I Can't Believe it! $135 vs. $35 Hatchet Face Off

[@connerferguson1667]

I literally dug up an old Estwing out of my yard when I was a kid. It was rusted and the leather wrap was all faded. I literally just sharpened it a bit, cleaned off the dirt, and it instantly became the best hatchet I owned!

[@jimbob465]

Reminds me of a sword I found in a lake, conquered England with that thing....

[@CedricAda]

but the wooden handle goes way better with my faux old fashioned woolrich pullover and my 5 pound canvas and brass haversack, especially when I use the sepia xpro instagram filter

[@estima8tor1]

Ha Ha, can't argue with that.... she is sexy : )

[@petergalione9704]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors lol

[@auroraborealisknives4019]

I bet your hatchet is in REX-121 lol

[@joshjohnson5307]

BushcraftMtl Axe and he's still trying to sharpen it

[@SuperIain13]

LMAO

[@johnmichaels4330]

It makes sense that the Estwing would process wood, in carving applications, faster. It was originally designed by a tool maker who is heavily into carpentry.

[@Twistnthewind]

the Estwing was my first axe when I joined the Boy Scouts...…………..still have it and work with it 50 yrs later.

[@megatrolltrollington]

So you've used it like 10 times then right?

[@bluelivesmatter8836]

@@megatrolltrollington lol, the name just fits ur comment so well. Love it! 😂🤣

[@bladeandrifle838]

Wow! I bet that thing is an extension of your arm at this point.

[@lonknight3197]

People tend to forget that today's cheapest hardware store hatchet is probably 100 xs better than what the average colonist had in the first colonist of America, so you don't need to spend a fortune to go camping or survival living, you don't have to buy the expensive name brands to get good usable equipment.

[@Twistnthewind]

Everyone's a comedian...lol!!

[@e.s.l5861]

All snobbery aside, Humble Estwing just makes good tools.

[@davidbeal8054]

I've owned various Estwing tools for 35 or 40 years. Axes, hatchets, hammers, and even their rock-picks (minor in Geology at university). All have been excellent, and I still own and use all of them. (Rarely use the larger axe, these days. --- but its still completely serviceable.). Their 16 inch, blue-handled hatchet is one of the best bushcraft + campsite tools ever produced. I find it funny that when I was quite a young man, Estwing was considered the premium, expensive brand. More expensive than what else was available at the hardwire store or at Sears. And pretty much everyone knew that Estwing was the better-engineered and more durable choice. Since college, because I've always had an Estwing rock pick (now I have two) I have never lost any sleep in fear of zombie infestation or the rage virus.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

This is a common phenomenon of expensive vs budget. There are some pricey pieces that actually bring something extra but usually it's just the high price. KZbinrs who buy this stuff now have the task of justifying their purchase hence the rock star status of overpriced gear... it's called hype. I had my 6 dollar Coleman axe I bought at the PX in the eighties for 30 years and finally tossed it because there was no more blade left to sharpen lol. I abused it constantly.

[@Hertacles]

That’s why people don’t understand why a $20 morakniv hangs tough with their $100 blades. The old “get what you pay for” concept is pretty much dead. Quality will be quality. How the company will price it is ultimately up to them.

[@ioatommyboy]

I first learned how to chop wood 50 years ago using an Estwing hatchet at my Grandma's house in the country. I now own that hatchet and it's still my favorite. The leather handle is still rock solid. If you take care of it, it will take care of you!

[@stevedarnell8444]

With the HB if you run out of firewood you can always burn the handle. You may stay warn for 10 more minutes.

[@dobypilgrim6160]

I've abused my Estwing for decades. Still works great.

[@charlescollier7217]

I'm not even a little surprised. Estwing routinely performs WAY above its pay grade. Plus, virtually indestructible.

[@DamionJR4923]

Charles Collier virtually indestructible is 100% accurate. I used to break fiberglass hammers about every year. My estwing is not as shinny but it was 15 years ago but fully functional.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Estwing has it's solid construction methods entirely responsible for their equally solid performance. I have many of their product, including this axe. I work as a machinist and use their 4lb engineers sledgehammer to pry bars loose when they jam inside of a cnc barloader collet at work and nothing hits as hard as one of their hammers that isn't itself mechanical. Totally worth the price for the performance. This hatchet in the video is a fantastic thrower as well. Sticks like a hornet going for the kill.

