whatcha think??

RescueRiley

RescueRiley

Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
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Yep...Changed my set up again...just wanted to get some feed back. estwing hatchet, SOG seal pup, vic sak field master....I'm a little wary about the sealpup
as I've read less than stellar review on the edge retention of the aus-6, but I have read really good reviews about the edge retention of this particualr knife (Possibly the heat treat) Any HOOO, I paid for it might as well use it, any thoughts on the adequacy of this setup and of the pup for general use??? (everything except choppping or battoning, unless my axe beaks) I'll probably end up using it any way, but I just wanted get opinions from the more experienced, and learned. Thanks.
 
I don't have any of those particular blades, but at least on paper it looks like a good combo to me. I can definitely vouch for the quality of Estwing hammers if that helps any ;)
 
Theirs nothing wrong with that set-up. And you know, that seal pup will baton, may not chop very well, but its full tang, it'll do fine.

As far as I can see you've got your basis covered and will be fine.
 
Got nothing bad to say about the hatchet or SAK, but I never much cared for SOG knives. More of a fighter than a survival, bushcraft or camp knife, but it will probably work just fine for your intended uses.
 
I have a leather handled estwing. Not a bad axe, but truthfully, I much prefer my $15 Fiskars. I like the look and feel of the estwing, but I cant say it stacks up in performance. Kind of heavy in comparison too.
 
digispam said:
I have a leather handled estwing. Not a bad axe, but truthfully, I much prefer my $15 Fiskars. I like the look and feel of the estwing, but I cant say it stacks up in performance. Kind of heavy in comparison too.
Click to expand...

I agree.
I would chose a Fiskars axe over the Estwing.
But I would choose a folding saw over either, especially since you also have a fixed-blade and a Swiss Army Knife.

Either of these saws will cut more than enough timber.
And not only are they lighter in weight, they're safer to use as well:


knives274.jpg




knives275.jpg



The grey one is a cheap Coleman saw that I bought at Target (IIRC)...but it cuts very well.

Good luck,
Allen
 
I own 2 of 3 :thumbup: to the eastwing and vic fieldmaster,and though I don't own a seal pup I have a fieldpup and think it's a great little knife.

Looks like a usefull setup to me!
 
yeah the tactical feel of the seal pip irks me a little....but i originally wanted something I could use for camping and diving... I'll probably end up changing again..And yes Fonly I have battoned some small kindling and a 2x4 just to se how the edge would hold up.. (it did just fine) but I normally reserve such work for an axe or machete if I can...
 
just picked up a small digging trowel and a small fixed blade saw w/ sheath from home depot to add to my tools. total 15.00
 
I've looked at the Fiskars folding saw, but think that I'll hold out for the Bahco saw, when and if I actually decide to get one, cause my old Buck made sheath saw has been a real good one.

bucksaw.jpg


I agree that the Fiskars axe is a much better performer than the Estwing, but the Estwing will perform well enough. The S.A. Wetterling is a much superior axe to the Estwing for probably less money. What the Estwing has going for it is the looks, but looks don't add to performance, which is why most of my gear is so ugly.:D
 
RescueRiley said:
Yep...Changed my set up again...just wanted to get some feed back. estwing hatchet, SOG seal pup, vic sak field master....I'm a little wary about the sealpup
as I've read less than stellar review on the edge retention of the aus-6, but I have read really good reviews about the edge retention of this particualr knife (Possibly the heat treat) Any HOOO, I paid for it might as well use it, any thoughts on the adequacy of this setup and of the pup for general use??? (everything except choppping or battoning, unless my axe beaks) I'll probably end up using it any way, but I just wanted get opinions from the more experienced, and learned. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You could split hairs over that Seal Pup all day and I sure wouldn't lose any sleep over it. I would personally choose another knife, but I just happen to prefer other blade patterns. If I found myself in a tight spot and woke up with a Seal Pup on my belt, I wouldn't be crying-- time to get to work!

With that combo of tools, you are hardly under-equipped. Are you hiking with all three or is this for your disaster kit? The Eastwing is a perfectly good hatchet, but I would just want things a little lighter if I had to haul it up a mountain. As far as breaking it, I'll bet you wear out before the Eastwing does :)
 
I have had a Seal Pup for years, and find it so handy I bought a second one a few years ago. It wouldn't be my choice for an extended Wilderness trip, but I like it for dayhiking.
 
One thing the Estwing has going for it is its reputation for durability. Not to mention I don't think my fiskars out performs my estwing in any way. Good set up as well!
 
No experience with SOG's stuff. Just not my style. But functionally, you've got a good group.
 
The problem with a estwing hachet is that the handle is metal, it adds weight while shifting the balance back which makes it a less efficent on the swing. Love my gerber, and if it ever breaks, I can always get another for 15 bucks.
 
I don't think you will go far wrong with that set-up Riley, I quite like the Seal Pups. I must admit though I would not put 100% faith in a stainless blade anymore as there have been too many pics on this forum of ones that have chipped.My EDC is still my NRA Snody which is stainless (440C) but I have a SYKW Dumpster Mutt on order and that will become my new EDC when it arrives !
 
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