Estwing hatchets

K

Khristopher23

Joined
May 23, 2009
Messages
4
I apologize if this has been brought up on here somewhere, but after a quick reading of the thread topics and a couple of threads, I haven' seen any mention of Estwing hatchets. I have an older one that I got when I was 11 or 12, and is in need of a little TLC.

I think I really need to upgrade to a Gransfors, as this is the only hatchet I have (I also have an older USA made full size Collins double bit). I think the Estwing was pretty decent for a 12 year old boy to buy. It was pre-internet days, and I had never even heard of Snow and Nealley or Gransfors Bruks at the time, and I thought the Estwing was the best thing I had seen compared to most hardware store axes.

I think it's a little too heavy for what I want, but I guess that weight comes in handy for splitting and such. On second thought it may not be the weight, but the balance, which I thought at the time was good, but man after handling a Gransfors, no comparison .

Just curious as to others opinions of the Estwing. Also any help on removing rust and bringing it back up to a full polish, and what to do about a split and sticking up leather washer would be much appreciated. I probably wouldn't even bother, but I've had it for over 20 years now, and just a little attached.
 
pretty cool tool.
daub some super glue in and around the leather washer and clamp it back where it belongs.
Wetterlings is less expensive compared to the GB.
the way i see it, you get a superb tool in the Wetterlings and save a few bucks.
luck,
buzz
there are some threads on KF dealing with axes and comparisons.
 
Wetterlings cut really good and are about half the price of the Gransfors Bruk which are better but, not twice as good (diminishing returns for extra money spent).
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.

I've looked at the Wetterlings, but I'm afraid if I buy one I'll still want a Gransfors. What is the old saying "if you're poor, you really can't afford to buy twice"?

I already have a couple of other axes on my wish list, Lord knows why I want so many. I'd like to have a couple of Gransfors (wild life hatchet, and small forest axe), a Snow and Nealley Hudson Bay, and now a Reeves double bit. That is actually how I found this forum, looking for a quality double bit hatchet.
 
I really like the Snow & Neally axes.

But if you really want a Gransfors, I suggest you bite the bullet and get one. You'll just get one later, anyway.
 
If you haven't already done so, get your name on Lee Reeve's wait list (around 12-16 months). He doesn't charge you anything until your axe is ready. You can save up the cash while waiting.:D

Saturday I took my Reeves to a relative's house, along with a Kershaw/Bahco folding saw, to suppress some overgrown landscaping. The Reeves haft is extremely comfortable and the axe performs well. I cut some fairly hard, dry wood and it held its edge impressively. [As for folding saws, the Kershaw/Bahco is good but my hiking friend and I both like the Silky Super Accel 210 better.]

I still occasionally use my old leather-handled Estwing for splitting small kindling when 4WD camping. However, like you, that's mainly for sentimental reasons. The Gransfors axes perform better---especially when chopping or limbing, rather than splitting small kindling.

DancesWithKnives
 
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