Maintaining and caring for your throwing axes is crucial to ensuring their longevity, safety, and performance. The key areas of focus when caring for throwing axes include the axe head, handle, and overall storage and transport. Regardless of whether you are a casual thrower or a competitive axe thrower, proper maintenance is essential.
To begin with, let’s consider the axe head. This is usually made out of metal and can be prone to rusting if not properly taken care of. To prevent rust, keep your axe head clean and dry. After each use, wipe down the head with a dry cloth to remove moisture and any debris that may have adhered to it during throwing. It’s also advisable to apply a light coating of oil or wax to form a protective barrier against rust. Products like WD-40, gun oil, or even natural options like beeswax can serve this purpose.
Edges on the axe head should be kept sharp, as a sharp blade is less likely to chip and is more efficient when cutting into wood targets. Sharpening can be done with a flat file or a sharpening stone, maintaining the original angle of the edge. Move in one consistent direction along the edge, checking for burrs and smoothing them away.
The handle, often made of wood, also requires attention. If your handle begins to show signs of wear like cracks or splinters, you should sand it down to keep it smooth, which helps to prevent injury. A raw linseed oil or boiled linseed oil treatment can help preserve the wood, maintaining the handle’s integrity and moisture levels. It’s beneficial to routinely inspect the handle where it meets the axe head to ensure a snug fit since a loose axe head can be dangerous and inaccurate when throwing.
If your axe handle ever breaks or becomes too loose, it’s important to replace it to avoid injury. Replacement handles are available and can be fitted to your axe head with some patience and basic carpentry skills. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacing a handle to ensure it’s done correctly.
When it comes to storage, avoid leaving your axes outdoors where they can be exposed to the elements. Instead, store them in a dry place, ideally hung up on a wall or a rack where they are off the ground. This not only protects the axe from moisture that could cause rusting but also reduces the risk of accidents or damage to the axe from falls.
Never store your axe in a wet, damp, or excessively humid environment as this can cause both the axe head and handle to deteriorate more quickly. If you are storing your axe for an extended period, ensure it is adequately oiled and consider wrapping the head in a cloth to protect it from dust and moisture.
Lastly, ensure you transport your axes safely. Use a protective sheath or case for the axe head to prevent accidental cuts or damage. Keep the throwing axe secured during transport, so it does not move around and potentially damage itself, your vehicle, or other items you may be carrying.
Remember that regular maintenance and care will not only extend the life of your throwing axes but also improve your throwing experience by ensuring your equipment stays in top condition. Make these practices a part of your routine to consistently get the best performance out of your gear.