First in the game.

The Hatchet Factory was the first and is the largest axe throwing venue in the area and provides an experience of team building, comradely, competition. They have certified AXEperts that train their guests and keep them safe, as well as two World Axe Throwing League certified referees. (We think that is pretty badAXE!)

They offer private parties, birthday, graduation, anniversary, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and have hosted baby showers, weddings, and rehearsal dinners.  You name it, they can do it!

The business got their start from an idea generated outside of the U.S.

“I was on a flight and read an article about a guy in Canada that owned a bar. In that little bar, he put one target for axe throwing and basically launched the sport from there. How cool, a flipping axe throwing biz.  Yup I’m in.  I was so excited about this article and that thought of opening a biz like that here I couldn’t wait to get started,” says Axe Boss/Owner D. Ogurkis. “I came back and the next day and was in a golf cart with one of my besties Nicole Smith. We were gabbing about how we are tired of the same old thing and wanted to spread our wings into something else to compliment what we already do.  I told her about my flight, the story I read and that I wanted to open a hatchet throwing venue.  She looked at me and said……….ME TOO!  3 months later we opened!”

Certified AXEcellent!

The Hatchet factory has become a member of WATL, the World Axe Throwing League.

This is an international organization which is the governing global body for the sport of axe throwing. The Hatchet Factory follows their rules and regulations, built their facility to their specs and are able to hold regional and national tournaments at their venue. They also host league nights where they use their score system so that axe throwers can compete globally with others and try to make it to huge district, regional, state, and national tournaments.

They have expanded their facility to now offer a private party room for axe throwing. It can be booked for a fee and rents for as many hours as our guests would like. It fits about 75 people and their regular venue fits about 150 people.

“We can accommodate large groups, private parties, we open for guests on days we are closed to make sure they have the event they want without others there,” says D. Ogurkis. “We also offer fundraisers and have the absolute most AXECELLENT staff around. We love our team. NO one does it better.”

Common Questions

The most common questions they are asked are: 1) Is it safe? 2) Can anyone do it?  3) Do you let children throw?  4) Can spectators come and is there a cost? 5)  Do you see hatchets?  6) Are you a BYOB/ BYOF?

“YES it is safe!” says D. Ogurkis. “That is why we have certified AXEperts there to show you how and keep you safe. Follow the rules and you will have a safe and AXECELLENT time. Anyone can participate, even children ages 6 and up with an adult. You can be a spectator without charge but you must sign our waiver to be on site. We also have amazing hatchets/axes for purchase that are WATL approved. We are also a BYOB facility – beer, wine and cider only. NO hard alcohol please. You can bring your own food and have it catered/delivered etc. We don’t care what you bring, and, in fact, we have a few businesses in the area we support highly, like The Sandwich Shoppe in Shavertown, The Fort Cafe in Forty Fort, and The White House Diner in Forty Fort!”

Connect with The Hatchet Factory

You can reach out to The Hatchet Factory by phone at 570-763-7400 or email thehatchetfactory@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

And, don’t forget to check back here at DiscoverNEPA every month for The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Member Meet & Greet blog series. We’ll be sharing unique stories and introducing NEPA to the Chamber’s many amazing small business and nonprofit members.

Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of The Hatchet Factory – Forty Fort, PA