Unleash Your Inner Woodsman: A Comprehensive Guide to Tomahawk Throwing

Tomahawk throwing, a skill steeped in history and tradition, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. More than just a fun pastime, it’s a challenging activity that requires focus, coordination, and a touch of primal instinct. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to unwind, learning to throw a tomahawk can be incredibly rewarding. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps, from selecting the right tomahawk to sticking your first throw with confidence.

## Before You Begin: Safety First!

Before diving into the mechanics of throwing, it’s crucial to understand and prioritize safety. Tomahawks are sharp and can be dangerous if mishandled. Always follow these safety precautions:

* **Eye Protection:** Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from splinters or debris.
* **Designated Throwing Area:** Establish a clear and well-defined throwing area with a safe backstop. This backstop should be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of a thrown tomahawk. A target made of soft wood, like cottonwood or pine, is ideal.
* **Clear the Area:** Ensure that no people, animals, or obstructions are within the throwing range or behind the target. A safety zone of at least 50 feet behind the target is recommended.
* **Responsible Handling:** Treat the tomahawk with respect. Always carry it with the blade facing down and away from your body. Never run or horseplay with a tomahawk in your hand.
* **Supervision:** If you’re a beginner, especially if children are present, have an experienced tomahawk thrower supervise you. They can provide guidance and ensure safety protocols are followed.
* **No Alcohol or Drugs:** Never throw a tomahawk under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your judgment and coordination will be impaired, increasing the risk of accidents.
* **Check Your Equipment:** Before each throwing session, inspect your tomahawk for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the handle or a loose head. Do not use a damaged tomahawk.
* **First Aid Kit:** Keep a well-stocked first aid kit readily available in case of minor injuries.

## Choosing Your Tomahawk: A Beginner’s Guide

The tomahawk you choose will significantly impact your throwing experience. For beginners, it’s best to start with a lightweight and well-balanced tomahawk designed for throwing. Here’s what to consider:

* **Weight:** A tomahawk weighing between 1.25 and 1.75 pounds is generally recommended for beginners. Lighter tomahawks are easier to control and throw, allowing you to focus on your technique.
* **Handle Length:** A handle length of 16 to 19 inches is a good starting point. A longer handle provides more leverage but can be more difficult to control initially.
* **Head Design:** Look for a tomahawk with a simple, single-bit head. Avoid tomahawks with overly ornate designs or sharp points, as these can be less forgiving and more prone to glancing off the target.
* **Handle Material:** Hickory is a popular choice for tomahawk handles due to its strength and durability. Other options include ash and synthetic materials like nylon-reinforced plastic.
* **Balance:** The tomahawk should feel balanced in your hand, with the weight evenly distributed between the head and the handle. A well-balanced tomahawk will be easier to control and throw accurately.
* **Durability:** Choose a tomahawk made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated impacts. A full-tang tomahawk, where the head extends through the entire handle, is generally more durable than a tomahawk with a shorter tang.

**Recommended Beginner Tomahawks:**

* **Cold Steel Trail Hawk:** A popular and affordable option with a durable hickory handle and a versatile head design.
* **Estwing Black Eagle Tomahawk:** A one-piece steel tomahawk that is virtually indestructible.
* **SOG Tomahawk:** A lightweight and well-balanced tomahawk with a comfortable handle.

## Setting Up Your Throwing Range

A properly set up throwing range is essential for safety and enjoyment. Here’s how to create one:

* **Location:** Choose a location that is away from buildings, roads, and other potential hazards. A large open space with a natural backstop, such as a hill or a thicket of trees, is ideal.
* **Target:** The target should be made of soft wood, such as cottonwood, pine, or poplar. Avoid using hardwoods, as they can damage your tomahawk and increase the risk of ricochets. You can create a target by stacking several pieces of wood together or by using a commercially available tomahawk target.
* **Target Stand:** The target should be mounted on a sturdy stand that is at least 4 feet tall. This will raise the target to a comfortable throwing height and prevent the tomahawk from hitting the ground.
* **Throwing Line:** Mark a throwing line at a distance of 12 to 15 feet from the target. This is a good starting distance for beginners. You can adjust the distance as you improve your accuracy.
* **Safety Zone:** Establish a clear safety zone around the target and the throwing line. This zone should be free of people, animals, and obstructions.

## Mastering the Grip

The way you grip the tomahawk is crucial for accuracy and control. There are several different grips you can use, but the most common grip for beginners is the overhand grip:

* **Overhand Grip:** Hold the tomahawk with your dominant hand, wrapping your fingers firmly around the handle. Your thumb should be on top of the handle, pointing towards the head of the tomahawk. Ensure you have a firm, but not overly tight, grip. A death grip will hinder your throw.

Experiment with different grip positions to find what feels most comfortable and natural for you. Some throwers prefer to grip the tomahawk closer to the head, while others prefer to grip it closer to the end of the handle.

## The Stance and Throwing Motion

The stance and throwing motion are just as important as the grip. Here’s how to execute a basic overhand throw:

1. **Stance:** Stand facing the target with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your dominant foot should be slightly behind your non-dominant foot. Angle your body slightly towards the target.
2. **Grip:** Hold the tomahawk with your chosen grip in your dominant hand.
3. **Backswing:** Bring the tomahawk back over your head in a smooth, controlled motion. Keep your arm straight and your elbow locked. The tomahawk head should be pointing behind you.
4. **Forward Swing:** Bring the tomahawk forward in a smooth, arc-like motion. As you swing, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot. Maintain a straight arm until the release.
5. **Release:** Release the tomahawk when your arm is fully extended and your hand is at eye level. The release point is critical for accuracy. Experiment with releasing the tomahawk slightly earlier or later to adjust your point of impact.
6. **Follow Through:** After releasing the tomahawk, continue your arm motion towards the target. This will help you maintain your balance and ensure a smooth follow-through.

