Should I get an Estwing?

N

Napalmstrikery

Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
22
I'm have been looking for a new axe. I've been using an axe made by Aranyik (Thai cutlery) 1095 head. It's about 16". (I'm a big fan of carbon steel).
With hard wood handle. Now I'm looking for something different (something that would go to hell and back in one piece) and the Estwing campers axe seems to fit the bill. Now I don't know much about about Estwing. And I wanna know if its for me. So I'm asking for some specific infos about the estwing axe (what steel?, edge holding, rust resistance,etc). So if there are any Estwing experts out there please, help a friend out. All comments and suggestions are welcomed :)
 
Estwing makes a good tool. Here's an earlier thread on their steel.

Looks like they're made from 1055 carbon steel. I've heard few complaints about them. Personally I like a hickory handle. I don't like the way the full steel handles feel, especially on their larger axes. But the smaller hatchets seem ok feel-wise. I've got one of their hammers, which I really like, but they don't suit me personally for an axe.

BUT let's see a photo of that Aranyik! Feel free to start a new thread. Aranyik is a company that's hard to track down. Last I heard they weren't taking anymore orders until 2015!
 
nickzdon said:
Estwing makes a good tool. Here's an earlier thread on their steel.

Looks like they're made from 1055 carbon steel. I've heard few complaints about them. Personally I like a hickory handle. I don't like the way the full steel handles feel, especially on their larger axes. But the smaller hatchets seem ok feel-wise. I've got one of their hammers, which I really like, but they don't suit me personally for an axe.

BUT let's see a photo of that Aranyik! Feel free to start a new thread. Aranyik is a company that's hard to track down. Last I heard they weren't taking anymore orders until 2015!
Click to expand...



Yes I will start a new thread about Aranyik. I didn't know about them not taking orders till 2015 thou. I live in thailand so I buy their products locally. If any Aranyik lovers ever visit Thailand and not able to go to Ayuthaya (where All Aranyiks are made) I recommend a retailer in Chatuchak Market (just PM me for the actual address). that's where I get all my Aranyiks (quite cheap too).
 
Some people think the steel handles are too hard on one's joints when swung all day, but for those of us who don't chop or hammer all day it's less of an issue. I like the look of the leather washer handles, but I've seen a lot of leather washer handles split and pop off from the swelling of rust underneath.
 
The edge is thick and the entire face relatively thin, so even if you thin the edge it will be likely to bind when felling. I do like my estwing hatchet as I got an old one already thinned out, and I usually just limb branches and cut small green stuff with it anyway. The consensus here is generally to try to find an old American made axe at a flea market or on ebay or antique store, then haft it yourself if it doesn't have a decent handle already.
Not to say don't get an estwing, they are pretty much bomb proof and a quality American made tool, but they are not the only option.
 
scrteened porch said:
Some people think the steel handles are too hard on one's joints when swung all day, but for those of us who don't chop or hammer all day it's less of an issue. I like the look of the leather washer handles, but I've seen a lot of leather washer handles split and pop off from the swelling of rust underneath.
Click to expand...

Yes I've heard about the leather coming off too that's why I'm getting one with the blue handle. Thanks for the feedback
 
I have 4 of their hammers. One is 30+ years old that was my Dad's. I also have 4 of their hatchets. They are all bomb proof and the hatchets seem to fold and edge very well. I've picked up some of these at garage sales and have restored the leather handles.

I have a friend who owns 50+ axes and he has carried the Estwing axe (with the blue handle) for 20 years in his trucks.

I say go for it.

Tom
 
Napalmstrikery said:
I'm have been looking for a new axe. I've been using an axe made by Aranyik (Thai cutlery) 1095 head. It's about 16". (I'm a big fan of carbon steel).
With hard wood handle. Now I'm looking for something different (something that would go to hell and back in one piece) and the Estwing campers axe seems to fit the bill. Now I don't know much about about Estwing. And I wanna know if its for me. So I'm asking for some specific infos about the estwing axe (what steel?, edge holding, rust resistance,etc). So if there are any Estwing experts out there please, help a friend out. All comments and suggestions are welcomed :)
Click to expand...

I bought there 28 oz hammers. if they build there axes like they do there hammers then you have no problem. we had to beat wholes in the block walls. I use it and everyone wanted to use it too because it had the weight behind it to make wholes with little work. I don't think you can go wrong with them.
 
Double Ott said:
I have 4 of their hammers. One is 30+ years old that was my Dad's. I also have 4 of their hatchets. They are all bomb proof and the hatchets seem to fold and edge very well. I've picked up some of these at garage sales and have restored the leather handles.

I have a friend who owns 50+ axes and he has carried the Estwing axe (with the blue handle) for 20 years in his trucks.

I say go for it.

Tom
Click to expand...

A coincidental typo that could go either way?
 
There tools are durable. But that is all I have to say positive about them.
If that is what you need that is the tool for you.
 
Durable but the cheeks are a little thin for heavy work. Fine for light or medium work. Decent steel.
 
Love my Estwing camp axe. Tried and true design. Tough as nails. Worked with my boy with it today.

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