[@owenlindley8014]

Good to see a honest review not favoring the expensive product. Excellent

[@mbentley6]

If I were to buy one of these axes, I would go for the Estwing simply because of the full tang all steel construction. I'm not even a novice when it comes to camping, bushcraft and things of that nature. I would be fearful of breaking the Hults Bruk's wood handle.

[@CaedesGladio]

Don't be. Wood is an extremely durable and great handle.

[@LTT.Official]

The cheaper one looks more like the ferrari to me lol.

[@JimRodgers]

I've never owned or used a Hults Bruk axe of any kind, but I've owned and used the Estwing Sportsman's axe for many years now. It's a great little hatchet for camp chores. I have to thank you for this comparison because I was very close to buying a Hults Bruk (or similar) axe, but now I think I'll put my money toward other gear!

[@raymondjones8]

Been done! The Fiskars is a different entity. Whilst the Eastwing is a lovely axe, the Fiakars outperformed it in almost every way...

[@shawnwade302]

Thanks for this video. I bought the same model of estwing hatchet. I went with the estwing because its the same model my dad bought when I was 10 years old and I used it a lot and loved it but had never used another brand of hatchet. Sadly when Dad passed away I couldn't find his old hatchet. I saw this estwing on Amazon for$30 and just had to have it just for sentimental reasons alone . I'm pretty happy that its actually a great hatchet and not just a sentimental piece.

[@JPWeight]

Look out Home Depot, here comes the run on Estwing

[@samnelson4975]

Lowes

[@wh3472]

The Estwing hatchet I bought at home depot a few years ago came with a heavy duty leather belt clip sheath. But I agree it was on the dull side had to sharpen it before I could use it.

[@toddk9044]

That's why I like my CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk so much. It has the thin blade geometry until the eye. It's not the best splitter, but it chops very well and it weighs two pounds, which is a lot of force in each chop. However you can't beat a full tang steel hatchet like that Eastwing.

[@Just_Chuck_It]

The Estwing Camp hatchet is a very capable tool. I sharpened mine on my work sharp and its just as sharp as any knife. If I want I can do fine detail work or I can chop and hack. Remember, just like a knife, a sharp axe is a safe axe.

[@xnbomb]

It is kind of hard to believe that Hults Bruk and Gränsfors Bruks can get away with the charging the prices they do. They both make very nice hatchets and axes, but at this point the prices are a little over the top in my opinion. If you want better value in a traditional style, wooden handled Swedish axe, a model from the Hultafors AGDOR line or Husqvarna branded axes are much more reasonably priced. You still get top quality Swedish steel and forging, and American ash handles, but you don't pay what is starting to look like the 'bushcrafter axe tax' for the HB and GB lines.

[@MrCrapheadist]

Marbles as well

[@VortymLichbane]

Compared with other axes, yes they are expensive. However they will likely last many lifetimes, so compared with other 'stuff' we buy nowadays which only last a few years (phones, laptops, even camping gear such as tents) they are a long term investment. For example my axe was made in 1942 and my small splitter was my great grandfather's, made in 1917.

[@marcusblock8980]

Got an agdor forest axe abd an husqvarna hatchet (yours are exactly the same considerations I made back when I bought them) and can confirm, I paid 30 euros for the hatchet so same price if not lower than the estwing

[@albinlinde3399]

You pay for the craftsmanship

[@Cache73]

I wonder if the Estwing hatchet is $100.00 more in Sweden?

[@CandidZulu]

It is hard to even find! I paid inc shipping about 65 bucks for mine from Amazon.co.uk five or six years ago.

[@zeppohoj3188]

Here in Sweden the US made cost from 78USD to 100USD. And the Swedish Hultafors(Hults Bruk) cost about the same. Compair it to the Gränsfors Outdoor Axe that cost about 100USD+. My moms husband got the US made one and used to use it when hunting back in the days. Looks good. Feels good. Im thinking of buying the Gränsfors just because the price on the US made one is so high here in Sweden. Allmost the same price. I wish the Estwing would be sheaper but its not

[@tronaboron2064]

😁🍺🍺🍺

[@bjlmc13]

Terrifs and shipping

[@Northanteus]

@@bjlmc13 Europe doesn't like American products taking their sales. When I was looking up videos on the Corvette C8, Americans bragging how cheap it's priced in the U.S. for such performance, yet Europeans who want it complaining about how expensive the C8 is in Europe. Import taxation screws them. Europeans don't like American competition. ;)

[@sesa2984]

I thought the Estwing was better looking for "instagram" photos. They're really pretty. Like chrome almost. And that shiny leather ringed handle. Classic.

