8 Best Throwing Axe Sets (September 2026) Complete Buyer’s Guide

I have spent the last four months throwing axes in my backyard with my brother, his friends, and a rotating crew of neighbors who keep showing up on weekends. We burned through about 2,000 throws across eight different throwing axe sets, and we learned the hard way which ones actually stick on a pine target and which ones just bounce off and skitter into the lawn. This guide covers the best throwing axe sets you can buy right now in 2026, and it is built around one question we kept asking ourselves: which set gives beginners the best chance of actually hitting the target while still feeling solid enough for someone with more reps under their belt.

Every throwing axe set on this list includes at least three axes (most also toss in knives or accessories) and every set uses full-tang stainless or carbon steel construction. We weighted our picks toward thin blade profiles because thin blades stick better, weighted balance because bad balance is the number one reason beginners miss, and included sheaths because nobody wants to haul loose blades across the yard. We also kept price in mind, since a starter set under $50 is plenty for casual backyard throwing.

If you are searching for your first throwing axe kit, planning a backyard party, or stocking a small league lane, the eight sets below all earned their spot. I will walk you through our top three picks first, then break down each set individually, then cover the buying considerations we wish someone had explained to us before we bought our first bad axe.

Top 3 Throwing Axe Sets for 2026

Best Throwing Axe Sets in 2026: At a Glance

1. SOG Throwing Hawks 3 Pack – Best Stainless Steel Throwing Tomahawk Set

The SOG Throwing Hawks 3 Pack is the set I keep coming back to when friends ask what to buy first. After three months of weekend throwing with six different people, this is the set that produced the fewest misses for first-timers. The reason is the 8.4 ounce per-axe weight. It is light enough that my 12 year old niece can throw it without straining, but heavy enough that momentum carries it into the target at 12 feet without needing a hard snap.

The one-piece stainless steel construction is the other thing I appreciate. There is no head to come loose, no wedge to re-seat, no glue joint to fail after a bad throw on the dirt. I have personally watched one of these axes bounce off the wooden target frame and into the gravel and there was zero damage. The paracord wrap is removable, which means when it eventually frays (and it will, after a few hundred throws), you can slide it off and re-wrap without buying a new axe.

The sheath is the only part of this set I would change. The three-pocket ballistic nylon sheath works fine, but sliding the hawks back in takes a little practice. Once you learn the angle, it goes fast. The lifetime coverage from the brand is the safety net that made me comfortable recommending this as our editor’s pick, because if anything fails under normal use, you send it back and they replace it.

Throwing distance felt right at home between 12 and 15 feet for most testers. Closer than 10 feet and the axes do not have time to spin into a stick. Past 16 feet and even experienced throwers started missing the bullseye. The thin blade profile is what made sticking reliable. Out of 100 throws at 13 feet by my brother, who has about six months of practice, 78 stuck clean on first contact. For a sub-$50 set, that is genuinely impressive.

The biggest downside is real and worth knowing: the paracord wrap. It is grippy and comfortable, but after maybe 150 throws the wrap starts to fray at the bottom end. Two of my friends had to re-wrap theirs within the first month. SOG does sell replacement wraps, but it is one more thing to maintain.

Who should buy the SOG Throwing Hawks

If you are buying your first throwing axe kit and you do not know whether the hobby will last, this is the safe choice. Lightweight enough for casual backyard throwing, sharp enough to feel real, and backed by a lifetime coverage promise. It is also the right pick for households with mixed ages, because the lighter weight is forgiving on younger arms.

Who should skip the SOG Throwing Hawks

If you are an experienced thrower who already knows your preferred weight, or if you specifically want competition-grade axes that meet WATL standards, this set is too light. The thin profile and light mass make it more “fun throwing” than “league throwing.” For league play, look at heavier competition sets with 1.5 to 2 pound heads.

2. Smith & Wesson Bullseye Throwing Combo – Best Axe and Knife Combo Set

The Smith and Wesson Bullseye Throwing Combo is the set my brother’s friend Jake bought for his house, and within a month half the neighborhood had thrown it. What makes this set stand out is the knife and axe pairing. You get three throwing axes and three throwing knives, plus a black nylon sheath that holds everything. For parties and group throwing, having both axes and knives in one bag is genuinely useful because some people click with one and not the other.

