CEDAR CITY — Iron Axe, a new axe-throwing business in Cedar City, opened its doors to the public Friday, and co-owner Jason Beach told Cedar City News the first two nights of operation “exceeded our expectations.”

Beach said that on both Friday and Saturday of opening weekend, all 10 throwing lanes were steadily occupied with customers.

With the soft opening behind them, the public is invited to attend Iron Axe’s official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration scheduled for this Saturday at 1 p.m.

“We’re giving away shirts and hats, and we’re working on getting some door prizes from other companies,” Beach said. “We’ll also be giving away coupons for free throwing sessions, and we’ll have at least one food truck.”

The idea behind axe throwing is fairly simple: to toss a hatchet or knife at a wooden target from 12-18 feet away. Points are awarded based on where the blade sticks. Participants can either throw just for fun or practice, or they can play any one of several competitive games, including 21, Horse, Landmines and Humans vs. Zombies.

In between throws, players can sit at wooden tables and sip sodas or munch on peanuts. 

Beach, a former geologist, said he and two friends, Jeff Barney and Ryan Anderson, initially came up with the idea a few months ago, and the trio ultimately became partners in the business.

“We just thought it sounded fun,” Beach said. “We thought there’s a good market for it in Cedar City, where there’s not a lot to do as far as indoor recreation goes.” 

Located inside a building that formerly housed a Polaris dealership, Iron Axe is open six days a week: Monday through Thursday from 5-11 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to midnight and Saturday 1-11 p.m.

“We wanted a good, fun family-friendly place where you can come out and really have a good time,” Beach said. “We also wanted to be open later to provide a little bit more of a late-night option, because everything closes so early. We want to give college students and some of the night owls somewhere to hang out.”

Anyone capable of throwing a hatchet or knife is able to participate once they sign a waiver and go through a short safety training session. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Other rules and restrictions apply.

Waiver documents may be signed online at the Iron Axe website ahead of time to avoid waiting time at check-in, Beach said.

Participant safety is of paramount importance, all three owners emphasized.

“We give a safety brief when people show up to make sure they’re aware of what the rules are and how to operate safely,” Beach said. “As long as people operate within those rules, then this should be a very safe activity that’s good for all ages.”

Anderson added that the activity is not as dangerous as it might appear.

“You notice we’ve got a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old throwing knives here right now.”

Event details

• What: Iron Axe grand opening and ribbon-cutting.
• Where: 151 S. Main St., Cedar City.
• When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9.
• Cost: Event is free and open to the public. Throwing sessions are regularly priced at $15 per hour per person, with group discounts available, along with other promotional offers. 
• Additional details: Call 801-669-6001 or 435-867-4394 or visit the Iron Axe website or Facebook page.

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