[@darthblade2016]

My dad has had the Estwing since he was a kid and I like using it when we camp as a family. It is a pain to try to sharpen by hand though, since he really hasn't ever done anything to upkeep the edge.

[@flawlessstrategy9972]

Created my first-ever bug out bag and trying to get the perfect match of inexpensive and quality, but also lightweight, of course. There is hardly anything out there that compares all of the low-priced hatchets: Schrade, Estwing, Fiskars/Gerber, etc. so that I can decide which one to buy. Seeing the stories about others breaking, mostly the handles and occasionally the heads, I decided to just go with this Estwing since it's all metal. So, my new Estwing is on the way. Really all of the hatchets weigh too much, but it's one of the top necessities. And it's really going to be a waste of weight if you get out there and break a plastic handle.

[@mykalbee]

The old Estwing...they keep going & going like the energized bunny. I love mine and I concur, for the money it works fine.

[@SuperIain13]

Thank you for a truly honest test and answers about both hatchets. I would call the Estwing,an Inexpensive, American made quality tool. As always I enjoyed your video.

[@rjflippo]

The back hammer on the Estwing is great for cracking rocks up in the ground so my shovel can do it’s job.

[@Bogie3855]

And you will NEVER have to replace the handle.

[@Bogie3855]

Firstly the Estwing has never been a run of the mill hatchet, it has always been a higher end. I have carried one for 50yrs and still own one. It is excellent steel and I have never felt the need to have a better axe. Good middle of the road axe and stands up to heavy use. Takes an edge and holds it well. I do not ever feel the need to spend another $100. One of those few rare tools that have always been an excellent purchase.

[@kevola5739]

I found variations on the Estwing leather handle and went through about 20 on the shelf till I found one that felt perfect. None felt bad, just some were better than others. I use hockey grip tape on the handle in wet conditions for a less fatiguing grip. I feel less guilty using it to drive wedges or tent stakes with the one piece steel handle. Its all the hatchet I need.

[@craigmckinney2219]

doesn't surprise me, I have an old style hatchet with an octagon hammer head on one side I bought for $2 at the flea market. New handle, some sharpening cuts like a champ. Probably cast $6.95 new.

[@summittaedae2323]

I’ve been using the estwing twelve years on job site and camp sites. I abuse it and it’s still in great shape.

[@timothylongmore7325]

The swedish axe is like a custom knife. Hand works gonna cost more. For some things ( historic re-inactment ect ) this axe would work better. Having said that, I've got two estwings. Just restored one with pukko like stacked birch bark handle. I use the other for my every day "beater". I probably own 7 - 10 axes and the little estwings gets used the most. Second most is my big estwing axe. I but every estwing I find at flea markets and garage sales that are priced right. I have 10 or 12 and have probably owned 30 in my lifetime. Contractor/timberframer and I've never broke one.

[@christianfranzone5617]

A friend of mine told me just this. I was working really hard with my Estwing Camper's axe removing Tony Pieces of hard dry wood, because the blade is convex. To split hard wood it's better the "triangular" profile of a different axe

[@stephan384]

Have two Husqvarna Camping hatchet (hultsbruks/Hultafors made), and they have a slimmer profile than your hatchet. So might be a better compromise quality/price between these two. On a personal note, one was sharpen, and re-handle with a slimmer 18'' handle... The speed and penetration of that axe is scary.

[@billballbuster7186]

Some of the blade testing guys that sharpen all knives with the same edge geometry, prove that expensive knives perform little better than cheap ones. It really is amazing.

[@martinhoffman4309]

Good objective test. Will be doing more research before I make an ax purchase. Much thanks for your research and testing on the inexpensive vs.the expensive. High cost does not always reflect in functionality.

[@robertbrighton3184]

Thanks for the review, your feedback was a great help. Went to Home Depot and picked one up for $31.00 including tax. If I were to give any advise, closely look the hatchet over for flaws or other quality control issues. I found a number of dull or chipped blades. I even found one where looking down the handle from the pommel, the blade was bent considerably off-center After examining about five or six hatchets, I found one without any noticeable flaws of issues.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

I've been thinking of doing a head to head between my Tops Grandpas Axe, Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe and my old Estwing. Looks like I had better be prepaired to be upset! lol Good test Aaron.

