Hi Vin, how are you today? Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Hello, I’m doing great thanks for having me! My name is Vin Crescenzo, I’m 29 years old, from Philadelphia, PA, and I am a competitive axe thrower.
Tell us more about axe throwing! How does a homemade axe handle differ from a store bought one? How do the laminated coloured handles perform?
Axe throwing is a ton of fun! It’s a great way to get out of the house, try something new, meet new friends and it offers many travel opportunities. Before the COVID-19 shutdown, the IATF (International Axe Throwing Federation) had their annual All Star Weekend in Toronto. It consists of a tournament of the best throwers from around the world who had to qualify to compete to find a champion. There are also fun skills games to enter, like doubles where two throwers throw together at one target against another pair of throwers. This is all followed by Axe Prom & Awards Ceremony where we all dress as fancy as possible and celebrate together.
As for a store bought handle it’s just...boring. They’re good for beginners or someone trying out axes to find the one that works best for them, but a handmade handle will have blood, sweat and tears behind it. They’re all specially designed to be unique and exactly what a thrower requests/requires, you can’t get that with a store bought axe. So far I’ve had amazing results with these laminated handles using your colored veneers. I made both of my main throwing axes with them and the overall quality of the maple and the vibrancy in the colors is incredible. The fact that I can customize them to my specifications has improved my throwing a lot!
What got you into woodworking? How long have you been building?
Three years ago I never would have thought I’d be an axe thrower, which would eventually lead me into woodwork. My first project began after I bought an axe head on eBay and wanted to put a new handle on it. The first hang was not pretty, but it held up. I practiced a lot handling different axes and started selling what I make.
What inspires you to create your pieces?
I just really like making cool stuff and pushing the envelope of what can be done. My good friend “Goose” from 81Axes in Alberta, Canada was one of the first people in the axe throwing community to start crafting handmade handles, seeing what he was doing was super inspiring. He has helped me out a TON getting started and continues to be an invaluable resource.
Do you use Roarockit products in the making of your work? How did you find out about us?
I’ve been using Roarockit veneers and the Thin Air Press for about 2-3 months now and it’s been so much fun playing around with the sheets and combining all the different colors to make something truly unique. I’ve made about 15 handles so far and haven’t made the same handle twice.
I found out about Roarockit a few months ago when Ben Paik from Woby Design used your veneers in one of his projects. Fast forward a few months, I was in Toronto and visited your shop to check out the whole operation and hand pick the veneers I wanted. I cannot wait to go back and visit again!
How do you decide what colour combinations to use in your pieces?
It boils down to how I’m feeling that day and what colors I have available at the moment, the possibilities are endless!
What are your thoughts on working with our coloured veneers? Are there any tips you can give to aspiring builders out there?
Going into it I really didn’t know what to expect. I had an idea of what I wanted and decided to run with it to see what I could create with the veneers.
Patience is a major factor, to get the best bond the glue needs time to dry. Working with your veneers is a lot of fun, but it’s a process that cannot be rushed.
If people wanted to find out more about your work, where can they see your creations and contact you?
I post all of my projects; axes, handles and sheaths, on Facebook and Instagram. I post what I have for sale there and can be contacted to do commissions as well.
Facebook: Philly Axe Co
Instagram: @Philly.Axe.Co
Thanks again for your time Vin, any last words for the readers back home?
Thank you for having me, this was a ton of fun! And for anyone out there reading this... go make something cool with Roarockit products and don’t forget to give axe throwing a try!
Taryn O'Grady,
Social Media Expert, Roarockit Skateboard Company