Estwing Hatchet: little or little bigger ?

D

dr0

Joined
Apr 3, 2007
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102
I've decided I want a Estwing hatchet for my camping kit to replace a well used tomahawk. I'll use it to pound in tent stakes, make kindling, etc.

Sadly I don't see them at the local store so I was going to order it from Knife Center (who I've had excellent service from in the past, including returns).

Lo and behold! There are two of these cute little devils! A 12" one (Model E-14a) and a 14" one (Model E-24a). Anyone had a chance to check out both and have a suggestion on which is better? I'm thinking the bigger one but then again I suppose if I were to wear it on the belt the slightly smaller might be more convenient.

Anyone have direct experience. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

(nice to be back, it's been a while)
 
They are great hatchets in my experience. The bigger one is easier to use and will handle bigger jobs. The smaller one is easy to carry and a good compromise. The only thing negative I have to say is that the leather washers will shrink and rot in time, but I've had the darn thing for over 20 years, and used it mostly in the Florida Everglades, so that should tell you something, too.

I did get the E44A and now I don't have to worry about the handle rotting.
 
I've always wanted one of those myself!
I have a Estwing Camp axe with the blue rubber handle which is a good axe but meant for backpack carry.

However i do love those leather washer style handles.
whats the weight difference between the E-14a and the E-24a?
If they are roughly the same weight i'd go with the longer one.
IMO a heavy head on a short grip just doesn't feel or balance right.
I generally like hatchets around 14 inches anyway, the longer handle should be more comfortable.
 
shangchi108 said:
The E24 is about 1.9 lbs.

The E14 is about 1.3 lbs.
Click to expand...
I have two hatchets in the 13 inch range.
The Wetterlings SAW13 has a 1.25 pound head the other hatchet has a 1.5 pound head.
I prefer the feel of the Wetterlings.
The balance of the 13 inch 1.5 pound hatchet feels wrong to me, unbalanced and overly top heavy. The head is too heavy for the the short handle.

Regarding the Estwings almost 2 pounds is kinda heavy for a small 14 inch hatchet, but then you can't judge Estwings like a regular hatchet/axe because the metal is in the head and the handle.

I'd be tempted to say get the shorter/lighter one.

But really this is all subjective.
Can you try them out in a store to see which feels right to you?

There is at least one Estwing aficionado here hopefully he will post a reply.
 
tholiver said:
I prefer the feel of the Wetterlings.

Can you try them out in a store to see which feels right to you?
Click to expand...

Wetterlings are nice.

I've never been to a store where you couldn't simply walk over to the display and handle the hatchets. They aren't locked up like the power tools and drill bits.
 
I have used the E24A extensively and can't say enough good about them. That is the only size commonly avaqilable around here. I have had the oportunity to use an old friends E14A and it is great as well for most lighter tasks. It would work just as well for most of what I've used the larger hatchet for. It is however very packable sice it's head will fir crosswise in a jeans rear pocket.

You can feel confident buying either.
 
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