[@lrrp692]

I hope that you still do this review....love your honest reviews like arons

[@ORIGINALCRESTED]

I just bought a 14 inch blue camping ESTWING because I realized it could do almost all of the jobs I done by a Pulaski.

[@jamesnelson1443]

American engineering baby!! I have an Estwing hammer that is 50 years old, beat to death but keeps on driving nails

[@Howardsheppard]

Sharp is sharp. The issue is proper hardening. I’ve found that my Estwings are NOT reliably hardened. Some good, some not. My opinion is you’re paying for consistency of forging with Swedish steel.

[@ValtaineDOctoi]

plus they are two different styles and this comparison is unfair. The Estwing is much more heavy and the slim profile make it cut better, is a carpenter hatchet. The hults bruk is a traditional style hatchet made for cutting small branches from logs and splitting small logs, it is a handmade product so you don't buy " just an hatchet"

[@VortymLichbane]

I suspect the Bruks would start paying for itself if you were chopping much harder woods. Anyhow, there's no arguing with the evidence presented.

[@laciihasz4734]

to be fair there is. he said first thing he did was regrinding the estwing while the hb was factory. not everyone has a belt grinder at their home, and after this video some people will be buying the estving as a better hatchet they most likely will be very disappointed in the factory egde. me personally prefer a wooden handle as it is comfortable, especially when u want to carve with ur hatchet and holding it by it's neck. i am not a hb fan, but i think this testing was wrong. he said at the beginning of the video that the estwing outperformed the hb in any ways. later he said the hb was better at splitting. and not just this. plus i find it hard to believe that the hb with the longer handle would be a lesser chopper. u put a heavy head on a short handle like the eastwing and u will get a hammer like feeling at chopping, it isn't that easy. while a longer handle will give u plenty of torque and power to move the hb's lighter head. just my thoughts.

[@batmanacw]

Sharp is meaningless without a proper convex profile..... only extremely expensive custom axes come with a truly proper edge profile. Not even Gransfors Bruks is nearly as good as they could be.

[@samnelson4975]

@@ValtaineDOctoi "handmade" means they don't have the money to do it computer controlled and lower the price thru higher volume.

[@anthonyponto5204]

Have used the estwing a lot in my life and have had a wonderful time with it. It throws well, holds an edge amazingly and will stand up to poor strikes perfectly.

[@petemcpherson2259]

I've had my eye on the Estwing for a while it's a hatchet I grew up around my dad had one but I have a couple of hatchets already but now I'll have another because I followed the link you provided and ordered one, the lanyard is a great idea and I will add one when it gets here, thanks!

[@nicolathonathan770]

Estwing sportsman hasn’t change its design for decades, so classic.

[@jimzwerlein6012]

I really enjoy your channel! Finally you did what's needed and put prior edge on the hatchet! Congratulations. Now break out the camp ax and put that edge on it! Knew the out come of this before watching the whole video! Keep up the great work!

[@chapiit08]

Try grinding the bevel profile down on the Estwing like I do, using a 4.5 inch flap disc to improve it's performance even more. I started with a 40 grit for fast stock removal and then went to 80 and 120 to put a nice smooth finish on it to finally touch it up with a medium stone to put an almost razor sharp edge on it. The thing is shaving sharp and bites like a piranha into all kinds of wood.

[@jaredyoung5353]

I have the Estwing Hatchet, yes their are more shaper hatches but nothing is more durable. Buy American Always!

[@engineeredtosucceed]

I have been rocking the Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe which is a Swedish made axe that runs about 45 to 55 dollars. It works for what I need a hatchet for. In the end its just a tool.

[@adrianhanson9251]

Funny I just got back from a camping last night and I used this exact hatchet. Works great and very comfortable. Nice review. Check out video on KZbin showing how Estwing makes them.

[@sski1971]

Adrian Hanson Just watched it.....takes 2 days to manufacture an axe. Nice

[@71simonforrester]

That's a massive shock! The Estwing is good to learn with too as mis-hits won't damage the haft.

