There are people in the axe throwing world that I kinda see as pillars in the sport. And it's rare that I build up enough gumption to talk to these people. But after a few very expensive beers and just the right amount of self confidence (read: I bought an axe off of him earlier and felt like asking for an interview wasn't a huge ask), I managed my way to interviewing Kevin Bradley.
Now, I never spoke to the man before this, and I had the irrational feeling that the dude didn't have a great opinion of me (I based this on nothing. I just have that lovely habit of assuming everyone is tired of me all the time), but as it turns out, of course, this fear was unfounded. I asked Kevin about his axes, his involvement in the sport, and whateverelse. Here's what we talked about:
How long have you been making axes? Making axes? Probably been about 3 years, now? I started just after Covid hit...you know, for something to do.
You're kind of...well you're more than kind of: you're an icon in axe throwing--
Well thank you. I wouldn't consider myself that but I appreciate that.
No, 100%. I knew about you when I started. I recognized you right from the start kept seeing you pop up online. You're a cultural pillar, to me, of the sport. Why do you think that is? What do you do in axe throwing--in tournaments and in the cultural aspects of it that makes people engage with you as an individual?
I dunno! I just try to do what needs to be done. I do know at Choppers, where I work, I try to make sure all the tournaments run correctly, and well, and smoothly. I try to make axes as well as I can make them, and try to be a good example for what throwers should do.
I think your axe handles in particular are very identifiable. You can tell a Bradley from any other axe out there. What do you think you're doing differently, there? Do you think you're shape is different, your style, the way you're decorating them?
I think it all really comes down to the personal preferences of the maker, for finishing. It could be the way they [makers] are sanding them, or the way they finish them by hand or by machine? I just know I found what works for me.
What are some of the axes you've made that you're most proud of?
Ohhhhh...
I know that's a tricky question. Even if it's, like, you finish one and you just know you did your very best.
I had one, an NATF head, that I sold today at the Axe Market, that had a very chaotic pattern on it, that just, to me, just felt really good in the hand and threw very well. I just liked that one a lot.
I've got a few personal axes of course, where I finished them and decided 'this one is really nice, this one is gonna stay with me a while.'
I guess that's a question: I assume every maker has to ask themselves "how many axes do you just keep?
Oh, no no. Every axe I make, I sell. Unless I am making it specifically for me.
And how many have you made that you kept for yourself?
Four. Two axes and two big axes.
That's a lot of restraint.
Yeah, yeah it is.
That's something I've realized about myself. I feel like, for instance, if I learned how to make crepes, I wouldn't be able to just make a "correct" amount. I'd be hammering those things down every day until I couldn't fit through doorways.
Reader, this is where you can tell I had a little bit of a beer buzz and was struggling to keep this interview on topic.
Yeah (This was the most generous "yeah" I've received in my life)
Is there anything you wanna add? Or any question I should ask, or anyone you wanna shout out?
I mean, Chopper's Hatchet House, Joey The Hat - he's been a great friend to me and the community. I think those are pretty good.
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