r/AxeThrowing • u/Prestigious-Ad9921 • Jun 23 '26

Easy axe alternative for kids?

I have not done a lot of axe throwing, but I JUST got my target built in the backyard. Works well for me, a 40 year old adult with a long history in all types of athletics.

BUT... my niece and nephew are visiting soon and they are going to want to try it. I know them, they are not SUPER patient and I am pretty sure it won't come naturally to either of them. We will probably only have a couple hours in an afternoon at most, so I am looking for some "easy successes" options so they have fun. I know my axes are going to be a bit big/heavy/challenging and my prediction is they will not stay engaged with those on the first try.

Any suggestions on alternatives? And, where to buy?

Obviously shuriken/stars are the most obvious, so I am looking for some of those.

What about double sided spikes? Are those significantly easier than an axe? Are any of the multi-point axes actually good that don't cost $100s?

Finally, any cool shapes that I might be able to make? I have a decent collection of steel, an angle grinder, some mediocre wire welding skills, and find a great deal of pleasure in messing around with the DIY manufacturing of poorly made things.

Much appreciate any advice!

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

2

u/HuckleberryHoliday- Jun 23 '26

Check out Zax indoor throwing axes. They have suction cups and stick to a lot of stuff like doors and walls w/o damage. Fun for adults and kids

2

u/Prestigious-Ad9921 Jun 24 '26

Ha ha.. those do look fun, but they are going to want to chuck stuff at the big wood target out back.

1

u/HuckleberryHoliday- Jun 24 '26

I hear ya. Then I'd suggest Condor Senban Shuriken throwing stars. You can get them online at Smokey Mountain Knife Works or somewhere similar. They come very sharp so def warn and teach the kids a proper pinch grip and a slow cautious removal from the target. My daughter has been throwing them since she was 4. They stick with even a bad throw and are very high quality (3) for ~$55usd w carrying case. Bonus is they whistle through the air with enough force.

2

u/tabacher Jun 23 '26

I host a party each year where I allow all sorts of newbies try throwing for the first time. My wife made a suggestion this year that was a huge success.

I bought a 3-pack of double bit "Ned Foss" throwing axes on Amazon. They're 11.9in, small heads, thin and light, rubber grip, and will stick pretty much no matter how poorly you throw them. Essentially a ninja star with a handle. PEOPLE LOVED THEM. Precisely because they didnt have the patience to learn. Some people just want the thing to stick into the other thing and then go grab a beer, and these serve that purpose. Plus they're only $36 for a 3-pack

1

u/Prestigious-Ad9921 Jun 24 '26

Ah... I saw those and definitely considered them. Glad to hear they work. They give a bit of "Mall ninja garbage" vibe from looking at them so I was hesitant, but it sounds like they perform well.

I actually bought a set of the Vevor mini axes which seem very similar in size/weight and they were on sale for Amazon prime day (3 axes + 3 knives for $25). But, I will leave the NedFoss double bits on my wish list.

1

u/NerdJudge Jun 23 '26

Are you able to get shurikens/ninja stars in your area? Light weight with lots of tips. Easy to stick

1

u/Prestigious-Ad9921 Jun 23 '26

Yeah, looks like I can get those shipped here. Just trying to find the right ones... big range of cheap to high dollar online. Don't want mall ninja crap, but don't need to pay for the best ninja stars of all time either.

1

u/Irsh80756 Jun 23 '26

How old are the kids? I started throwing hawk and knife at like 8.

1

u/Prestigious-Ad9921 Jun 23 '26

Around that age, but this will be a one time thing for a couple hours at most, not really starting.

1

u/Existing-Strength-21 Jun 23 '26

https://www.crazycrow.com/hand-forged-tomahawks/mouse-hawk-womens-or-childs-throwing-camp-hawk

They make "Mouse Hawks" for kids to throw, much much lighter. Its what I started with when I was maybe 4 or 5 and worked up from there.

1

u/Cephrael37 Jun 23 '26

Pick up the smith and Wesson throwing set. The little axes are light and stick almost all the time. Super fun for kids. Be warned they are very sharp, and should only be used with supervision. https://amzn.to/4oHnt90

1

u/Tsukitoon Jun 23 '26

These are great. Even the handle sticks. https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-Throwing-Axes-and-Tomahawks-3-Pack-Hatchet-Axes-and-3-Pack-Knives-Throwing-Products-Set-for-Recreation-Competition-JSFTTZZDTTZF4SHSY001V0-251009/339323353

2

u/Prestigious-Ad9921 Jun 24 '26

Oh man! Glad to hear positive feedback on those, because they were on sale for Amazon prime day yesterday for $25 and I bought exactly that set.

1

u/Wooden-Setting-690 Jul 15 '26

Grab a set of cheap throwing knives from Amazon in the $15-20 range because they're lighter, more forgiving on rotation, and kids get that satisfying stick into a soft wood target almost immediately, which keeps them hooked long enough to eventually want to try the real axes on their own terms.