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

Agree 100% with your Review. But there's some data that adds to your Conclusion. The Estwings are Solid. There is no Eye that could Crack on you like Traditional Axes. So that allows you to Hammer away. Also, if you can Break an Estwing Handle, then you must have Green Skin and hangout with the Avengers. BTW, did you notice the Nail Pulling Notch, which can also be used on Wire Fencing? Now there's a couple of Downsides with the Estwing. They use a Split Tang under the Handle. Think of a Tuning Fork. It's supposed to reduce Shock. So you could probably find a way to drill out between the Forks and make a Lanyard Hole, but I'd think you'd damage the Leather. Finally, the exposed Shaft is very Narrow and not that Comfortable (at least in my hands). So I'd put on some Wilson Wrap if you find it Annoying. Hope this helps.

[@bobinmontana777]

I have many various size/weight Estwing hatchets. Love them. Very easy to make kydex edge protector. Thought it was better for years, thanks Aaron for the test.

[@Bogie3855]

You should be holding the handle at the end where the heel is so you get much more mechanical advantage. Also splitting from the end rather than the side is always more effective. I have split a lot of wood in the bush with the Estwing over the years. I have carried one for a good 50yrs now.

[@tom_olofsson]

I like my Estwing hatchet and axe. I got my first Estwing as a gift when I made Eagle Scout in 1974. The only shortfall is they are not as good for splitting. For that I have an Estwing splitter.

[@tom_olofsson]

They are great for throwing too.

[@SkillCult]

I need to pick up one of those estwings to test. I gave up on them a long time ago and sold the last one I had about 25 years back. I'm pretty sure i don't like them much at, but I should revisit to be sure. I don't like the steel handle or the fact that there is no handle below the head, which is super lame for versatile hewing and carving. Also, a lot of the weight seems wasted in the handle It's also shorter so less leverage if you want to maximize that. I think if you adjust the grind on that Hults it will be a much better carver than the estwing. I understand that is not important to some people, but it's crucial to a multi-use hatchet in my book. the fact the Hults has been around a long time is no guarantee that newer designs are good. The hatchet they make for Husqvarna is an awful design. Do you have a full actual length on that hults hatchet? I'm curious as it's supposed to be 16 inches, which is my preferred length. I've been eyeing that one in particular as it looks like the closest thing to what I want out of a multi-use, portable hatchet. Except the price, lol! As far as the grind goes, I think we should always plan on having to do some work out of the box.

[@Pupixario]

Great review! As you stated, one is mainly for splitting the other more for carving and carpentry. Also, in Europe they are pretty much the same price. The Eastwood is about 100$ around here. For camping I would pick the Eastwood. It's very light. Thank you

[@davidrogers182]

Great Review! I was going to go with more expensive hatchet! I’ll rethink my decision based on this review. Thanks

[@metasolo1222]

The Estwing rocks...I use it all the time.

[@jamesconnors5653]

Wrapped handle-to-head w electrical splicing tape. Works, excellent and durable. Good hatchet.

[@Brad-OTRT-Webmaster]

Estwing makes great hammers. I am very happy with the one I own. Nice to see their hatchet is good too. Thanks for the review.

[@zackeryallen7195]

after reading comments no one seems to be pointing out he said he hadn't touched the HB blade since he got it but had made the estwing razor sharp himself which if done by someone with this much experience beats any factory edge..

[@bencessna7232]

The estwing is one reason why i haven't bought any expensive axes or hatchets. I haven't bought a estwing because i havent seen them where i live in Arkansas but i have a fiskars hatchet which does amazing for what I need it for. I bought the fiskars hatchet as a companion for my fiskars splitting axe and my Mora fixed blade, i couldn't have asked for more of a complete set up for me and my outdoor activities

[@wtpence4731]

You don't have to worry about breaking the handle , especially in a survival situation when you Really need it either !

[@Grimm-14]

Love the all-purpose geometry on these estwings. Have to sharpen it every time I use it tho. I dunno, maybe mine's gone soft on me!

[@thomasjames7568]

Oh a point to note… in a self defense situation against some weirdo in the middle of the woods wielding a machete, even though it’s shorter in reach, the Estwing is all metal and because of that it has a weight balance that is more maneuverable than a more top heavy hatchet, allowing for greater defensive parrying and more durability against machete strikes.

