Estwing Hatchet

not-too-sharp

not-too-sharp

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
243
I'm looking to get a good quality hatchet for camping.
I've narrowed it down to an Estwing or a Ka-Bar, but am open to any other suggestions under 100$.
Are Estwing axes good? Or should I be looking elsewhere?
 
Estwing are good. But I think if you are willing to spend more there are better options out there. Just about anything store bought will have to be reprofiled into something that will actually cut.
Last time I played with one Estwing did have a decent edge off the shelf.

Do some research. I think you can get something custom for around if not under $100.

I too have been looking for a camping/backpacking hatchet/tomahawk.
I'm pretty sure I want the tomahawk style handle and a lighter weight blade and longer handle for the added leverage.
Although I am still in the thinking stage.

I don't know if I want to customize some type of production piece, or just get something custom.
I do have time to think. I have all kinds of gear coming out my whazoo.
 
Have you looked at any Wetterling axes? They've got a number of axes in your price range.
 
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Eh, I found myself needing something to split wood with and the Estwing was at Home Depot. It worked well enough for the trip, but personally, I'd prefer a full sized axe with a thicker head if I could find the space for it. The Estwing would be acceptable for backpacking though.
 
Go look at Ben's Backwoods (have to google it,a s we can't give links with prices), and look at Wetterlings.

They have everything from a 10" belt axe to a 26" trapper's axe and everything in between. All well under $100.

My recommendation would be the 19" "Bushcraft" axe:
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Wetterlings are nice, but the Estwing is an outstanding value. Find a forged knife with a stacked leather handle that's made in the U.S. and see if you can have it for $30. Snow and Neally are also nice American made axes and hatchets
 
I've used an Estwing for years and it does a good job. It's pretty much bombproof.
However, esthetically, I like a wood handled hatchet or axe much better. You'll probably want to touch up the edge of anything you buy.
 
I carry an estwing hatchet almost every day, and have for the last 5 years. I am far more likely to lose it than have anything go wrong with the hatchet. If it is big enough to handle your camp chores you really can't go wrong. they do make a larger rubber handled axe, but it is a little too big to carry reasonably. may be a good camp axe choice.
 
I have had several Estwings over the years and have two now. They are fantsatic hatchets. Their model 24A is commonly available in most hardware stores. They are of forged construction and last forever. I have never broken one though I have had a couple stolen.

Their smaller model (14A) is actualy able to be carried in a blue jeans back pocket. Though this model is a little harder to find, thoughb it is available online.
 
Buy an Estwing, I own a half a dozen and still looking for a few more. Very tough. if you live in a town with a homedepot you can go pick one up now for $40 or so. The rubber handled ones are good for damp spots, no one ever gets rained on when camping or dumps on a float trip.

I have Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings and they are nice. I also have Estwing and they are nice and made in the USA, if that matters.

But I like hatchets and just want one of all of'em...er two.

You won't go wrong and when the hatchet bug bites you. you will get more later when you can.

Go Ahead, Do It, your enabler, Pat
 
I like the Snow and Nealley Hudson Bay (24") or the Kindling Axe (19"). They have an excellent warranty and good customer service. If you break a handle...just call. They are US made however the heads are forged overseas and finished as well as heat treated here. I also like Estwing, they are an absolute tank! However the handle gives off shock and the balance was just not for me. So I passed on them after testing my buddies.
 
I have a couple of Estwings in various lengths. I like them, but I was amazed at how dull they were when I bought them. The larger one I got really had no edge at all. Of course, a few minutes on my belt grinder fixed it right up, but it's a good thing I didn't need to use it right out of the box (I bought it mail order).
 
I've got the 19" camper model in the trunk of my car just for emergencies. I don't care for the shape of the steel neck as far as handling ergonomics go but I can live with that for a bulletproof standby tool. Don't think it would matter much on the smaller hatchet.
 
Old thread... I know. I was going to comment that I have an Estwing camper's axe... the big one... http://www.estwing.com/ao_campers_axe.php and while I love it as a heavy duty tool, it required some work on purchase. I don't have a belt sander, so I used files to file back the edge and get the angle/grind to my liking, then honed it on a stone to get it sharp. Too sharp, probably, but, hey...

Upon deciding I wanted another value hatchet, this one smaller, I considered the Estwing sportsman's axe http://www.estwing.com/ao_leather_sportsmans_axe.php but decided instead to go with the Husqvarna from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VLKLJE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00. Reports vary, but they seem to be good Swedish stuff. Some report they are Wetterlings; others say Hultafors. The logos of those brands are on the heads. Here's the point... for $40, you can get (random guess) a Hultafors or a Wetterlings with a Husqvarna handle. That's cheaper than either Hultafors or Wetterlings and even if they're bad Hultafors or Wetterlings, they're still going to be good stuff. YMMV, but I have placed my order. Will report when I get it. Would never encourage anyone NOT to get an Estwing... Mine is great, but I hike and camp and kayak a lot and have needs for different things so I can justify both.

EDIT: The Husqvarna came in. It has the Husky logo on it. I am not guessing which third party manufacturer made it, but it is hand forged in Sweden. Here are pics. Shortly after taking them, I sharpened it up a little with my Lansky puck and took out an 8-inch mimosa tree. It was shockingly easy and the axe was still sharp. Very pleased. Cost: $42.

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The Estwing hatchet is a workhorse. I as well had to work the face over in order for it to chop/ cut to my liking. As you, I did it on a stone but it now cuts really nice. DM
 
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