How to Maintain Your Throwing Axe: A Complete Guide
Find out more about the benefits of axe throwing.
INTRODUCTION
A well-maintained throwing axe is the key to consistent accuracy, longevity, and safety. Whether you're a casual thrower or a serious competitor, taking care of your axe ensures it performs at its best and lasts for years.
At The Axe Throwing Supply Company UK, we believe that proper axe maintenance is just as important as throwing technique. In this guide, we’ll cover how to clean, sharpen, store, and inspect your throwing axe to keep it in top condition.
Why Axe Maintenance is Important
Axe throwing puts your equipment through regular wear and tear. Over time, axes can become dull, rusty, or even damaged, which can:
Reduce accuracy – A dull blade won’t stick properly to the target.
Increase safety risks – A loose handle or chipped blade can cause accidents.
Shorten lifespan – Poor maintenance can lead to premature wear and breakage.
Regular cleaning, sharpening, and inspection will ensure your axe remains safe and effective.
How to Clean Your Throwing Axe
Keeping your axe clean prevents rust, dirt build-up, and corrosion. Follow these simple steps:
Cleaning the Blade
Wipe after each session – Use a dry cloth to remove dirt, moisture, and wood debris.
Use mild soap and water (if needed) – If the axe is dirty, clean it with soapy water and a sponge (avoid soaking the blade).
Dry thoroughly – Always dry the blade immediately to prevent rust.
Apply oil – Lightly coat the blade with mineral oil, WD-40, or gun oil to protect against moisture.
Cleaning the Handle
For wooden handles, wipe them down with a damp cloth and apply linseed oil to keep the wood from drying out.
For composite handles, simply wipe with a damp cloth and ensure they are dry before storing.
Tip: Never store your axe when it’s damp, as moisture can cause rust and weaken wooden handles.
How to Sharpen Your Throwing Axe
Axe throwing requires a blade that is sharp enough to stick to the target but not razor-sharp like a cutting axe. A properly sharpened axe improves accuracy and consistency.
Tools You Need
Sharpening Stone or File – Used for refining the blade’s edge.
Honing Oil or Water – Helps the sharpening process.
Leather Strop or Fine Sandpaper – Smooths out rough edges.
Step-by-Step Sharpening Guide
Secure the Axe – Place the axe in a vice or hold it firmly on a non-slip surface.
Use a Metal File (if needed) – If the axe is very dull, use a file to reshape the edge.
Use a Sharpening Stone – Apply honing oil or water to the stone, then rub the axe blade in circular motions along the stone at a 20-30 degree angle.
Refine with a Leather Strop – This smooths out any rough spots and helps the edge last longer.
Test the Sharpness – The axe should be sharp enough to stick into wood easily but not so sharp that it slices paper.
Tip: Avoid over-sharpening – throwing axes need a durable edge, not a razor-sharp one.
How to Store Your Throwing Axe Properly
Proper storage is essential to prevent rust, handle damage, and blade dullness.
Storage Tips
Keep in a dry place – Store your axe in a low-humidity environment to avoid rust.
Use a blade cover – A leather or plastic sheath will protect the edge from damage.
Store vertically or hung on a rack – Keeping the axe upright prevents unnecessary pressure on the blade or handle.
Avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures – Heat and cold can weaken the handle material.
Tip: If storing for long periods, apply a thin coat of oil on the blade to protect against corrosion.
Inspecting Your Throwing Axe for Damage
Regular inspections help you spot small issues before they become big problems. Before each session, check:
The Blade
No cracks or chips in the metal.
No excessive dullness or damage to the edge
The Handle
No cracks or splinters in wooden handles.
No looseness between the handle and axe head.
The Axe Head Connection
If your axe has a wooden wedge securing the head, ensure it's still firm and tight.
If the head is loose, it’s time for a replacement or re-securing.
Tip: A loose axe head is a major safety hazard—never throw with a damaged or unstable axe.
Common Axe Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving your axe wet – Moisture leads to rust and weakens wooden handles.
Sharpening too much or too little – A balance between sharpness and durability is key.
Forgetting to oil the axe – Protects both the blade and the handle from wear and tear.
Ignoring small cracks or chips – These can worsen over time and affect your throw.
Using the wrong target – Throwing into overly hard wood (like oak) can dull or damage the blade faster.
When to Replace Your Throwing Axe
Even with great maintenance, throwing axes won’t last forever. Consider replacing your axe if:
The handle is cracked beyond repair.
The axe head has deep chips or cracks that cannot be filed down.
The blade no longer holds an edge properly, despite sharpening.
At The Axe Throwing Supply Company UK, we offer durable, high-quality throwing axes designed to last—but when it’s time for a new one, we’ve got you covered!
Maintaining your throwing axe doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular cleaning, sharpening, and proper storage, you’ll keep your axe in great shape for longer, ensuring better accuracy and safety every time you throw.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, taking care of your equipment is essential for the best axe throwing experience.
At The Axe Throwing Supply Company UK, we stock high-quality throwing axes, targets, and accessories to help you enjoy the sport to the fullest.