Akron Axe House offers a chance to throw an ax and have some fun at the same time

There's a relatively new business in downtown Akron that has an ax to grind.

Twelve axes to be exact.

Situated in the former Akron National Bank in downtown Akron, the Akron Axe House opened for business about a month ago.

The venture is the latest incarnation for the former bank − situated about a long toss away from Canal Park − that was most recently home to a series of bars and nightclubs including the Vault.

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Building owner Alex Mervis has decided to try something new in the first floor space at 328 S. Main St.

Manager Katie Adzovie said business has been steadily growing since opening day.

And plans are underway to offer ax throwing leagues to help expand awareness of the business and interest in the sport.

"We're still working on people learning we are here," Adzovie said.

What's inside the Akron Axe House

There are six bays inside of the Akron Axe House. As many as six throwers can be at one bay at a time.

The axes are real and weigh just over a pound.

It costs $30 per thrower for an hour or $55 for two hours.

The targets are projected onto the wooden surface.

There are a variety of different games you can play, including a traditional target.

Other options range from a new take on the games Battleship and Connect Four and even the card game 21.

You can even throw axes at zombies.

Like at a bowling alley, the score is projected on the wall over the targets.

Is ax throwing safe?

All guests − ages 12 and up − have to sign a waiver before they can throw an ax. Adzovie said newcomers are also given a safety talk and some instructions before they can participate.

Aside from the whole throwing an ax thing, she said, it is a safe sport.

Each of the bays are self contained and the target walls are made of bounce-resistant material in the event an ax misses the wood target.

And surprisingly, Adzovie said, throwing an ax is not as hard as it might seem once you get the hang of it.

It's really about a steady hand or hands, setting your feet and balance.

"It's not so simple," she said. "But once you get the hang of it − it gets pretty simple."

Food and drink at Akron Axe House

The Akron Axe House offers some soft drinks and simple snacks. But Adzovie said guests are welcome to bring in food and beverages from nearby downtown restaurants.

Akron Axe House hours

The hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The busiest day are Saturdays, but Adzovie said they expect business to pick up as the weather warms and ballgames return to Canal Park.

Revitalization in downtown Akron

Generating more and more foot traffic in downtown Akron is the goal of years of work to reshape and reimagine downtown Akron.

"You can spend a couple hours throwing axes at zombies at the Akron Axe House and literally walk across the street and throw paint at a canvas in Street Craftery’s Splatter Paint Alley," said Dominic Caruso, communications directorfor the Downtown Akron Partnership. "You can enjoy a board game and cocktails with friends at The Green Dragon Inn, and walk across the street and see inspiring local art at Summit Artspace, or the Keith Haring exhibition at Akron Art Museum.

"It’s getting difficult to keep up with it all, which is a great problem to have."

Craig Webb, who stinks at ax throwing, can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Axe House recently opened in Downtown Akron: What to know