Hatchet question

I

Isaacherring

Joined
Oct 27, 2015
Messages
198
Regarding hatchets I've always like estwing because they're full tang and I've had junk splitting mauls with synthetic handles break fast so it's made me shy away from hatchets li!e the fiskars x7. Is this wrong of me to assume the x7 won't hold up? I know a lot of people love these so has anyone had one break or am I dead wrong about this particular hatchet?
 
The x7 is pretty damn sturdy, and a world better than the estwing IMO in terms of quality, edge, comfort, usefulness, and overall value.
 
I have no experience with them, but I will say that natural handles are the best.
They will never create a handle material that's as good as hickory or ash.
No non steel handle will last forever and when a synthetic one does break it'll be harder to replace ( and can't be replaced on a fiskars )
I can't say for a fact, but the fiskars are said to use a softer steel. ( they're also known to split great so while the factory grind would probably hold up fine, who knows about a much finer one )
personally I can't stand an all steel or synthetic handle.
But since you've been using the estwings for a while and like them, I'd just stick with them ( or restore a vintage hatchet , which is the best option anyway )
If you can find a fiskars hatchet on sale you should probably try one out, because that's the only way you'll know weather or not you like them.
 
I have an estwing with the leather handle. I've never had a issue with the hatchet but the leather handles get a little slippery when using it w/ bare hands. It has nice weight stays, sharp and looks good!
I've never seen a fiskars x7. So, no help there. If you like it get one and give it a try. You'll be happy with it or never buy another. LOL.
 
The Fiskers X7 is so ugly I'd take a Estwing over it any ole day in overall usefulness and handling.
I know many on this forum like traditional look of axes. But a metal handle will out last the wooden. DM
 
David Martin said:
The Fiskers X7 is so ugly I'd take a Estwing over it any ole day in overall usefulness and handling.
I know many on this forum like traditional look of axes. But a metal handle will out last the wooden. DM
Click to expand...

They'll definitely last, but when the grip goes their not so easy to replace ( unless you do what diresta did, or wrap it with epoxy soaked cloth then shape it )
Plus it's not just the looks of a wood handle, but the shock absorption ,swingability and fact that they're the best that make them thepreferred handle .
The stacked leather estwings definitely look nice and are a quality tool that I wouldn't fault anyone for owning , but the fiskars are a different story ( unless you take a bucksaw, and just use an x5 has a handled wedge )
 
There isn't much risk when you invest in inexpensive tools! Matter of fact it's a perfect opportunity to keep two on hand in case one breaks.
Many of us here still swear by wood-handled implements because they are serviceable for life, don't transfer vibration to the same degree and are not cold and clammy on the hands.
 
They're both decent hatchets. The Fiskars isn't as of steel. The Estwing has too thin of bit - like a Euro-import. They are both tough really well made hatchets.
 
Haaa. I thinned the face of my Estwing down. And gave it a cryogenic treatment. Then I noticed an increased in performance.
The Fiskers has too many problems for me to try and correct. DM
 
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