fbpx

Why Beards & Broads?

by | Aug 6, 2019 | Axe Throwing

What are Beards & Broads?

We know you are probably thinking: What does the name Beards & Broads have anything to do with Urban Axe Throwing? Well, Beards & Broads are two types of axes used in Urban Axe Throwing for competitions. When we began this journey to open our own axe throwing venue, we wanted to stay true to the roots of axe throwing but also give people a name they won’t easily forget. Beards & Broads might not make initial sense but check out the history behind the name below. 

THE BEARDED AXE

The Bearded Axe is widely associated with Vikings from Scandinavia. One of the main reasons Vikings used axes instead of a typical sword is they were very expensive to make. Vikings started using their woodcutting axes in battle, which was messy but effective. As the Vikings grew they developed smaller axes to conquer their enemies. Smaller axes were custom made for battle and remained an efficient weapon for the Vikings.

The Vikings called one of their battle-axes, The Bearded Axe. The hook or “Beard” was useful in battle to pull weapons out of their enemies grasp, knock a shield away, or to simply strike down an unprotected opponent.

 

THE BROAD AXE

Broad Axes have been used since ancient times until the end of the 19th century in England and North America. They were mainly used for shipbuilding, timber framing, and log building. There are two categories of the cutting edge on broad axes, both are used for shaping logs by hewing. The first type is flat on one side and the second type is beveled. There is also the double bevel axe which has blades on both sides and is a wonderful tool for chopping, notching, or hewing.

 

FUN FACTS:

  • Over a million years ago axes had no shaft or handle and were known as hand axes.
  • According to Legend, the Europeans brought the sport of Axe Throwing to the New World. The first Axe Throwing competitions were held by frontiersmen in North America.
  • Axe Throwing has been made popular by Lumberjack Sporting Events, and has grown over the last 20 years into a popular Urban Sport.
  • Urban Axe Throwing spans across the United States, Canada, Thailand, Europe, and the UK!

So what do think now that you know where our name came from? Leave us a comment, we’d love to hear from you!