Estwing E24A 14" Sportsman's axe or Estwing Fireside Friend, special edition?

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
Hello all,

This is my first post in this area of BF--usually I'm posting about folders and fixed blades. So, I am trying to decide between these two hatchets; which do you recommend for processing cut pieces of trees thick as a man's thigh, and branches think as a man's upper arm? I'd rather go with a smaller axe as opposed to a full-sided one, for when I decide to carry it into the woods. The Sportsman's axe seems more like a traditional hatchet and the Fireside Friend seems more like a maul on a handle--I am leaning toward the latter only because I think that the added weight with help get through the thicker section of wood easier. I'm just not too experienced with an axe of this size so I'm not altogether sure.

Thanks.
 
No experience with either of those axes, but if you're going for thigh-thick trees I'd go for a 2 lb vintage axe head. They're cheap and probably have better steel then the Estwings. Another factor is how much work do you intend to do? A 2 lb head can probably do more work with less effort.
 
When you say 'processing' do you mean that this will be a dedicated splitter for small rounds?
 
Because if you're going to be chopping wood into lengths you want something thinner than the EFF. The EFF is, as you say, a maul- a splitter.
 
I can't recommend the fireside friend if you plan to carry it, but have no experience with the hatchet.

The fireside friend (I have a non-special edition, blue rubber version) is heavy. 4lbs+ and only 14" long . It's pretty much a drilling hammer with a wedge on one side. It can split pretty easily with little tapping swings, it can drive tent pegs and stakes like no one's business, but is too heavy - for what it can do - to take anywhere unless you can back up your truck to the campsite. Mine resides beside my backyard firepit and is used occasionally for making kindling.
 
Thanks to everyone. So, based on what was said, the Fireside Friend is best for splitting wood for the firepit--which is something I intend to do... But could a good hatchet/ short axe handle that and more tasks--my impression is "yes"; can anyone recommend one besides the Estwing I mentioned (and where it can be purchased).

Thanks again.
 
Thanks--I actually just bought the Wetterlings Wildlife axe; it seems like a serious tool and not too big for hikes.
 
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