Case Studies / Dueling Axes – Powered by RKd
Entertainment
Business Intelligence
Business Optimization
E-commerce
Mobile App Development
Web App Development
Switchbox built a fully integrated booking, waiver, and operations platform for Dueling Axes using Ruby on Rails and React—purpose-built for axe throwing venues and later commercialized as RKd, now the go-to software solution used by 40+ axe throwing venues nationwide.
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Axe throwing venues using RKd nationwide
The Challenge
No software fit for a growing axe throwing business
When Dueling Axes launched in Columbus, OH, axe throwing was still a niche, fast-emerging concept. The business quickly expanded to multiple locations including Las Vegas, but their digital tools couldn’t keep up.
Existing solutions were cobbled together from unrelated industries like bowling alley booking systems. There was no unified system for scheduling, payments, waiver management, or event coordination. Day-to-day operations relied on manual workarounds, which limited their ability to scale.
To grow the business and the industry, Dueling Axes needed software purpose-built for their unique operational model.
Our Approach
Designing purpose-built software for an emerging industry
Switchbox partnered with Dueling Axes to conduct a deep discovery process, mapping every operational workflow—from reservations and deposit handling to waiver capture, score tracking, tournament management, and POS integration. We evaluated what existing systems (from other industries) were being used and why they were failing.
From this foundation, we defined the architecture for a fully integrated platform built on Ruby on Rails and React, designed from the start for multi-tenant scalability so that what worked for one venue could eventually power others.
What We Built
A custom software platform built for the axe throwing experience
Switchbox developed a fully integrated platform using Ruby on Rails and React, built from the ground up with the specific needs of axe throwing venues in mind.
The platform included: online reservations with deposit handling and dynamic lane availability; secure digital waiver capture and storage for legal compliance; score tracking and gameplay logic for tournaments and leagues; POS integration, custom reporting, and backend admin tools; multi-tenant branding features enabling white-label use across different venues; and seamless frontend integration with the company’s marketing website.
The Results
From in-house fix to industry-leading SaaS platform
The result was not just a digital upgrade—it was the birth of a new product: RKd, now a full SaaS platform used by over 40 axe throwing venues nationwide.
Dueling Axes streamlined operations, expanded to new locations, and opened a flagship venue in Las Vegas. The owners were able to step away from day-to-day operations and focus on strategic growth. RKd became the go-to software solution in a growing industry, positioning itself as the digital backbone for axe throwing businesses.
This project didn’t just meet the needs of Dueling Axes—it helped define a tech standard for the axe throwing industry at large.
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