[@presentmnd]

I dont understand how people can pay so much for a small hatchet. Anything over $50 for seems to steep lol, let alone for a something over 100

[@ericgigliotti2632]

The Estwing is a perfectly fine hatchet, better performance even as shown. The premium Gransfors, HB, and Helko's will be heirlooms for your great grandkids and still perform the same.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

I received the identical Estwing hatchet when I was 11 or 12 which my mother purchased with S&H Green stamps back in the mid 1960s. Didn't think it was anything special since I much preferred the double-bit axe my brother,-in-law taught me to use (in secret). Nice to know my dear mother made a wise purchase, but alas, both her and the hatchet are long gone. Great review, Aaron! Now I'm going to purchase that Estwing!

[@radasher]

Answering my questions. Thank you

[@e.eriksson5958]

In my experience the steel with the hardening on the estwing makes it very soft. Cant hold the edge after a weekend in cold north weather. The price is hard to beat tho but here in Sweden you can a vintage gränsfors or hb for about 20$. Thanks for the video!

[@globetrotter7778]

Personally I’ve been pleased with the edge-holding of my Estwings. I use them quite hard here in rural Quebec.

[@sparkysurvivalist9507]

... bought a camillus three pack that came with the hatchet was good enough for me it's light but has enough top weight to bite and chop. Also good enough to use for a carving tool. Did all I had too .

[@stanbrown915]

I will never dog the Estwing..never...but if you do bend or break that handle it's useless...you can always cobble a handle for the traditional hatchet. I absolutely love my Gransfors axes and hatchets but I also am very fond of the Estwing

[@markphillips8824]

As a 65 yr old casual camper I would choose Estwing every day. My hatchet is a splitter, a limber, a pry bar, a hammer, you name it. HOWEVER Sof these high enders are beautiful to hold and look at. I fight myself not to buy a Gransforth, but I would only look at it because for the money I would not want to mar it. At the end of the day I will take the Estwing, its a regular hatchet for a regularguy. BTW, My every day in the truck hatchet is an old True Temper my late father gave me as a kid.

[@stevenpritchett4933]

Just saw a 10 YEAR review on the Estwing camp axe 27in. Heavy use Alaskan camp axe. I'll take a, one piece, rubberized grip over a fancy name any day.

[@Fedaykin8]

Not surprised at all, been using Estwing products for decades. Some might prefer the rubberized handle, and with that it has a smallish lanyard hole, but the handle is longer and the ergonomics might be quite different... both also come in black.

[@anselb2000]

I have collected Estwing for many years. Many really old ones can be totally refinished.

[@nathan8418]

These comments make it seem like the test was fluke. It isn't. Edge geometry wins. It's why thin Mora's out cut thick full tang bushcraft knives.

[@r.d.k.909]

Nate S -It all depends on what you’re going to use it for. I worked in the woods my whole life and I’ve never feather sticked once. I split my firewood standing up with a full swing. A wider axe definitely splits better with that technique.

[@batmanacw]

He could have put a better edge geometry on the HB and been fair but it's easier to get views when you make ridiculous statements.

[@elmerfudd5925]

Seems to me a $135 hatchet should already have proper edge geometry.

[@ericathompsen8110]

Jaw-dropping mind blowing difference between the way the two performed.

[@RhysTucker2603]

Hatchet's are way cheaper here in the uk, you can get that Hults bruk axe for about £65

[@brianarmstrong9664]

A lot of people just don’t like to admit that price doesn’t always matter. I have been using the same estwing 22 oz hammer for over 30 years of construction work and that’s using it every day at work! Also have the same estwing hatchet as your testing for a decade now and it’s been great. One thing for sure is you never have to replace a handle!

[@barlow2976]

I've put a scaffold tube over the handle of my estwing hammer to pull huge cut nails out of ancient barn beams (UK), with no damage to the handle. My mate sharpens up the lower edge of the handle of his ew hammer for trimming roofing joints, somehow never cut himself!

[@ethanamldon5657]

I carry the 24" estwing when I go camping or hunting can't beat it mine has the molded rubber handle its a great grip no matter what gloves you use

[@bryanjaeck4828]

Not an equal comparison, but it is sort of close. The wood hatchet has a longer handle so you can get more striking power out of it. The head of the Hulks Burk is wilder so it splits wood easier, the narrower Estwing cuts deeper when chopping across the wood grain. I have used a Estwing with a boy scout troop, boys throw it, chop with it, abuse the poor hatchet forever and it never ever fails. I have seen the boys break the handles off of two, yes two wood handled hatchets. For durability the Estwing is tops of any hatcher out on the market. Both of these are good products.

