Careful with that axe, St. John’s.

Jack Axes Inc., St. John’s first indoor axe-throwing facility, is open for business at 152 Water Street. The lead axe-men are cousins Adrian Beaton and Paul MacInnis.

“We wanted to be as local as possible,” says owner-operator Beaton, a Halifax native. “We get our lumber from Ruby Lumber [in the Goulds], our beer from Quidi Vidi, and deal directly with a local caterer for events.”

Beaton, a student at CNA studying Industrial Engineering Technology, has always had an interest in owning his own business, and he saw axe-throwing as a good fit.

“I was drawn into axe throwing when I first experienced it in Ontario,” says Beaton. “My family and I celebrated my father’s 60th birthday at an axe throwing spot. We had a blast and I knew this was something the east coast would eat up.”

Fun for the whole family, sure, but, is it safe? “It is absolutely safe,” says Beaton. “Everything is caged in and our staff is there to ensure that everyone is conducting themselves in safe manner.”

As for the drinking and axe throwing, Beaton calls it “a natural mix.” “We are trying to recreate a day at the cabin or hanging out in the shed. We absolutely do not allow drunk axe throwing but see nothing wrong with a beer or two while enjoying playing and watching a new sport.”

Aside from the axethrowing gallery, there’s a lounge area with a pallet wall and a bar constructed completely out of repurposed 2×8’s. “It really is a cool spot,” says Beaton.

Jack Axe’s also has a league — both individual and team — so, if your local darts league just isn’t cutting it anymore, there’s St. John’s first indoor axe-throwing league.

Since mid-October, the weekly competition has gathered thirty hearty hopefuls, all with the goal of being crowned the king or queen of axethrowing, and having their picture hung on the wall of fame.