Estwing users

hiwa

hiwa

Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
2,720
Hi. Is there anyone who has modified/owns an Estwing axe or hatchet ? I couldn't get the hatchet with the 2 1/2" face, only 3", so I took an angle grinder and removed metal from the top to make it lighter. I also took laquer thinner to the handle to get the smooth laquer off, then sanded the handle for better grip. I did this a coupla years ago. I like them because there are no handle issues, but they weigh a bit more than Wetts/GB's.

See below



axe.jpg
 
Last edited:
I had one for years, just like that, but unmodified. It was the best hatchet I ever owned. But my x-wife stole it and now it lives in Alaska.

I have thought a lot about getting a new one, but like you said they are a bit heavy.

How long did it take to thin the head with the angle grinder?

Has anyone ever taken off the leather? I never liked the laquer either, gave me blisters.

With all these threads about expensive hatchets the GB and such, it is good to see someone doing something with a good inexpensive USA made product.

Thanks
 
I wouldn't take the leather off;it's a good grip unless you have a major re-do in mind. I ground about a good 1/2 inch off the top. Between grinding and cooling, it took the most part of an afternoon.
 
I recently bought the same one you are modding and love it so far.
I don 't mind the weight but the coating on the handle is a concern.
Did you treat the leather with anything after stripping it?
 
Yep. Sno-seal rubbed on and let it dry good when I am not using it for a while. I use it for all my leather stuff. I also had a small DMT coarse diamond stone paracorded to the sheath, but the plastic thingy for the stone part broke today, so I have to keep my sharpening tool/s separate in my pocket.

Takes a lot of rubbing with rags and thinner to get the laquer off,but you'll be glad you did.

Pete
 
Gespenst said:
I recently bought the same one you are modding and love it so far.
I don 't mind the weight but the coating on the handle is a concern.
Did you treat the leather with anything after stripping it?
Click to expand...

what exactly is wrong with the " coating " on the handle ? it wears with time/use . never treated my leather hammer handles. lasted for years. and that was in construction work.
 
Several years ago I took one of the carpenters hatchets and turned it into an Estwing hawk. Most of the rough work was dine with an angle grinder.
 
It's hot here so my hands sweat and that handle is slick.

sidecutter said:
what exactly is wrong with the " coating " on the handle ? it wears with time/use . never treated my leather hammer handles. lasted for years. and that was in construction work.
Click to expand...
 
Originally Posted by sidecutter
what exactly is wrong with the " coating " on the handle ? it wears with time/use . never treated my leather hammer handles. lasted for years. and that was in construction work. "



Yeah sure the laquer wears off in time; just like to make tools suit me. I find I get more grip and control.

Pete
 
I was thinking of stripping mine and using boiled linseed oil to protect the leather.
Tell you one thing, it is one heck of a chopper. Used mine most of the day today and it did a fantastic job.
 
I would think that some fine steel wool or sandpaper would take the coating off pretty quickly. Might have to try that with mine.

I like the Sno Seal idea; I use it on lots of leather. If you warm the leather up a bit (say in an oven set at 120-40), the Sno Seal seams to melt and soak in a bit better.

I've got several hatchets that I believe cut better but I really like the handle on the Estwing and it's a solid tool.

DancesWithKnives
 
Good idear about warmin up the leather. Sno-seal is an awesome product. I also rub some on a carbon blade for storage or in the bush for rust protect. Wipes off Ok, just don't eat the stuff !!

Pete
 
For those of you thinking bout re-doing the handle, this might be of some interest:
Estwing tang

It's not my pic, it's from this thread here (see post 11 by "c.m. arrington"):
Estwing tang

BTW, nice mod hiwa, you've got me thinking about mine now...
 
I went thru two grinding discs cos the metal's hard. Keep it cool and don't take too much off. Take some off and play with it before taking more, to see how you like it. I took more off the top near the poll, cos that's where most of the extra weight is. It's always easier to take more off than to put any back on ( you can't !!) Of course , the same goes for knives.

Just my .02

Pete
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top