← All reviews

Borderlands 4 Buzz Axe Review — Legendary Ordnance

Published: 9/11/2026 · Updated: 11/15/2026 · As of 2026-07

Red Text
TURN AROUND!

This review was machine-translated from the Japanese original. Numbers are checked against the original; if the wording reads oddly, the Japanese version is authoritative.

Even though it’s a grenade slot, you throw an axe. It flies straight and can crit, a single throw that turns the series-familiar Krieg’s weapon into a grenade. Daedalus-made kinetic (non‑elemental physical) and not an explosive but a “throwing axe that flies in a straight line”. If you aim at a weak point you get a crit, a satisfying oddball.

🧩 Origin of the red text “TURN AROUND!” is a line from Borderlands 2’s Psycho‑Krieg (Krieg). In the short film “Meat Bicycle for Two”, it originates from the warning Krieg shouts when throwing Buzz Axe at “Pretty Lady” (Fandom: Buzz Axe (Borderlands 4)). The name Buzz Axe itself is Krieg’s iconic weapon, and the name, line, and “throwing axe” effect are all a consistent homage to Krieg.

What kind of grenade? (Beginner’s perspective)

• Daedalus-made kinetic (non‑elemental physical) throwing‑axe‑type grenade. Not an explosion but a straight‑flying projectile like a real bullet.
• On impact deals kinetic‑Odance damage. Critical hits can occur, so targeting weak points is effective.
• However the bonus from melee damage/splash damage does not apply (and it does not affect yourself either) = independent throwing damage.
• More of a single‑target, aimed‑down type than crowd clearing.

Unique effect (Mechanics)

Makeshift (Makeshift): When thrown it flies in a straight line and on impact deals kinetic‑Odance damage. Critical possible. Unaffected by melee damage/splash bonus and does not apply them.

• In‑game: Axe that flies in a straight line – crit possible (special effect listed as “Makeshift”)
• Web (Lootlemon): Flies on a straight trajectory and on impact deals kinetic‑Odance damage. Crit possible. Unaffected by melee damage/splash bonus and does not apply them
• Element is fixed kinetic (= physical, non‑elemental). No element roll
• Note that melee/splash buffs do not apply (damage is increased via Odance/grenade‑damage type (unverified))

Correction of previous entry The old note’s “grant +100% melee damage to the next melee attack” does not match the primary information on the Web; the correct description is a straight‑throwing axe that is not affected by melee damage. Here we prioritize the Web description.

Recommended (Status Augments)

Full name (variant example) Bull’s Eye Buzz Axe

• Due to its straight‑line, crit‑capable nature, it is straightforward to increase impact damage (Odance) and crit multiplier.
• The detailed hit slots for status augments are (unverified) (awaiting observation of owned instances).

Drop Farming

• The boss Axemaul from The Toil of Spoiling Vis is the exclusive drop source
• Specific drop rate values are unverified primary information ((unverified))

Build Compatibility

Summary

• Krieg‑origin straight‑flying throwing‑axe grenade (fixed kinetic)
• Crits can occur, but melee/splash bonuses do not apply – independent throwing damage
• More of a single‑target, aimed‑down type than crowd clearing
• Red text “TURN AROUND!” originates from BL2 Krieg “Meat Bicycle for Two” (verified)
• Obtained from boss Axemaul (The Toil of Spoiling Vis)

Related

• Same manufacturer (Daedalus): Super Soldier (Shield)
• Same category (grenade·throwing/crit‑capable): Bismuth‑Tipped Dagger
• Reference: Lootlemon - Buzz Axe / Fandom - Buzz Axe (BL4) / MentalMars - Buzz Axe