The satisfying thunk of an axe head biting deep into a target is a feeling like no other. Whether you’re honing your skills at a local throwing range, preparing a campsite, or building a survival kit, the right throwing axe or tomahawk is an indispensable tool. With so many options on the market, from tactical designs to traditional woodcutters, selecting the perfect one can be a challenge.
This guide cuts through the noise to bring you a Marine’s top picks for 2025. We’ve evaluated each model on its balance, durability, and intended use, providing you with the critical information needed to make an informed decision. From competitive throwing to backwoods bushcraft, there’s a perfect blade here for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Throwing Axes & Tomahawks
- SOG Tomahawk Tactical Hatchet – Voodoo Hawk Mini
- MTECH USA MT-602G10 Axe 10-Inch Overall
- CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe: RMJ T-Hawk
- Cold Steel Competition Throwing Hatchet, 16″
- SOG Tactical Tomahawk- Throwing Hatchet
- Smith & Wesson M&P Extraction & Evasion Tactical Axe
- Kershaw Deschutes Skinner Hatchet Camp Ax
- Husqvarna 26-Inch Wooden Multipurpose Axe
- M48 Tactical Tomahawk Military Axe
- Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14″
SOG Tomahawk Tactical Hatchet – Voodoo Hawk Mini
The SOG Voodoo Hawk Mini is a compact and versatile tool that excels in multiple roles. Its 12.5-inch design features a 2.75-inch satin-polished stainless steel blade, making it an ideal choice for a throwing hatchet, camping axe, or survival tool. Weighing just over 23 ounces, it is light enough for easy handling and packing, yet robust enough for heavy-duty tasks.
This model includes a ballistic nylon sheath, allowing for safe and convenient carry on your belt or gear. The balanced design promotes accurate throws, while the durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and repeated impacts.
MTECH USA MT-602G10 Axe
The MTECH USA MT-602G10 is a no-frills, compact axe with a 10-inch overall length. It features a 5-inch by 2.5-inch black blade with a 3mm thickness, giving it a solid and aggressive profile. This design is straightforward and built for utility.
Its smaller size makes it a candidate for throwing practice and a practical tool to include in a bug-out bag or vehicle kit. The simple, robust construction focuses on providing a reliable cutting and throwing instrument without unnecessary complexity.
CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe
Designed in collaboration with RMJ Tactical, the CRKT Woods Nobo is a tomahawk built for serious outdoor work. It features a head forged from 1055 carbon steel, known for its excellent durability and edge retention. The unique “beard” on the axe head adds versatility for various cutting and hooking tasks beyond simple chopping.
The handle is crafted from dense Tennessee hickory, a traditional material chosen for its ability to absorb shock and withstand hard use. This tomahawk balances modern performance with classic, reliable materials, making it a great all-around tool for camping and survival.
Cold Steel Competition Throwing Hatchet
The Cold Steel Competition Throwing Hatchet is purpose-built for the sport of axe throwing. This 16-inch hatchet is a modified version of their popular Axe Gang model, specifically engineered to meet the regulations of major throwing leagues. Its design prioritizes consistent rotation and solid stick in the target.
For those serious about competitive throwing, this hatchet provides a reliable platform. It also offers a blank canvas for personalization, allowing you to add logos or designs to make it your own for tournament play.
SOG Tactical Tomahawk
A legendary model in the tactical world, the full-size SOG Tactical Tomahawk is a versatile breaching tool and survival axe. It features a razor-sharp 420 stainless steel blade with a sleek black finish, mounted on a 15.75-inch handle. Weighing 24 ounces, it swings fast and true for both throwing and practical applications.
This tomahawk comes with a ballistic nylon sheath that securely snaps closed and includes a belt loop. Its reputation is built on being a robust and effective tool that bridges the gap between wilderness survival and urban emergency scenarios.
Smith & Wesson M&P Extraction & Evasion Tactical Axe
Smith & Wesson brings its firearms expertise to the tool world with the M&P Extraction & Evasion axe. This is a full-tang design constructed from 420 stainless steel, offering exceptional strength. The 16.5-inch overall length and 10-inch blade provide substantial reach and cutting power.
The handle is overmolded with rubber for a secure and comfortable grip in all conditions. A notable feature is the spearpoint spine, which adds a piercing capability to its functionality. It includes a sheath, making it a complete ready-to-deploy system.
Kershaw Deschutes Skinner Hatchet Camp Ax
The Kershaw Deschutes is a modern interpretation of the classic camp axe. It’s built with a full-tang design from 3Cr13 stainless steel, with cutouts in the blade to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. The black-oxide finish helps protect the blade and maintains a low-profile look.
Its handle is made from glass-filled nylon with textured rubber inserts, providing a very secure and ergonomic grip. At 14 inches overall, it’s a great size for backpacking, camping, and splitting kindling, and it comes with a molded sheath for safe transport.
Husqvarna 26-Inch Wooden Multipurpose Axe
For those who need a tool capable of real woodcraft, the Husqvarna Multipurpose Axe is a traditional and highly effective choice. This is not a dedicated throwing axe, but its balanced head and long hickory handle make it suitable for skilled throwers. Its primary strength lies in its ability to fell trees, limb logs, and process firewood.
The axe head is securely attached to the hickory shaft using both a wooden and a steel wedge, ensuring it remains solid during powerful swings. It includes a leather edge cover for safety, embodying the quality and reliability the Husqvarna brand is known for.