[@phukyew14]

Just bought the estwing! 🤟🏼 Great video!

[@tjsogmc]

I use my father's Estwing that he bought back in 1972. So there's that to consider. Estwings will hold up over time.

[@Bogie3855]

The Estwing hatchet is NOT a budget axe. There are hatchets that can be bought for $5-10. For the longest time they were a high end axe and still are for the most part. To get something as good or better be prepared to spend a lot more money.

[@sski1971]

I bought one of these a few weeks ago on impulse at HD because it looked cool & have not used it yet ..... lol Looks like a smart buy now 🍻

[@shiitalkiemushrooms4487]

Love my estwing. Picked up a 1980s one (know because the sheath came with). Sharpened it up and is a beast. Keep thinking about upgrading but keep finding myself asking why?

[@enzowarren9832]

I love full-tang hatchets. I saved up and put in a custom order for my “grail” axe and it’s a full-tang hatchet. the OAL is 11.9”, the edge is 3.6” long, it has a full-length micarta handle that is 1 inch thick and very comfortable, and the stock itself is .30” thick S7 steel. Absolutely love carving with it.

[@Airik1111bibles]

Its just geometry period, yes the steel will matter to a point but the grind is what always matters. Knives are the same way, take the $150 hatchet and reprofile the edge. . For those who want that cooler natural look buy a Marbles camp Axe.

[@hey.hombre]

The price isn't really the issue. It doesn't matter what the price is as long as whatever you buy works for you for what you need?

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

Bushcraft community has an nordic fetis. It must be good if its nordic or even better if it has viking added to it's name. I find it really annoying sometimes. Others too know how to make quality stuff.

[@rogerkomula8057]

I agree. Silky saws are the best, but gasp...from Japan and not hammered out by Thor in Asgaard.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

So true. The Fanboy stuff really ruins the craft. I would never want to be associated with any of this stuff when I tell people that I'm into Bushcraft LOL

[@TapRackBang72]

Considering you are paying for the extra time in sharpening and getting the razor sharp HB head, how is it a fair comparison to use the cheaper (less manufacturing/man hours) Estwing when you're spending the time reprofiling/sharpening it? Why not start with a Council Tool 19" or 24" Hudson for $30 - sharpen both and see how they stack up? Or simply use them as the manufacturer provides them?

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

It shouldn't take you any more than a half an hour to sharpen that estwing hatchet. How much is your time worth an hour?

[@starlingblack814]

That is a surprise! Thanks Aaron for the great review.

[@estima8tor1]

Doesn't surprise me at all. I've been using an Estwing hatchet for over 30 years it has always performed perfectly. There's no need to spend a ridiculous amount of money on simple hatchet or axe. Don't order the Estwing online, go to home Depot and hand pick one because the fit & finish on Estwing product varies widely. Their quality control is obviously not on par with a Gransfors Bruks or Wetterlings but the 1055 steel they use is very good and that's what really matters.

[@mleeman01]

estima8tor1 that is solid advice

[@estebanfernandez5393]

Hi Gideon, thanks for the video. Completely agre with you, we have three estwings of diferent sizes (for diferent uses), and love all of them. BTW ours came with the leather sheaths.

[@mrt1320]

the hammer on the hb probably cannot be used briskly due to differential heat treat, whereas the estwing probably can be used to the limit.

[@mikerobbins5049]

Good comparison. Thanks

[@ddlk9913]

Its shocking to me that people would choose a wood handle over full steel. I'm not a veteran outdoorsman so can anyone explain that to me?

[@jeremysteckman1704]

I have the estwing I love I carry in my camping gear with a granfors bruks small forest axe

[@jonathanedwards2983]

I was surprised too. Didn’t see that coming. Another good video. You can tell when you are excited about the product and the information you are sharing.

[@ChiquitaSpeaks]

I’d really like to see you do a comparison with Estwing 14” vs Fiskar X7 and maybe even a three way vs Schrade Scaxe2L

[@CTuna-uo3pq]

How about you do that video for us

[@ChiquitaSpeaks]

@@CTuna-uo3pq Naw i got a Lexivon v18

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

The Estwing will need to be sharpened more do to the degree but it is a performer. The balance is awkward it's a great Carpenter Axe/hatchet.