What's too weird for Texans?

[HotHolly]

OK, so I've had a neighbor in the past who cut his bushes with a machete. So I know everyone with a machete isnt crazy...but if I was in NY I woulda thought he liked to cut up things, people, plants with that big knife. Seems a bit odd...a bit more effort than using a hedge trimmer, but OK. Since he was on his lawn and his machete stayed there, thought it was weird, but since he never went wandering around slicing up other peoples bushes. What ever...

My new weirdo is a guy who I have passed, on multiple occasions, wielding hatches at a tree. Practice practice practice. Throwing them through the air over and over again. He's trying to hit a mark on the tree and make the thing stick. So, he's a circus clown, or a raving hatch tossing psycho. Is this within normal Texas gun-slinging, hatch-wielding protocol? He is not on private property. He's outside an apartment complex across the street from a school yard, tossing them in the wind like they're apples. Needless to say, Im more than a little creeped out. Is hatch wielding within normal Texan behavior? Is it legal to toss blades around in a public area?

[sioleabha]

I wouldn't think it would be socially acceptable to throw hatchets outside of one's own yard. It could be considered criminally reckless behavior, so I don't suppose it would hurt to call the police and ask their opinion.

[iCe]

He's probably just practicing for a contest. Or he's got a Danial Boone complex. I threw a hatchet at my sister once I missed by a long way... not enough practice I guess. Come to think of it, if she hadn't slammed my head in the door I might have been more accurate... but then again I would have lacked motivation to throw the hatchet at her if she hadn't slammed my head in the door. Catch-22

[Driver]

hatches are those big huge metal doors inside submarines that make compartments watertight, or they cover the holds of ships. If you've got a guy hurling them through the air willy-nilly then please post the address so i can send the media.

But yes Hatchets are another thing. I don't think it'd be any different than if it was knives. But as has already been mentioned, there may be laws about endangering the public, reckless behavior, etc... Just call the cops anonymously next time you see him getting some target practice in.

[Damon]

Maybe you should just talk to him. He could be a very understanding fellow.




...but then again.. maybe he wouldn't be.

[HotHolly]

Yes, I can't spell...we're talking little mini axes. And would it be that much better if he were throwing butcher's knives?

[iCe]

I don't think so... For one thing, if you don't throw a butcher knife right then it's going to bounce off. A hatchet on the other hand has a lot of mass so it will at least give the "target" a good thump even if the blade doesn't go in.

[Driver]

Hey I WAS joking! I even put smilies in there. As far as butchers knives, as I understand it there are laws about how big a knife one can carry around in public.

[HotHolly]

His hatchets were bouncing when he missed. He had a pile of them.

[iCe]

Actually... taking a moment to be serious... he was probably practicing for a contest of some kind. A looney tune wouldn't likely have a pile of hatchets...

[HotHolly]

So, if I asked him if he were in a contest, and he said no - then you'd be concerned? I guess Im getting at, what would make you concerned about this?

[iCe]

Where exactly was this guy? Tossing hatchets at a tree is kind of hard on the tree... so if he's not on his property he needs to stop

No, I wouldn't be concerned. Some people shoot guns at targets. Some people throw knives. There's such a thing as Cowboy Action shooting. People wear period clothes, shoot reproductions of period weapons (from horseback in some cases), throw knives, etc.

[Noel Hankamer]

A good machete is a great tool when used properly, and can be more efficient than a hedge trimmer. Who needs to use more power and fuel than necessary for the job? Properly used, even a small person can use one for many tasks we too often fire up a gas eating machine for.
As for the hatchet thrower, he should be on his own property for sure, not out in an area where others may wander into the path of a hatchet thrown at a tree. That tree is not his to damage anyway!
Nothing weird about these things except to city dwellers that haven't been out of the urban environment. (no disrespect intended)

[CaptainTom]

Yesterday at Scarborough Faire you could put down good money for the priviledge of throwing a whole bunch of hatchets at a wood wall with targets on it. You could also do the same with knives and with 'death stars'.
I wouldn't be concerned about this guys intentions but if it bothers you, call the police and let them handle it.
If he puts up a photo of you and practices with it, you'll know you pissed him off and should probably stay out of his way.

I'd likely approach him with my camera and ask if I could get some action shots..
Make hay while the sun shines.

[HotHolly]

He's practicing on a Mesquite tree, on the corner of 2 roads at an apartment complex - across the street from an elementary school. If he was on private property, OK. But there are kids all around. What if he misses? Most people dont shoot off guns in school yards for target practice. You'd think he wouldnt be allowed to do something like that so close to a school, but what do I know?

If you all think its nothing OK. I've been here for 13 years and dont pretend to get some of this stuff. Just wondering if it felt off to you. Seems like a no.