WEYBURN – A family-run business is carving out a new kind of entertainment in Weyburn, offering residents a mix of competition and fun.
The Slice Hatchet Throwing & Games opened its doors in October 2024, and has become a local destination for axe throwing and interactive play.
“We have been well-received with the locals,” said sole proprietor Deron Fahlman, who runs the business alongside his wife, Kyla, and their daughter, Amora, who serves as the main axe coach and manager.
“Our main attraction is six axe throwing lanes with HD projected targets and digital scoring,” said Fahlman. “We were the first axe throwing venue in the province to use this kind of system. Rather than a traditional painted target, our venue uses projectors to display a growing variety of targets and games - everything from traditional-style targets to tic-tac-toe and word games - all played with throwing axes and knives.”
The venue also features a pool table, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, Pac-Man, and more on the growing games floor.
Fahlman describes the space as part competition, part hangout.
Something different
The idea for The Slice came from a desire to offer something different in southeast Saskatchewan.
“Axe throwing has been rapidly growing in popularity across Canada and the USA, and I thought, why not Weyburn?” said Fahlman. “Pairing that with our unique glow-in-the-dark pool tables, darts, other games, and a relaxed hangout space gave us a chance to create something for everyone.”
The atmosphere, he said, is a mix of high-energy competition and laid-back socializing.
“It’s a mix. When the axes are flying, there’s definitely some high-energy and competitiveness, especially with our projected games and challenges. But overall, it’s a very laid-back, social atmosphere. People laugh as much as they compete. Our games floor adds to that balance. You can go from high-intensity throwing to a relaxing game of pool or Pac-Man in the same night.”
What's in a name?
The name The Slice was chosen to reflect both the sport and the venue’s broader entertainment goals.
“There’s the obvious axe/knife throwing angle; you’re slicing into the target. But it also has a modern, fun vibe. It’s memorable, a little cheeky, and it fits the atmosphere we want people to feel when they walk in.”
And there’s a story behind the name, said Fahlman.
“When we were brainstorming names, we wanted something short and punchy. Most axe-throwing places go with ‘axe’ or ‘hatchet’ in the title. We liked ‘The Slice’ because it gave a nod to the sport while leaving the door open for more games, entertainment, possible future food offerings, etc. It’s flexible, like the business itself.”
Family and community support
The building, formerly home to the Weyburn Fabric Shop, was empty when the family took possession.
“By the time we took possession it was stripped down and ready for a new identity,” said Fahlman. “The space itself made sense because it had the square footage we needed for axe lanes, plus room to expand into other games and activities.”
Fahlman said he had a ton of support from family and close friends, and most notably Kyla, a journeyman carpenter, who led the design and construction of the throwing lanes.
"It wasn’t a big corporate team," he said. "It was a handful of determined people who believed in the idea and gave their time and energy to make it happen.”
Surprise and excitement
The reaction from the first customers was a mix of surprise and excitement, said Fahlman.
“A lot of people said, ‘I can’t believe we have this in Weyburn.’ Once they got throwing, the reactions were pure joy; big laughs, competitive trash talk, and lots of ‘we have to bring so-and-so next time.’ That kind of energy told us right away we were onto something.”
The goal was to create a gathering space, said Fahlman.
“Weyburn already has great places to eat and drink, but we wanted to add an experience-based space where families, coworkers and friends could come together to do something interactive. For us, The Slice is about fun and connection, giving people more reasons to get out and enjoy time together.”
Looking ahead, the Fahlman family plans to continue growing. In the next year, they aim to expand the games floor, and add a karaoke room and arcade-style entertainment and experience for teens and families.
“Five years from now, the goal is to be the go-to spot in Weyburn for fun and a place that keeps evolving with new activities so there’s always a reason to come back,” said Fahlman.
For more information gp to their website.
