Chainsaw juggler attempts new record during Hubfest
Ian Stewart sharpens his unique skills and sets sights on regaining his place at the top
TRURO, N.S. – Ian Stewart was practising axe juggling but his mind was elsewhere. Chainsaws.
He heard his chainsaw juggling record had been broken and he started training to regain his title from Janne Mustonen os Finland.
“I beat the old record of 88, with 94 catches in 2011,” he said. “Last July a man in Finland set a record of 98, so now I’m hoping to be the first to crack 100. I only need two extra throws but it’s a challenge.”
Guidelines are simple enough, though not for just anyone: juggle three running chainsaws for as many "touches" as you can before a drop. He’s practising but being careful not to over do it. It can be hard on the body.
“Most injuries are just from the fact that the chainsaws are so heavy,” he said. “The handles can rip hands sometimes.
“I’ve had a few scrapes while juggling and I cut the end of a shoe off once, in front of about 17,000 people. Because it was a big show I’d bought new shoes.”
The chainsaws have to be a certain weight and have to be gas-powered. Before performing the juggler has to demonstrate the saws are sharp by cutting something. He also has to sign a paper acknowledging the organizers recommend that they not perform the stunt.
“The first 50 throws aren’t too difficult, but then the weight makes it harder to be precise,” said Stewart. “If you have one throw when it spins or goes sideways a little bit, you’re in trouble.”
To state the obvious, not many people juggle chainsaws, and it’s not just because of the danger. The saws cost about $700 each so it can be expensive if you have a few too many drops.
Stewart still holds other records for things such as juggling one chainsaw and two balls, and walking the greatest distance while juggling three chainsaws. He also does other tricks. Last year he did a crossbow stunt on the television program Penn and Teller Fool You.
“I’ve been overseas twice this year to do crossbow tricks,” he said. “Most of the shows I get hired for around here are stage hypnosis shows, but internationally I do more juggling and crossbow.”
Stewart will attempt to set the new chainsaw-juggling record Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. on Inglis Place, as part of Hubfest activities.