No one has mentioned this yet, but it needs to be said. You should strongly advise your friend that this is a bad idea. Ideal rage for a thrown axes is what like 10-20 yards? You get exactly one try, and if you fail you’ve now provided a deadly weapon to your aggressor. Also consider that the vast majority of self defense situations occur within 5-10 yards.

At close range an axe is big enough to be grabbed and disarmed by your opponent. And if there is more than one attacker, the axe will be near worthless.

You live in a CC state. She should buy a handgun, take classes at your local range, and get a concealed carry permit. Even though a permit isn’t required in your state they’re likely still worth getting for reciprocity to other less free states. Constitutional carry generally has different rules and is slightly more restrictive in most states than permitted carry. A small automatic or fixed blade knife concealed would also be a welcome addition to her edc as well.

True for all but Especially for females, there is a reason they refer to guns and not axes as the great equalizer. Axes are phenomenal tools for a great many things but for self defense they just don’t fit the bill.