**Key Points for a Successful Throw:**

* **Smooth Motion:** Avoid jerky or rushed movements. A smooth, controlled throwing motion is essential for accuracy.
* **Consistent Release:** Practice releasing the tomahawk at the same point in your swing each time. This will help you develop consistency.
* **Target Focus:** Keep your eyes focused on the target throughout the entire throwing motion.
* **Practice, Practice, Practice:** The more you practice, the better you will become at tomahawk throwing.

## Adjusting for Distance: The Rotation Factor

The distance between you and the target determines the number of rotations the tomahawk needs to make in the air to stick. A shorter distance requires fewer rotations, while a longer distance requires more. This is where the art of adjusting your throwing technique comes in.

* **Too Many Rotations (Blade Hits High):** If the blade hits the target too high, it means the tomahawk is rotating too much. To correct this, move closer to the target or adjust your release point to release the tomahawk slightly earlier.
* **Not Enough Rotations (Handle Hits First):** If the handle hits the target first, it means the tomahawk is not rotating enough. To correct this, move farther away from the target or adjust your release point to release the tomahawk slightly later.

**Fine-Tuning Your Release:**

The key to adjusting for distance is to fine-tune your release point. Experiment with releasing the tomahawk slightly earlier or later until you find the sweet spot where it sticks consistently. This takes practice and patience, but it’s essential for becoming an accurate tomahawk thrower.

## Advanced Techniques and Styles

Once you’ve mastered the basic overhand throw, you can explore other techniques and styles:

* **Underhand Throw:** The underhand throw is similar to the overhand throw, but the tomahawk is swung from below the shoulder instead of over the head. This technique can be useful for throwing at closer distances.
* **No-Spin Throw:** The no-spin throw is a more advanced technique that involves throwing the tomahawk without any rotation. This requires precise control and timing.
* **Double Tomahawk Throw:** This involves throwing two tomahawks simultaneously, one in each hand. This is a challenging technique that requires a high degree of coordination.
* **Different Stances:** Experiment with different stances to find what works best for you. Some throwers prefer a more open stance, while others prefer a more closed stance.
* **Trick Throws:** Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with trick throws, such as throwing the tomahawk behind your back or between your legs.

## Maintaining Your Tomahawk

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your tomahawk in good condition and ensuring its longevity:

* **Cleaning:** After each throwing session, clean the tomahawk with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
* **Sharpening:** Keep the blade of your tomahawk sharp by using a sharpening stone or file. A sharp blade will stick more easily and be less likely to glance off the target.
* **Handle Care:** Regularly inspect the handle for any signs of damage, such as cracks or splinters. If the handle is damaged, replace it immediately.
* **Oiling:** Occasionally oil the handle with linseed oil or another wood preservative to protect it from moisture and prevent it from drying out.
* **Storage:** Store your tomahawk in a dry place when not in use.

## Tomahawk Throwing Games and Competitions

Once you’ve developed your skills, you can participate in tomahawk throwing games and competitions. These events are a great way to test your skills, meet other tomahawk enthusiasts, and have fun.

* **Target Throwing:** The most common tomahawk throwing game is target throwing, where participants throw tomahawks at a target and score points based on where the tomahawk lands.
* **Knife and Axe Throwing Competitions:** Many knife and axe throwing competitions also include tomahawk throwing events.
* **Backyard Games:** You can also create your own tomahawk throwing games in your backyard. For example, you can set up a series of targets at different distances and award points based on accuracy.

## The Mental Game

Tomahawk throwing is not just a physical activity; it’s also a mental one. Focus, concentration, and a positive attitude are essential for success. Here are some tips for improving your mental game:

* **Visualization:** Before each throw, visualize the tomahawk sticking in the target. This will help you focus your mind and improve your accuracy.
* **Positive Self-Talk:** Encourage yourself with positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you can hit the target and that you are a skilled tomahawk thrower.
* **Stay Calm:** Don’t get discouraged if you miss a few throws. Stay calm and focused, and remember to concentrate on your technique.
* **Learn from Your Mistakes:** Analyze your throws and identify any mistakes you are making. Use this information to improve your technique.
* **Have Fun:** Remember that tomahawk throwing is supposed to be fun. Relax and enjoy the experience.

## Joining the Community

Connecting with other tomahawk throwing enthusiasts can greatly enhance your experience. Here’s how to get involved:

* **Local Clubs:** Search for local knife and axe throwing clubs in your area. These clubs often have tomahawk throwing events and offer instruction for beginners.
* **Online Forums and Groups:** Join online forums and groups dedicated to tomahawk throwing. These communities are a great place to ask questions, share tips, and connect with other enthusiasts.
* **Attend Competitions:** Attend tomahawk throwing competitions to watch experienced throwers and learn new techniques.

## Conclusion

Tomahawk throwing is a challenging and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can learn to throw a tomahawk with confidence and accuracy. Remember to prioritize safety, choose the right tomahawk, practice your technique, and most importantly, have fun! So, grab a tomahawk, find a safe throwing range, and unleash your inner woodsman!