My new Estwing hatchet is more like a sharp hammer at the moment

[billy_cee]

Hi all,

My brother was kind enough to buy me an Estwing hatchet during a vist to the States. Now I've got it back home down here in Australia I've found that my new hatchet has a cutting edge on it more akin to a nail hammer.

The edge is very rounded and does not cut but, "hammers" into the wood.

Is it normal for this hatchets to come with such a blunt edge? Other axes I have bought have always had a sharp edge day one and have only ever needed a touch up with a stone to keep the edge. This looks like I will need to spend an afternoon with the file to get anything close to a cutting edge.

But, I do love it and it's an item I have always wanted, just a shame about the factory supplied edge.

Has anybody got any tips on looking after this tip of hatchet, as I've never had anything with a wood over metal shaft before.

Also do these things keep a keen edge,

Thanks.

 

[deserthawk]

definately touch up the edge. Estwings are usually a pretty good piece of steel. i have one of their hammers that i have used and abused for over 20 years and love it, will pass it on to my son. expect the hatchets to be the same.

dhawk

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Is it normal for this hatchets to come with such a blunt edge?

Many hardware store axes are quite blunt as in the bevels don't meet. However they are soft enough to file readily and the bit is fairly thin so it won't take more than 10-20 minutes to clean it up.

Also do these things keep a keen edge,

Not unless the wood is really soft as the steel isn't hard enough.

-Cliff

 

[Kevin the grey]

turn ax around and try again ! L:O:L The only thing I like about estwings is there is no eye to spread if you hammer on them to use them like a wedge .