Which Sub $50 Axe?

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Fishstalker

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I've decided to buy my 1st axe. I already own an Estwing hatchet that I purchased back when I was a scout master. Then I inherited my grandpa's Plumb hatchet a couple of years ago. I know how to use these and keep them sharp.

Now it's time to upgrade to something bigger. I'm not ready to spend the a lot of $$ buying a GB, Wetterling, or Snow and Neally. So I'm considering the Estwing camp axe, a Fiskers or Gerber. I'm wondering which is the preferred sub $50 axe? If you like the Fiskers / Gerber, please let me know which model.

One of the local hardware stores is having a 25% off on Fiskers this weekend.

Thanks for the help.
 
I believe Fiskers and Gerber are pretty well the same axe. I have used a Fiskers axe for many years with no problems however I just switched over to a Wetterlings, and won't be looking back.
 
You can find Wetterlings for just under $50 if you shop around. I highly recommend that over your current course of action.
 
Estwing 44a campers axe can be had for $40.00+ on Amazon.com They also have the 45a model which is a full length size axe.
 
i have an eastwing i keep in the jeep ( i wont be too sad if it gets stolen) but get the best you can with what you can afford I love G.B.'s products but I have only handled a fue of them
 
Estwings are a good choice simply because of the metal handle. I happen to really like Wetterlings and haven't busted a handle yet.
 
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I like the 14" Fiskars for packing- pretty light/compact- not the axe I'd choose if I was building a cabin or felling trees, but for an emergency axe for gathering/splitting wood or getting a shelter together- just right IMO

I have their 17" axe that I keep in my pickup
 
Now is a good time to hit those flea market/garage sales and pick up old AMERICAN made axes and hatchets and give them a new life.I've got Collins,Vaughan's, Tru-temper's etc. for less than 5$. Clean em up,sharpen em,re-haft if necessary and you've probably got something better than you could buy for 50$.:D--KV
 
I only looked specifically for the Wetterlings 18.75'' Large Hunting Axe...but Smokey Mountain Knife Works ($39) and Blade Matrix ($56) had the cheapest prices i could find. SMKW is out of stock at the moment, i ordered mine from Blade Matrix a couple days ago...waiting for it to arrive, i'll let you know what kind of condition its in.
 
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I purchased a wetterlings hunter axe i believe 18.5 inches and it is amazing. Did a little work on the edge and polished it up. Cuts through wood better than any gerber or fiskars. Holds an edge extremely well. Picked mine up from www.bensbackwoods.com or you can find em at www.knifecenter.com
 
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love my Wetterlings and you would like them but if you want a good cheapie......

Cold steel trail boss, after using and liking their hawks I picked one up european/hudson bay patterned. 4 in blade, 23 in length and reduced head size. Hickory too.
It really impressed me and a friend last year. you can find them for 25 to 30$ with a little googlefu. Good canoe or trunk axe.
 
If you don't mind a little work, you could piece one together off ebay for cheap. I bought a wetterlings that I was completely disappointed with so I sent it back and found the head I wanted on ebay and the handle from a diff. ebay vendor and put this together for under $20 shipping included.
 
Fiskars/gerber axes are capable tools for the money, but they don't compare in overall quality and construction to some other brands. I've had good luck with my Collins Camp Axe, 12 dollars from a true value store, it took half an hour with a bastard file to put an acceptable edge on it but it has held up great. The haft is well shaped and of good quality. They are made in Mexico I believe. I would also check out Condor's line, they have some very nice looking axes as well.
 
I have axes by Fiskars and Estwing, I definitely prefer the Estwing. I got the the 26 inch Camper's Axe for $40 from Home Depot. The Fiskars' edge does not hold up nearly as well, and the Estwing camper axe has a more traditional head shape which is much more versatile and useful than the obtuse angle of the Fiskars.
 
hoopster said:
If you don't mind a little work, you could piece one together off ebay for cheap. I bought a wetterlings that I was completely disappointed with so I sent it back and found the head I wanted on ebay and the handle from a diff. ebay vendor and put this together for under $20 shipping included.
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Well done!
 
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