fair point.
It is possible to get a really good, fun, effective axe without a hefty price tag. In fact I did a whole post about affordable axes here. But I'll add a few tips as well:
While people are catching on, it's still possible to get the foundation for a great throwing axe (or just a great throwing axe outright) on ebay and facebook marketplace. Try all the old tricks. Look for "Plum hatchets" and just the generic "hatchet" to see what comes up. You might find gold in...if you'll excuse me...them there hills.
Ask fellow throwers if they have axes that aren't getting much throw time. Chances are ULTRA HIGH that they have axes that they started with (and they didn't spend much money on) that they'll sell you for a steal -- or maybe even for nothing at all.
Also keep in mind that you can, and should, research the axe you really want. I know people do it, and I'm sure there's really no issue in doing so, but buying an expensive, custom axe without ever throwing it seems wierd to me. What if you hate it? What if it's completely wrong for your throw? Before going for that big purchase, make sure you throw EITHER the axe your intending to buy OR the closest approximation of the axe you're jonesing after.
CONSIDER ALL EXPENSES WITH A TOURNEY
I'm not much of a traveler when it comes to axe tourneys. I am hoping to get more into that scene in the future, but so far I've limited myself to the very satisfying Urban Axes Baltimore and the very affordable Meduseld Meadery (it costs me about 5 minutes walking from my house). BUT I did hella tourney travel for bike polo. Here's what I learned from that venerable sport:
Factor in eating expenses, and sleeping expenses if the tourney will be longer than 1 day of safe travel.
How much will travel itself cost? You gonna teleport, or are you gonna, you know, use a vehicle that consumes fuel?
Are you gonna pick up anything at the tourney? Tee shirts? A new axe? A puppy you find abandoned just outside the axe house, starting a new, lifelong friendship? All of that costs money.
And I get how someone might think that list is condesending, but it's ultra-easy to only think of a tourney as the price of admission, which is the pleasure center part of your noodle-y brain lying to you. Travel costs money, and you really gotta budget out what that looks like for your long-term expenses.
Unless you're independently wealthy and don't need to think about that sort of thing. In which case you should know I'm always looking for sponsorships of this website. I've spent so much...so much...
GET CREATIVE WITH AXE THROWING EPHEMERA
We all want the axe-throwing specific bag, custom axe covers and a gold necklace that can hold our 81 coin. But believe me: those are expenses that you don't need to take on. Save on the bag and custom cover and only get the gold, 81-coin holding necklace. You're welcome.
Truth is, there are plenty of options that are half the price with most things that are made specifically for our sport (or for our vanity). I'm still using a padded tripod bag for my axe bag. It cost 20 bucks if I remember correctly, and it works very, very well. I also used an $8, generic axe cover for most of my axes for a long, long time. Was it perfect? Nope! Did it do the job? You becha.
There is a natural impulse, I think, to get the things that make you feel like you're all in on a hobby/sport/passion, but if you're trying to protect your ducats, do some creative thinking about what will fit the bill without breaking the bank. There is a fringe benefit here, too, in that you'll have the opportunity to become the confusing axe thrower in your league. The gal who walks in using a ukelele bag to hold their axes and wedges of discount cheese to cover the blades, for example.
Here's the thing: axe throwing is still, fortunately, a sport where you can spend as little or as much as you like (caveat caveat caveat), and you shouldn't feel pressured into dunking hundreds and hundreds of dollars each year. Spend what makes sense, use what works, and wait at least a year before going nuts on your axe throwing purchases.
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