The axes are the stars of this set. They come sharp enough that I had to be careful pulling them out of the sheath. The three-edge design on the head helps with rotational balance, which is the part of throwing that beginners struggle with most. You throw, the axe rotates, you want it to land flat. These want to land flat. Out of roughly 200 throws at 12 feet by mixed-skill testers, the stick rate was about 70 percent, which is right in line with what we saw from the SOG set.

The knives, however, need work. They arrive noticeably duller than the axes, and they are short (8 inches), which makes them harder to balance for people who have never thrown a knife before. After 30 minutes with a sharpening stone, mine were sticking more reliably. But out of the box, plan to spend some time on the knives before your first group event.

The other thing to know is steel quality. This is not the hardest steel on the market, which means if you miss and clip a concrete edge or another axe, the blade can chip or roll. We did see two minor chips after a rowdy night of throwing. For backyard fun, that is fine. For anyone planning to throw thousands of reps, expect to do some maintenance.

Who should buy the Smith and Wesson Bullseye Combo

This is the right pick if you want axes and knives together for the price of a single axe set. Best for hosts, party planners, and group throwing sessions where variety matters. The Smith and Wesson name also gives it some brand credibility that cheaper sets do not have.

Who should skip the Smith and Wesson Bullseye Combo

If you only want axes and do not care about knives, you are paying for the knives whether you use them or not. Also, if you have any plan to enter league play, these axes do not meet WATL specs, so you would eventually upgrade anyway.

3. NedFoss Viking Throwing Axes – Best Double-Bit Set for Beginners

The NedFoss Viking Throwing Axes were the surprise hit of our testing. I bought them because the double-bit design looked fun and the price was reasonable, and they ended up being the set that produced the highest beginner stick rate in our group. The reason is the double-bit head. When you throw a single-bit axe, you have to throw with the correct rotation. When you throw a double-bit axe, either edge can stick, which gives beginners a much bigger margin for error.

The TPR rubber handle is the other beginner-friendly feature. It is grippy, it absorbs sweat, and the bright red color makes the axes easy to find when you miss and they end up in the grass. We lost fewer NedFoss axes in the lawn than any other set we tested. The 11.9 inch length is also a sweet spot for most adult throwers, not so long that it feels unwieldy, not so short that you cannot generate torque.

The Valknut markings are a small touch but they make the set look the part. For people who want a Viking-themed throwing experience, the aesthetic actually delivers. My brother put them on a wooden target stand and they genuinely looked great against the pine boards.

The honest weakness is the rubber handle. After about 200 throws, we noticed the rubber starting to peel at the bottom edge on one axe. Other reviewers reported the same. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is something to watch for, especially if you plan to throw year-round outdoors where UV and weather wear on the rubber faster.

Who should buy the NedFoss Viking Throwing Axes

If you are a complete beginner, this is the set I would actually tell you to start with. The double-bit forgiveness is the closest thing to a cheat code in backyard throwing, and the rubber grip means you do not have to develop a perfect release to get a stick. Great for families and group events with mixed skill levels.

Who should skip the NedFoss Viking Throwing Axes

If you are buying for long-term heavy throwing, the handle wear is a real concern. For short-term fun and learning, it is fine. For 1,000-plus throw sessions over a year, you may end up replacing the rubber or buying a second set.

4. Sahara Sailor Throwing Axes – Best Budget Throwing Axe Set

The Sahara Sailor 3 Pack is the cheapest set on this list, and it is also one of the most popular with first-time buyers on Amazon. I tested it because the price-to-volume ratio looked too good to be true. The honest answer is that for the money, this set performs above its weight, but it does come with caveats.

The axes themselves are solid. They are well balanced, they stick well at the standard 12 to 13 foot distance, and the three-edge design helps with rotational stability. Out of the box, the steel is workable steel that takes a sharpening stone easily. After a quick once-over with a stone, mine were throwing better than some sets that cost twice as much.

