Any opinions on estwing or gerber camp axes

Gerber has some cool gear. I have one of their hatchets, exchange-a-blade folding saws (with a button operated lock) and a light weight folding shovel. All three come with their own sturdy sheath. I like the construction and feel of the hatchet. It has a medium sized knife stored magnetically in tha handle. The synthetic handle has rubber inserts which aid grip. It is small and light enough to take on a back pack trip. I just got these three tools and haven't used them yet. The Gerber factory is within walking distance of me. http://www.gerberblades.com/products/results.php

All the best,

oregon
 
Just another thought to consider...wooden handle hatchet.
For me...I just like the feel and looks of wooden handles...and I like to customize my handles with some simple cross hatching in the grip area to aid in controlling the blade attack...and to help keep a grip when your hand gets sweaty or tired.
Of course the Estwing, Gerber and others like Schrade, Kinfolk, Marbles, etc. with head and handle full length metal using various hand grips may be stronger, I find if you use them alot...you will notice greater fatigue in your bones and triceps, I think because of the vibration.
I have definately noticed this to be true in hammers as well. The single piece head attached to a wooden handle must take away much of the vibration as well as maybe the wood material also absorbs it too.
I have both, and use the full metal style when I do work where I worry more about breaking the handle.
Something else you may try as well....I've collected some very nice and unique hatchet heads over the years...I enjoy these as I do my knives. And I have collected downed limbs from Beech, Maple, Ash, and my favorite White Birch (leave the bark on this one) and craft my own handles. Kinda don't mind breaking handles, because I also enjoy fitting new ones...each one ends up different. I break most handles from throwing...seems I find myself doing that even when I should be working with them.
I realize this may be off track from your question...so hope you don't mind the added thoughts.
For What you asked..I like Estwing...best handle design and best grip in my opinion...and well balanced. Of the full metal body I think they consider vibration problem the best....edit( I may have got off track with hatchets..vs. axes?? Does Estwing make an axe?? anyway...my feelings on axes would still apply...I collect even more axe heads...and enjoy the wooden handles, although I use just store bought handles on my axes...and prefer the double-headed style most. Some head styles are tough finding replacement handles.)
 
I've used my Estwing sportsman's axe for quite a while and find it very satisfactory. Use it mostly for trimming/clearing branches, splitting kindling... Ergonomics are good. The head is a bit on the soft side but takes a good edge (I try to keep it convex for better durability). Tends to wedge splitting gnarly dry wood but the narrow profile works well cutting the green stuff. Have never used a Gerber, can't comment on them. Hope this helps.
 
I support Blue Sky's comments on the Estwing. I would add that the "all steel" models are uncomfortable for choaking up for fine work. Also, the "all steel" models are heavy for the length of handle and size of cutting edge. I see them as more of a truck or camp tool vs. hiking or backpacking.

The Gerber is interesting but the top-view profile is quite obtuse. I would think it's more for splitting than cutting. It has almost twice the included angle of my GB's. Also, I need to turn one over to a kid to see how the handle stands up to misshits on the handle (Misshits can break ash handles.).
 
i just bought a 32$ estwing hatchet (all stainles with a laquered leather ringlet handle)

it throws awesome

the leather handle seems to deaden alot of vibration on it when you chop with it

i have a mid-sized steel estwing axe, & its ok, but it tends to bend some (espeically if thrown)

the mid-size has pretty bad vibration if you get after some chopping with it

so... i dont really reccomend any of thier longer axes, the stainless hatchet is nice tho
 
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