M48 Tactical Tomahawk Military Axe
The M48 Tactical Tomahawk is built with a rugged, military-inspired design. It features a 3 7/8-inch cast stainless steel blade complemented by a piercing spike on the reverse side, making it a dual-purpose tool for cutting and breaching. The 8-inch axe head is secured to the handle with three bolts for maximum stability.
The handle is constructed from nylon-reinforced fiberglass, resulting in a unit that is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. With an overall length of 15 inches, it is a robust option for tactical applications and demanding outdoor use.
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
A classic in the world of axes, the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is renowned for its legendary one-piece forged steel construction. This design, from head to butt, eliminates the risk of a loose head and provides unmatched durability. The 14-inch model is a perfect size for camp chores, splitting small wood, and is a proven performer for throwing.
The handle is shock-absorbingly overmolded with genuine leather grips, offering comfort and control. Estwing’s reputation for quality and reliability makes this axe a timeless choice that can be passed down through generations.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Throwing Axes & Tomahawks
As someone who has spent a lot of time with edged tools, I can tell you that picking the right throwing axe or tomahawk is more than just grabbing the coolest-looking one off the shelf. The wrong choice can lead to frustration, bad habits, and even a damaged target. Let’s break down the key things I look for when selecting a tool for the range.
First, you need to understand the fundamental difference between a throwing axe and a tomahawk. A throwing axe, like many from Cold Steel, is typically heavier, has a thicker head, and is designed specifically for sticking in a target. It’s built for stability and power. A tomahawk, on the other hand, is generally lighter, has a thinner profile, and historically was a multi-purpose tool. Tomahawks, like those from RMJ Tactical, offer faster rotation and are often easier to throw for beginners. Your choice here depends on your goals: raw power and stability or speed and versatility.
Next, consider the weight and balance. This is arguably the most critical factor. A well-balanced axe will feel like an extension of your arm. The total weight affects how it flies and how much force you need to put behind it. Lighter axes (around 12-16 ounces) are easier to control and faster, making them great for learning and quick sessions. Heavier axes (19+ ounces) carry more momentum and can be more forgiving of minor release errors, but they require more strength and can be tiring. I prefer a mid-weight option for a good blend of control and power. The balance point should be just forward of the handle, giving it a slight forward bias for a consistent rotation.
Handle material is another big one. You’ll primarily find wood, like hickory, and synthetic materials like FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon). Wood handles, found on classics like the SOG Fasthawk, have a traditional feel and can absorb shock well, but they can break over time. Synthetic handles are nearly indestructible and weather-resistant, which is a huge plus if you’re throwing outdoors in various conditions. The grip texture is also important; you want something that feels secure in your hand without being abrasive.
Finally, think about the head design and steel. A simple, robust head design is best for throwing. You don’t need a lot of fancy cuts or a tactical beard-comb attachment. Look for a good, clean edge geometry. The steel type matters for edge retention and durability. 1055 carbon steel is a common and excellent choice for throwing axes as it’s tough and can take the repeated impact. It will require some maintenance to prevent rust, but it’s a proven performer. When you’re looking at the best throwing axes & tomahawks for 2025, prioritize function, balance, and durability over flashy extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a throwing axe and a hatchet for throwing?
This is a common point of confusion. A hatchet is a cutting tool first; it’s designed for chopping and splitting small wood. Its head is often wedge-shaped and it’s not balanced for consistent flight. A dedicated throwing axe is engineered specifically for the sport. It has a balanced head-to-handle ratio to ensure a predictable rotation, and the steel is tempered to withstand the repeated impact on a hard target without chipping or deforming. While you can throw a hatchet, a true throwing axe will give you much better and safer results.
What is a safe distance to start throwing?
Safety is non-negotiable. For a standard one-handed, single-rotation throw, a great starting distance is about 10 to 12 feet from the target. This allows the axe to make a full rotation before it hits. As you get more consistent, you can slowly increase the distance, which will add more rotations. Always ensure you have a massive, sturdy backstop and that the area behind and around your target is completely clear of people, pets, and anything you don’t want to accidentally hit.
How do I maintain the edge on my throwing axe?
You actually want a relatively dull edge on a dedicated throwing axe. A razor-sharp edge is dangerous to handle, can stick too deeply into the target making removal difficult, and is more likely to chip or roll upon impact. I maintain a “working edge” on mine – it’s not sharp enough to shave with, but it has a clean, defined bevel. A few passes with a mill file or a coarse sharpening stone is all you need to keep it in good condition. Focus more on keeping the head clean and dry to prevent rust, especially if it’s carbon steel.
Can I use any type of wood for my target?
No, the type of wood matters a lot. You want a soft, fibrous wood that the axe can bite into and that won’t destroy the edge. The gold standard is end-grain softwood, like a large section of a cottonwood, pine, or poplar log. The end grain allows the wood fibers to compress around the blade, helping it stick and reducing bounce-back. Avoid hardwoods like oak or maple, as they are too dense and can damage your axe or cause dangerous ricochets. Also, never throw at a tree; it damages the tree and is unsafe.
Is it better to learn with one axe or two?
Start with one. I can’t stress this enough. Learning the fundamentals of grip, stance, and release with a single tool is crucial. Using two axes, or “doubles,” is an advanced technique that requires a high level of consistency and control with your primary hand. If you try to learn with two before you’ve mastered one, you’ll likely develop poor form and become frustrated. Get completely comfortable and accurate with one axe first. Once your throws are consistently sticking from various distances, then you can consider adding a second.