PUBLISHED ONApril 05, 2019 2:00 AMByJoey Lee
Need a space to rel-axe? Forget about spa or yoga retreats.
These days, it's all about unleashing your inner barbarian.
Enter Axe Factor, a little-known gem housed within The Grandstand along Turf Club road with a novel de-stressing activity -- throwing axes just for fun.
Opened since August 2018, it is Singapore's first and only indoor axe-throwing range.
The place was founded by Samuel Tey, 27, who wants the world to know that axe-throwing is so much more than just therapy.
Photo: AsiaOne
To him and his business partners, it's a legit sport, and they're in the midst of organising a competition for it.
Close to $300K has been poured into the business, which was inspired by an Instagram post of Hollywood beast Jason Momoa casually hurling an axe while sipping on a beer.
Have they managed to break even?
Not quite yet, but plans of expanding into neighbouring Malaysian and alternative business models like franchising are being explored, said Tey.
Photo: AsiaOne
Aren't hurling heavy axes dangerous though? And have there been any casualties at the seven-month old Axe Factor?
Nope. Tey was happy to report that they have had an accident-free streak, notwithstanding splinters sustained from brushing against the wood.
Blades of the axes used there have been blunted and the oldest customer they've had was an 80-year-old man.
He noted: "If they are good throwers, then I’ll have to replace my board. If they are bad throwers, I’ll have to replace my axe."
HOW IS IT
After giving it a try, I must say it definitely is not as easy as the axe-perts there made it seem.
Although the activity has been likened to dart-throwing, the hachet (which most beginners use), is relatively heavier at 1kg.
Also, the art of axe-throwing requires a participant to use enough force, make use of their body's momentum, and release the axe at the right time (when it is around eye-level), for the metal to make contact with wood.
But the resounding thunk and release of adrenaline when it happens is perhaps why Axe Factor sees quite a number of returning customers.
HULK SMASH TO DE-STRESS?
While throwing an axe onto a target requires some level of skill and might be stress-inducing for the uninitiated, breaking things on purpose won't.
Another quirky business built on the idea of helping people de-stress is The Fragment Room, a space for paying customers to hulk-smash to their heart's content.
Read also: Meet the man behind Singapore's first 'rage room'
Opened to much fanfare back in 2017, it was Singapore first, and to date, only rage room.
Here are the details if these places if want to go down and check them out yourself:
AXE FACTOR
Where: The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road #01-32A, S287994
Opening hours:
Mon - Thurs 12pm to 10pm
Fri - 12pm to 1am
Sat - 10am to 1am
Sun - 10am to 10pm
PH eve follows Friday timing
PH follows Sunday timing
Price:
$15 for 30mins (walk-ins only), $28/hr (1-2 pax)
$80/hr (3-5 pax)
THE FRAGMENT ROOM
Where: 3 Balestier Rd, S329671
Opening hours:
Mon - Sun 1pm to 10pm
Price:
$38 onwards
Been to any interesting or quirky places in Singapore that you think we should check out? Let us know!
This article is part of AsiaOne's #Joeyjios series where she brings the internet along on her adventures. If you like Joey and want more of her, check out the hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube or follow us at AsiaOnecom. Stay tuned to this space for more!
joeylee@asiaone.com