GB vs Eastman

G

gdtrfb

Joined
Mar 27, 2003
Messages
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I've been able to do a bit of searching and the general consensus is that GB is top of the class; however, they are also tops in price. I am looking for a smallish hatchet for general / light camp use. Breaking down larger logs, etc. I may use it when backpacking (infrequent), but probably more car camping with the family, etc.

Is the GB (mini or wildlife) 3-4x a basic leather wrapped sp(EAstman) Estwing camp hatchet in performance? (EAstman $30 obtained locally / GB ~90 or 120 + shipping).

I have already searched the hatchet/hawk/wss/ and general forums and there isn't much about Eastman hatchets, but maybe my keywords weren't ideal, etc.
 
Never heard of Eastman, do you mean Estwing? If so, I tend to think Wetterlings makes a better axe. I do know a lot of people like the Estwings due to being all metal, no wood.

If you want an awesome cheap hatchet, however, pick up a Fiskar's 14" hatchet. $20 and worth way more in my opinion
 
Lots of people like Wetterlings and Friskars. I own a Wetterlings as well as 2 GB's. You willing to work on the edge a bit?? The Wetterlings is good now I've spent some time reworking the edge.
 
Noshtero said:
Never heard of Eastman, do you mean Estwing? If so, I tend to think Wetterlings makes a better axe. I do know a lot of people like the Estwings due to being all metal, no wood.

If you want an awesome cheap hatchet, however, pick up a Fiskar's 14" hatchet. $20 and worth way more in my opinion
Click to expand...

Noshtero is 110% correct

Try a Fiskar's first--you will be happy.
 
thanks, And some good feedback does get returned when using 'Estwing' instead of Eastman. I am still up in the air on which to go for. I would like to buy once and know that it is a) good quality b) made by someone that cares/takes pride ;however, the economic aspect is tough and given other financial obligations/priorities, I cannot have 'the best' of everything.
 
Yep... Fiskars :) I'm in your boat. I would love to own a GB, but until then, I havne't found much my Fiskars won't do.

Do a search on Fiskars and you'll find LOTS of positive reviews.
 
Fiddleback said:
Lots of people like Wetterlings and Friskars. I own a Wetterlings as well as 2 GB's. You willing to work on the edge a bit?? The Wetterlings is good now I've spent some time reworking the edge.
Click to expand...

I use and love the Wetterlings axes. Very comparable to GB, but half the price.

$26.99
http://www.888knivesrus.com/c=Fi7Sk...UNTMED/WETTERLINGS_SAW16H_HUNTING_AXE_16.html

As others have said, a Fiskars is a great axe as well.
This one with a 14" handle for $27.00
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0002YTO7E/104-5502336-8241540?SubscriptionId=1ZJXCA3ADBXFZJPBRMG2

I personally would go with the Wetterlings, just because I have owned/own three of them and have had very favorable experiences.
 
Thats the one I bought. The 26.99 one. Its nice, very good really. But I had to rework the edge.
 
Fiddleback said:
Thats the one I bought. The 26.99 one. Its nice, very good really. But I had to rework the edge.
Click to expand...

I re-worked my edge as well. Nothing some 110 grit, and a mousepad didn't take care of quick.

I also sanded the clear crap off the handle, and soaked it in raw linseed oil for about two weeks. You wouldn't believe how much the wood swelled up inside the eye.
 
tarmix101 said:
I also sanded the clear crap off the handle, and soaked it in raw linseed oil for about two weeks. You wouldn't believe how much the wood swelled up inside the eye.
Click to expand...



Any tool with a clearcoat handle needs a treatment close to this. I use Danish oil. Hammers, hatchets, axes, shovels, hoes.


LOL. Hoes. :rolleyes:
 
Fiddleback said:
Any tool with a clearcoat handle needs a treatment close to this. I use Danish oil. Hammers, hatchets, axes, shovels, hoes.


LOL. Hoes. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

attachment.php


:p
 
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