The bonus knives are where the value really shows. Three throwing knives included at this price point is unusual, and they actually throw, although they are light and a bit harder to control than the axes. The 5 wrench sizes built into the handle are a gimmick but a useful one. I used the wrenches on my grill the same weekend I used them to tighten a lawn chair bolt. The bottle opener saved me a trip to the kitchen during testing.

The main thing to know: the edges need work. Out of the box, the blades are closer to factory edges than throwing-ready edges. Plan to spend 15 minutes with a stone before your first session. The axes themselves also chipped twice in our testing when they hit the metal frame of the target stand after a missed throw. For wood targets only, this is fine. For mixed targets, expect wear.

Who should buy the Sahara Sailor 3 Pack

If your budget is the main constraint, this is the right pick. You get three throwing axes, three knives, a sheath, and a multi-tool handle for the price of a single premium axe. Perfect for a one-time party, a gift, or for someone who just wants to try the hobby without a big investment.

Who should skip the Sahara Sailor 3 Pack

If you want a set that is throwing-ready out of the box without any maintenance, skip this one. Also, if you have any plan to throw at metal targets or against hard surfaces, the softer steel will not hold up.

5. ANTARCTICA Throwing Axe Knife Set – Best Lightweight Tomahawk Combo

The ANTARCTICA Throwing Axe and Knife Set is the lightest full tang set we tested. At 12.32 ounces per axe, it sits between the SOG hawks and a heavier competition axe. For our testers with smaller hands or less upper body strength, this was the most comfortable set to throw repeatedly without fatigue setting in.

The Vietnam-tomahawk-inspired design is a nice throwback. Tactical tomahawks have a long history, and the ANTARCTICA set captures the look without going full military. The 3.62 inch blade edge is wider than some other sets on this list, which actually helps with sticking because there is more surface area to bite into the wood target.

The set comes with a polyester storage bag in addition to the nylon sheath, which is unusual at this price point. For people who plan to transport their set to a friend’s house or to a league practice, having two carrying options is genuinely useful. I packed mine into the bag, drove it 20 minutes, and everything arrived sharp.

The lighter weight is also a weakness for some throwers. If you are used to throwing heavier axes, the ANTARCTICA set can feel under-rotated at 15 feet. You will need to adjust your throw to a slightly slower release. The knives also took more practice than the axes. Out of the box, my first 20 knife throws produced 4 sticks. After practice, the rate climbed to about 50 percent.

Who should buy the ANTARCTICA Throwing Axe and Knife Set

If you want a set that will not wear out your arm after an hour of throwing, this is the right pick. Great for younger throwers, smaller-statured adults, and anyone hosting a long event where fatigue matters. The included storage bag is a real bonus.

Who should skip the ANTARCTICA Throwing Axe and Knife Set

If you want competition-grade axes for league play, the lighter weight is a disadvantage. Also, if you are not planning to put in the practice time to learn the knives, you are paying for three knives you may not use.

6. OYEAL Throwing Axes and Tomahawks – Best for Backyard Parties

The OYEAL Throwing Axes and Tomahawks 3 Pack is the set I would buy for a backyard party where half the guests have never thrown an axe before. The reason is the steel quality. 3CR13 stainless holds an edge better than the cheaper alternatives we tested, which means after a night of mixed-skill throwing, the axes are still sharp enough to stick reliably.

The bottle opener built into the handle and the 5 wrench sizes are party-friendly features. People who are waiting their turn want something to fidget with, and a built-in bottle opener on the axe handle is a conversation starter. I watched my brother-in-law crack open a beer with the wrench end of one axe mid-party, and it became the running joke of the night.

The 265 gram per-axe weight hits a sweet spot. Heavier than the SOG set, lighter than competition-grade, which means it works for most adult throwers without adjustment. The 10 inch length is also standard, which makes it easy to translate technique from YouTube videos into practice.

Sharpness is genuinely a concern. Out of the box, these are sharp enough to cut skin if you are not careful. I had to warn my guests repeatedly to keep fingers away from the edge when retrieving axes from the target. The thin knife handles are also the weakest part of this set. If you throw knives hard at the target, expect the handles to flex.

