Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Kolvitz.
Hi Shannon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I created ABC Axes in 2020. I started working for Urban Axes Durham since they opened in 2018. It’s an amazing community of people who just love to throw sharp stuff at a target. February of 2019 they sent me to Toronto to represent the company and community at the National Axe Throwing Championship. I met a lot of great people while I was there as well as some amazing custom axe makers. I bought some axes to bring home. They were amazing but also I couldn’t keep spending money on custom equipment from another country.
I have a background in art and have been creative since I can remember so I figured I could probably make them myself. It took a lot of trial and error since there are no real manuals or instructions for this and I have no formal woodworking training.
In 2020, COVID happened and we were all stuck at home. I made many terrible axes until I finally made a good one. Once I figured out how to make one, the next was easier. Then the next was easier. At the end of 2020 I had sold one and officially started making custom axe handles for people locally and around the country. Currently I have axes all over the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Haha. It has not been a smooth road. No one taught me any of the things I do. If anything, most people gate keep this information.
I have a background in art, photography, and technology. Not woodworking. I taught myself how to use all of the woodworking tools that I own. I wasn’t too overwhelming though. I learned things as I needed them. I think that’s what helped it be manageable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make custom competitive throwing axes. I specialize in creating very colorful geometric patterns. I’m proud that I have taught myself all these skills and the only thing that limits me is my creativity. I perfected creating simple and functional handle shapes first before focusing on patterns and colors.
I think what sets me apart from others in my field is the fact that I will create anything and everything that pops in my brain. Some people won’t even try some of the things I do because it takes too long or it’s too tedious.
What does success mean to you?
When I’m creating things, it’s hard to define success. For me, if the finished product is functionally good, aesthetically pleasing, and the new owner loves it, I’d call it a success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ABC.Axes
