Bought a Hatchet Today

W

WorkForALiving

Joined
Dec 12, 2002
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138
I was in the hardware store today and bought an Estwing Sportsman Axe on impulse. It is what my father always called a hatchet.
The edge is quite dull. Very Dull. It can't shave hairs or cut paper or anything like what my knives can do right out of the box.

Should I invest the time in sharpening it or is this the way that axes are supposed to be?
Should I return it and get something better? It was about $40 US.
How sharp is an axe supposed to be?
I plan to use it to chop little stuff like branches and general yard work and keep it in the car.
Thanks for any help.
 
First a sharp tool is safer than a dull tool. Less effort required therfore more of your concentration can be put on accuracy. Also less likely to have a glancing blow. So yes it needs sharpening.

Should you keep it or trade it in? Hard to say. What ever you trade for will sooner or later require "a time investment" in sharpening, so I really don't see that as an issue.

I am guessing you will get several replys advising you to buy a Gransfors Bruks hatchet. Yes, they are great tools and do come shaving sharp right from the store. I am just thinking that due to the nature of your question that you may want to keep your Estwing and learn to care for it and perhaps invest a bit more in a Gransfors later.
 
O.K. I answered my own question. I found the Gransfors Bruks and it looks like a Wildlife model would suit my requirements.

I have decided to return the Estwing because, after a bit of thought, I have decided that a cutting tool should be manufactured sharp. I shouldn't have to sharpen it right out of the box.
I can sharpen my tools when I dull them, but the manufacturer should have taken more care when making the Estwing.
 
I think you will be very pleased with your choice. Do a search here at the ax forum and you will find many comments and sharpening advise.

I have one of the wildlife hatchets and love it.
 
Most of the lower grade axes like Estwing don't put finish edges on the axes for safety reasons, they don't want people cutting them in the store. This is probably necessary, though a sad statement. It doesn't really indicate any particular quality of lack of for the axe.

-Cliff
 
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