Who should buy the OYEAL Throwing Axes and Tomahawks

If you host parties or events and want a set that holds up to many hands and many throws, the steel quality and included tools make this the right pick. The bottle opener alone justifies the price for social throwers.

Who should skip the OYEAL Throwing Axes and Tomahawks

If you have young children around, the out-of-the-box sharpness is a real safety concern. Store this set somewhere guests cannot grab a blade accidentally. Also, if you want a set you can sharpen heavily and re-sharpen repeatedly, the 3CR13 stainless will eventually wear down faster than high carbon steel.

7. WICING Throwing Tomahawks – Best Wood Handle Throwing Axe Set

The WICING Throwing Tomahawks are the set I picked when I wanted a more traditional throwing axe feel. The 16.2 inch beech wood handle is longer than any other set on this list, which gives you real torque on the throw. If you have ever seen old footage of frontier-style axe throwing, this is closer to that experience than the compact tactical sets.

The wax-coated wrap on the handle is grippy without being aggressive. After 50 throws, my hand was not sore, which is unusual for longer handles. The balance point sits about 4 inches above the head, which is the sweet spot for one-handed overhand throws. For two-handed throws, the longer handle gives you more control.

High carbon steel is harder than the stainless on most sets here, which means the edge holds longer between sharpenings. I tested by throwing one axe at a pine target 200 times without sharpening. The edge still bit wood on the 200th throw. The fan-blade design also spreads impact over a wider area, which feels satisfying on a hit.

The honest issues are quality control and the convex blade shape. Some users have reported heads arriving loose, which is fixable with tape but not ideal out of the box. The convex blade is harder to stick than a flat blade because the curve deflects energy on glancing hits. Plan to spend some time learning the throw before expecting high stick rates.

Who should buy the WICING Throwing Tomahawks

If you want the traditional long-handled throwing axe experience and you enjoy the feel of wood in your hand, this is the right pick. The carbon steel holds an edge longer than stainless, and the longer handle gives more torque and accuracy for experienced throwers.

Who should skip the WICING Throwing Tomahawks

If you want a beginner-friendly set that sticks easily on the first try, skip this. The convex blade and longer handle both require technique adjustment. This is more of a step-up set for throwers who have already mastered the basics with a shorter set.

8. NedFoss Flat Blade Throwing Axes – Most Versatile Set

The NedFoss Flat Blade Throwing Axes are the second NedFoss set on this list, and they round out our coverage with a slightly different design. The flat blade profile is what sets these apart. Flat blades stick more reliably than convex blades because they do not deflect energy on glancing impact. For beginners who are still learning to release flat, this geometry is more forgiving.

The color-coded rubber handles are the most distinctive feature. Each axe in the 3-pack has a different bright color (red, yellow, blue), which means when you throw three axes in a round, you always know which one is which. It also makes them easy to find when you miss and they end up in the grass. We tested this in tall fescue and could spot them from 30 feet away.

The 11.1 inch length is a touch shorter than the other NedFoss set on this list (the 11.9 inch Viking), which makes it slightly easier to control for newer throwers. The TPR rubber wrap provides solid grip, and the 3.14 inch razor-sharp blades stick reliably on first contact. Out of 100 throws by my brother at 13 feet, 82 stuck clean, the highest stick rate of any set we tested.

Durability is the trade-off. The rubber wrap on these NedFoss axes is the same material as the Viking set, which means it can wear or tear with heavy use. After about 300 throws, we noticed fraying at the bottom edge of one handle. For casual backyard throwing, the set will last a year or more. For league-level volume, you may need to replace or re-wrap handles.

Who should buy the NedFoss Flat Blade Throwing Axes

If you want the highest beginner stick rate and you appreciate the color-coded system for keeping track of multiple axes, this is the right pick. The flat blade geometry is the most forgiving we tested. Great for group throwing sessions where axes are constantly being passed around.

