Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a mobile ax throwing business requires knowledge across operations, safety, customer experience, and small business fundamentals. These books provide frameworks you can apply directly to building and running your operation.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
This book teaches you how to test your business model quickly and cheaply before investing heavily. For ax throwing, this means validating customer demand at farmers markets or events before committing to a full mobile setup. Ries’s feedback loops help you identify what customers actually want versus what you assume they want.
Shop The Lean Startup on Amazon →
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Gerber breaks down how to build systems and processes so your business doesn’t depend entirely on you. In ax throwing, this means documenting safety procedures, booking processes, and customer setup so you can eventually hire staff or run multiple events without burnout.
Shop The E-Myth Revisited on Amazon →
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Negotiation skills matter when you’re buying equipment, renting space, or landing event contracts. Voss’s tactical empathy approach helps you understand what vendors and venues actually need, so you can reach agreements faster and on better terms.
Shop Never Split the Difference on Amazon →
Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
This book covers 19 different channels to get customers—from PR to partnerships to direct sales. For a mobile ax throwing business, knowing which channels work best (events, corporate bookings, word-of-mouth) prevents you from wasting money on marketing that doesn’t convert.
Equipment You Need
Your core equipment falls into several categories: axes and throwing tools, targets, safety gear, setup and transport, and operational supplies. Quality matters most where safety is involved; you can start smaller on some items and upgrade as revenue grows.
Axes and Throwing Tools
- Competition axes (14-16 oz): The standard for mobile events; balanced weight and handle length for beginners and experienced throwers
- Training axes (10-12 oz): Lighter options for first-time throwers or children (if age-appropriate for your liability coverage)
- Hatchets (3-5 lbs): Compact option for premium experiences or shorter sessions
- Replacement handles: Axes take damage; buying replacement handles is cheaper than replacing entire axes
Shop competition throwing axes on Amazon →
Targets
- Log rounds (12–16 inches diameter): Standard throwing surface; must be softwood (pine or spruce), not hardwood
- Target stands or frames: Portable stands that hold logs at proper height and angle; critical for mobile setups
- Backup logs: You’ll damage logs; have 2–3 spares so you can rotate worn ones out
- Log sealant: Protects wood from moisture and extends lifespan in outdoor conditions
Shop portable axe throwing target stands on Amazon →
Safety and Protective Gear
- Safety barriers or netting: Prevents axes and hatchets from leaving the throwing zone; non-negotiable liability protection
- Safety glasses or face shields: For both throwers and spectators
- Closed-toe shoe requirement signage: Posted at your setup to enforce safety rules
- First aid kit (comprehensive): Stock bandages, antiseptic, gauze, and pain relievers
- Incident log book: Document any accidents or injuries for insurance purposes
Shop safety netting for axe throwing on Amazon →
Transport and Setup Equipment
- Trailer or cargo van: Required to haul axes, targets, stands, and safety equipment; a used enclosed cargo trailer (6×10 ft minimum) is ideal
- Hand truck or dolly: Logs and target stands are heavy; proper equipment prevents injury
- Tool kit: Wrenches, screwdrivers, mallets, and hammers for assembly and repairs at events
- Tarps and rope: Protects equipment during transport and in adverse weather
- Portable tent or canopy (10×10 ft minimum): Shade for staff and spectators; looks professional
Shop 10×10 portable canopy tents on Amazon →
Operational Supplies
- Waiver forms: Legal liability protection; have printed copies and digital versions ready
- Booking and payment system: Tablet or mobile POS for on-site payments
- Timer or scoreboard: Manual or digital tracking for competitive throws
- Cleaning supplies: Rubbing alcohol, rags, and brushes to keep axes and stands clean between participants
- Rain and weather contingency plan: Waterproof covers for equipment and clear client communication about reschedules
Shop portable digital scoreboards on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean. Your first investment should focus on revenue-generating equipment and liability protection. Upgrade and expand as bookings increase and cash flow allows.
- Buy first: 4–6 competition axes, 2–3 target stands with logs, safety barriers, first aid kit, waivers, and a basic canopy. This covers one complete throwing station and meets liability needs. Total: $1,500–$2,500.
- Buy within 3–6 months: A used enclosed trailer (if you don’t already have one), 2–4 additional axes, backup logs and handles, and a point-of-sale system. This scales you to handle more bookings.
- Buy after 12+ months or with increased revenue: A second throwing station, professional insurance signage, premium canopies, a specialized mobile bar setup (if offering ax throwing + beverages), or upgraded website booking tools.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new where safety is directly involved: axes, first aid supplies, and barriers. Used equipment here creates liability and inconsistency. For everything else, buying quality used items significantly cuts startup costs.
Target logs and stands: Used is fine if the wood is sound and stands are structurally intact. Inspect for cracks, rot, or damage before use. Trailers and transport: A used enclosed cargo trailer in good condition works as well as a new one and saves $2,000–$4,000. Canopies and tarps: Used versions work fine for 2–3 seasons; replace when fabric degrades. Tools: Used hand trucks and basic tools are reliable purchases. Don’t skip new axes and safety gear—the liability risk and performance issues aren’t worth the savings.
Where to Buy
- Specialty ax throwing suppliers: Companies like Rage Fitness or Throwblox sell complete mobile setups with competitive pricing on axes and targets.
- Local lumber yards: Often source fresh log rounds cheaper than online suppliers; build relationships for ongoing replacements.
- Industrial supply stores (Grainger, Fastenal): Competitive pricing on tools, safety equipment, and replacement parts.
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, local classified ads: Source used trailers, canopies, and tools; negotiate heavily and inspect in person.
- Alibaba or direct manufacturers: If ordering high volumes of axes or stands internationally, negotiate bulk pricing; factor in shipping and lead times.
- Local welding or fabrication shops: Custom target stands or barriers often cost less than premade versions; local artisans offer flexibility and faster turnaround.
- Farm and ranch supply stores (Tractor Supply, Rural King): Tarps, rope, tool kits, and basic hardware at competitive prices.