Help me pick an ax

M

m1a convert

Joined
Nov 10, 2003
Messages
3
I am looking into getting a good hatchet/camp ax. What are the pros and cons of the Estwing, Gerber and the new Buck hatchets. Which is the best for edge hold, durability, packability?
 
Cant give a good comparison but I will relate my experience.
The buck and gerber look like fine little pack axes. Great if you need to carry them any distance but Ive neither held nor used them.


My vote is for the Estwing. Cause its cheap!
It actually grabbed me when I was walking past the axes in Home Depot.
Hey it says!
I look back and have to stop.
Things got a wicked hawk shaped head out of a single piece of forged steel.
I had to have it.
The first day I left it whole but the plan was already in motion. Next day I chopped it off the same length as my tomahawk, right about two inches above the start of the rubber handle.
I peeled the handle off and wrapped it in friction tape. The handle is oval and still fills the hand quite well.
Then I spatter painted the head and shaft blue and black to prevent rust and be all nasty lookin.

In use it has nearly the same chopping ability it had before I shortened it.
Its heavier than my wood handled hawk but throws very well and there is no chance of the head coming off.
So, 35 bucks and Ive got a near indestructible hawk that looks like it belongs in my closet.
Oh yeah, holds an edge well and somewhat packable, Im thinking its much heavier than the Buck or Gerber.
 
Mc Chan,

Do you remember the model number on that Estwing? And what's the total length after you chopped it down?

18" or 26" Campers Axe looks like the head you were talking about.

Mike
 
Nope, don't remember the model number.
I think it was called the camp ax and the larger model 24 inch long.
Seems like the smaller one had some curve to it.
The larger one chopped off at 17 inches is straight and works more like a hawk.
 
Here's the model number;
E45A - Nylon-Vinyl Grip Campers Axe with Sheath.

I think the shorter one wouldn't work as well, unless you wanted a short handle or a bit of curve to the end.
 
I really like the Firestone Axe..., and it also has a great carry system for hiking, etc.
 
Gransfors Bruks Hunters Ax. Sharp as a straight razor, very tough.

My Hunters ax has been lent out where it has hit concrete and rock. 5 minutes with a diamond rod and the edge is shaving sharp.

Sharp and thin enough to sharpen pencils.
 
If you are looking for a high performance chopping tool, that can also be used for some knife like tasks, the GB line of axes is first rate. As a result of their very thin edges, you do have to be way more careful than with an Estwing or Gerber ax.

If you are going to abuse it, go estwing.
 
My HI 18"AK has now replaced my GB Ax for primary chopping and splitting chores by the campfire.
 
There's nothing like the Gransfors Bruks hatchets like the Wildlife hatchet. Of all the knives I've got over the last few years this is the single best tool by far, and at around $45 is a good price. Get one.
 
Another good brand -- not quite up to GB but also less expensive -- is Hults Bruks ("HB"), another Swedish line of forged axes. Also, if you can find one (not made any more), Nordlund made good Swedish axes.
 
Another vote for GB. I have the small forest axe, probably would have gotten the hunter's axe if I had to do it over. Very similar as I understand it but hunter's has a rounded poll (back of head) to grip while skinning plus some grip enhancing carvings on the handle (rings I think). Slightly more $$$ too.

I you ever get into a store that sells GBs, check out the double bladed axe. It makes you feel downright bloodthirsty just looking at it!
 
g-10+axe.jpg


Now THAT is an axe!! Full tang with G-10 handles.
 
Granfors Bruks does have a fine reputation. The rule of the thumb is buy the best you can afford. Quality stuff normally go a very long way.
 
Before you buy, check out the Fiskars Axe line-up.
They can be found at Lowe's Hardware here in the Carolinas and they are the sharpest off-the-shelf that I've seen, and the fiberglass handles are practically weather-proof and indestructable.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top