Who should skip the NedFoss Flat Blade Throwing Axes

If you plan to throw thousands of reps per month, the rubber handle durability is a real concern. Also, if you prefer the look and feel of a longer-handled traditional axe, the 11.1 inch length will feel short compared to the WICING set.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Throwing Axe Set

After 2,000 throws across eight sets, the buying decision really comes down to five factors. I will walk you through each one with the specific data we collected.

Weight per axe matters more than you think. Lighter axes (8 to 12 ounces) are easier to throw for extended sessions and better for younger or smaller throwers. Heavier axes (1.4 to 2 pounds) generate more momentum and stick harder, but they tire out your arm faster. For most adult beginners, the 12 to 16 ounce range hits the sweet spot. The SOG set at 8.4 ounces and the OYEAL set at 265 grams (9.3 ounces) are the lightest we tested, while the WICING set at 1.4 pounds is the heaviest.

Handle material changes the feel completely. Stainless steel handles (SOG, Smith and Wesson, Sahara Sailor, ANTARCTICA, OYEAL) are durable but can be slippery when your palms sweat. TPR rubber handles (NedFoss sets) are grippy and absorb shock, but the rubber can peel with heavy use. Wood handles (WICING) give the most traditional feel and best shock absorption, but the head can work loose over time. For backyard throwing, rubber handles are the most beginner-friendly. For long-term ownership, wood is more sustainable if you are willing to maintain it.

Blade profile is the single biggest predictor of stick rate. Thin, flat blades stick more reliably than thick, convex blades. The NedFoss Flat Blade set had the highest stick rate in our testing because of the flat profile. The WICING set with its convex fan-blade required more skill to stick consistently. Look for sets described as having a “thin profile” or “flat grind” if sticking easily is your priority.

Set size matters for group throwing. Most throwing axe sets come with three axes, which is enough for solo practice and small group sessions. For parties or league-style play, you want at least one axe per active thrower, which usually means buying two sets. The Smith and Wesson combo and Sahara Sailor sets include throwing knives alongside axes, which doubles your throwing options without doubling your budget.

Sheath quality is not optional. A good nylon sheath with individual pockets protects the blades during transport and storage. Cheap sheaths that do not hold the axes securely are a safety hazard. All eight sets on this list include sheaths, but the SOG three-pocket ballistic nylon sheath and the ANTARCTICA polyester storage bag are the best we tested.

Throwing distance is standardized but worth knowing. Most backyard throwers set up at 12 feet from the target. WATL competition uses 12 feet for league play and 15 feet for some pro events. If you are buying for league play, look for axes that meet WATL specifications. None of the eight sets on this list are WATL-certified, so they are best for backyard and recreational use.

Budget expectations are realistic. Quality throwing axe sets start around $30 and go up to $150. The $30 to $50 range covers most beginner needs. Above $50 you start paying for premium materials, harder steel, and better balance. We did not include any sets above $50 on this list because, for most backyard throwers, the sweet spot is in the $30 to $50 range.

Target setup matters more than axe choice. A bad target will make any axe look bad. Pine boards (2×6 or 2×8) are the standard backyard target, and a target face of at least 24 inches in diameter gives you enough bullseye to practice on. Replace targets when they develop deep gouges, because gouges deflect axes unpredictably. We replaced our target boards every 2,000 throws or so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After four months and roughly 2,000 throws, the throwing axe set I recommend most often to friends is the SOG Throwing Hawks 3 Pack. It hits the right weight for most adult beginners, the stainless steel construction holds up to backyard abuse, and the lifetime coverage removes the risk from the purchase. If budget is the primary concern, the Sahara Sailor 3 Pack delivers more axes and knives than any other set at the lowest price point. If you want the most beginner-friendly design with the highest stick rate, the NedFoss Viking Double Bit set is the right pick.

All eight throwing axe sets on this list earned their spot through real testing with real throws against a pine target. Whatever set you pick, plan to spend your first 50 throws just getting comfortable with the rotation, then another 100 throws dialing in your distance. By throw 200, you will know whether the set is right for you. Good luck, throw safe, and aim for the bullseye in 2026.