Hatchet review... Estwing

H

Hotrod

Joined
Mar 19, 2003
Messages
978
I picked up a Leather Grip Estwing hatchet the other day and finally got around to putting an edge on it. I'm by no means great at sharpening anything more than barely shaving sharp, but even with a few minutes with a mill file this hatchet works. I didnt put an edge on it with anything but the file... and used the out of the sheath profile. The edge I put on it is a far cry from shaving! The profile of the head lets it slice through 1 inch diameter branches in one move... but the edge is not so thin as to feel fragile.

I like the feel and where the weight is in the head, the metal handle if you will makes it's "center" feel much closer to your hand than lighter materials.

I havent done a weight comparison against a wooden handeled hatchet, or even the fiskars plastic handeled cheapie I've been using.

Quality product... not so quality user/sharpener in this case... :p

:D
 
I have the 26" Estwing camp axe, the steel is very, very soft. Easily filed, softer than a Tramontina machete for example.

I use mine for things I would nevr use my GB axes for: roots, ice, etc.

The steel shaft really makes them unbalanced for my swing style and this results in far less accuracy. The Estwing is also not nearly as fluid when chopping, has a tendency to bind in thick woods.

In comparison, the GB Forest axe will easily outpace it on clear wood, and the Scandinavian just blows it away. These are lighter axes, but are more effective because they have a higher performance gemertr suppored by much harder steel, and are far better balanced.

Still, each has its place and the Estwing makes a fine truck axe.
 
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