The History of Axe-Throwing in New Hampshire

Axes have played an important role in history, bringing people together and enabling their spirit of adventure. Like most of the eastern United States, New Hampshire was thickly wooded when Northern Europeans arrived several hundred years ago. Settlers used axes to turn this abundance of natural resources into furniture, fuel and the foundation of American cities as we know them. 

Today, most industries have exchanged forged axe blades for chainsaws and other electric tools. However, a growing number of people are embracing axe-throwing as a hobby, learning to skillfully throw an axe in their free time. As a New Hampshire sport, axe-throwing is an ideal way to connect with your community, build friendships or relieve stress after work. Learn more about the history of axe-throwing in New Hampshire and how you can get involved!

What Is the Origin of Axe-Throwing?

In North America, many Native American groups carried axes as efficient cutting tools. These axes were made of different materials like stone and flint, but iron axes weren’t introduced until settlers brought them over from Europe. Once introduced, metal axes spread quickly because they were sharper and more durable. 

Axes in North America were used for cutting and shaping the materials people needed to survive. They could be used to gather food, hunt, build homes, prepare fuel and as a form of protection. In addition to practical everyday uses, axes were also used as an effective tool for warfare, which was likely the origin of axe-throwing. 

Some Americans today still use axes as part of their military gear or to chop up firewood on their property. However, over the last few centuries, the history of axe-throwing in New Hampshire has shifted from a necessary skill to a hobby. No longer needed for everyday life, axe-throwing has become a full-on sport, with international leagues where competitors sharpen their skills and find relief from the pressures of modern life. 

Axe-Throwing History in New Hampshire

Because axes were an essential tool for early Americans, several companies produced high-quality axes in New Hampshire. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of axe-making in the state, these companies are a good place to start your search: 

Blodgett Tool Company

This company hired about 40 men to make axes, hatchets and other edge tools. It operated from 1853 to 1862, when it was reorganized into the Amoskeag Axe Company. For the nine years before its reorganization, the Blodgett Tool Company was led by Ezekiel Straw, a community leader who became the 34th governor of New Hampshire in 1872. 

The industrial area that led to this company’s formation started when Samuel Blodgett created a canal system near the Amoskeag Falls area in New Hampshire. In addition to producing axes, this area was also known for cotton and wool manufacturing. Working near the river allowed these companies to access easy power and transportation for iron work. 

Amoskeag Axe Company

This company sold axes from 1862 to 1879 in Manchester, New Hampshire. A state-chartered corporation, the Amoskeag Axe Company, was formed when the leaders of the Blodgett Tool Company reorganized. They paid 60 men to manufacture about 144,000 axes a year. One of their agents, Henry C. Reynolds, is known for designing axe forms and patenting equipment to make axes. 

Unfortunately, the Panic of 1873 forced the company to sell its assets to the Underhill Edge Tool Company. While the Amoskeag Axe Company only operated for 17 years, it still had a sizable impact on axes and the industry in New Hampshire. It combined the power of several talented axe manufacturers to improve the axe-making process and products. 

New Hampshire Scythe Company

Located in Littleton, NH, the New Hampshire Scythe Company operated from 1872 until 1888. Not much is known about this company. However, its existence highlights the value society placed on axes and other sharp cutting tools at the time. Based on this company’s name, they likely produced other cutting tools in addition to forged axes. 

Emerson Edge Tool Company in East Lebanon, New Hampshire

Formed in East Lebanon, New Hampshire, the Emerson Edge Tool Company operated from 1872 to 1907. During its most productive time, this company employed 28 men and made scythes, axes and corn knives for hundreds of customers each year. To better market their products, this company called its axe lines specific names like “Choppers Pride” and “Forest King.”

The company was started by Albro V. Emerson, a scythe maker who moved to the Lebanon area in 1856. He originally ran a scythe company under the name Albro V. Emerson and Company, but this company was eventually sold and renamed the Mascoma Edge Tool Company. In 1872, Albro started the Emerson Edge Tool Company in Taftsville, opening a second location in Lebanon in 1881. 

The Underhill Edge Tool Company

In 1835, the Underhill family purchased a mill in Auburn Village, New Hampshire, to expand their family business, forging edge tools. Auburn is about 30 minutes away from Nashua, NH. The Underhill Edge Tool Company produced axes, chisels and other tools for over 30 years from that location and sold their products to woodworkers across the United States. 

After the Panic of 1873, the Underhill Edge Tool Company was able to buy out its competitor, the Blodgett Tool Company. They became part of the American Axe and Tool Company in 1889. You can see a collection of Underhill tools at the Auburn Historical Association museum site today. 

Axe-Throwing Sport History in NH

Now Nashua, New Hampshire, has joined axe history in a new way. Instead of producing axes, community members can appreciate the history of their state by throwing axes for sport. People around the world have started throwing axes as a hobby, and many of them even participate in axe-throwing leagues like the Backyard Axe-Throwing League (BATL), which began in Canada in 2006. 

Axe-throwing brings people together, inspiring a new generation to appreciate the potential that axes bring to their community. There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from sinking an axe into a target that’s hard to replicate any other way. 

People who love skill-building and learning something new are quickly becoming obsessed with axe-throwing!

Join the Axe-Throwers of History at Axel’s Throw House

Do you feel yourself drawn toward axes and their impact on American history? Join the axe-throwers and forest hewers of generations past and try throwing a few axes yourself at Axel’s Throw House in Nashua, NH. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned axe-thrower looking for a league, we have the equipment and support you need to take your skills to the next level. 

We’re a premier axe-throwing lounge, with air conditioning, mood music, food, and even a weekly karaoke party. We take our commitment to community very seriously — it’s our privilege to bring people together and give them a great time. 

Learn more about our axe-throwing lanes and book a reservation with us today!