I am looking to buy a better hatchet than what we took last year. I think the best thing I think I can find is the estwing sportsman hatchet. I have seen the gerber axes but read a lot of bad reviews about them breaking. I wanted to avoid wood or composite handle because they are more likely to fail, but i am not apposed to a wood handle since I know its unlikely for them to fail. I will likely have the axe sharpened unless it comes razor sharp.

My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing

Thats the axe I am talking about. Wondering if there is somthing better or this hatchet is just the bees knees.

I have the Estwing as well - not sure if it's the 12" or 14" offhand. I think it's certainly the best you'll find at that price point - otherwise you could be looking at the Gransfors ones or something.

check out wetterlings axes

quote BRic: "My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing "

Proudly made in Rockford, Illinois, U.S.A.!!!!!!

They're indestructible. Love my Estwing camper's axe!

I to have an estwing 12 inch with the leather stacked handle. I haven't got a chance to use it yet but it feels super solid and will proboly last forever if you take care of it. And I think its a really good look peice! I want to learn how to put a really sharp edge on it before I take it out because I think it comes pretty dull when you buy one or it could just be mine. But its the most soild hatchet I've felt and feels like it can take a beating.

I too have an Estwing hatchet but the handle is some blue soft plastic. Those leather washer handles sure look nice in the store but I find they tend to fall apart. I'd be willing to put boot grease on them but they have that varnish finish. I do that on all my leather handled knives and they remain tight.
I'm a little surprised at the report of handle failure on the Gerber axes, I wonder what really happened. We are in a time where many guys are strangers to tools and the kind of accidents and breakage that we see now would have never happened fifty or a hundred years ago.
The first thing I would look for is quality of the steel in the axe head, honestly I don't know of anyway to tell in the store, so I go by brand reputation and personal experience. All my Estwing axes are great at holding an edge. Now that all steel handle: when I'm making something I often "choke" up on the handle for better control, the thin steel neck is a poor place to grip the axe. What I do is to wrap a thickness of friction tape around the neck until it feels good under my hand. On my Estwing axe with the 26" handle I've often looked at that thin section and wondered if it might not shatter in real cold weather. Just wondering; a lot of stress there.
I'm not trying to sharp-shoot you Banana, but you talk about "having" the axe sharpened to "razor sharp". Knives and axes are basically wedges; the angle of the wedge is determined by what kind of stress/work the tool will do. A knife can have a much narrower wedge because it won't be asked to whack into wood and maybe run into a hard knot. An axe can hit that same knot without chipping the edge. A true razor edge is so fine that really it ought to be used only on whiskers!
Even the best axes will require sharpening on a regular basis, I suggest you do some research and get some whet stones and learn how to keep a good edge on your axe, it will make the work easier and be much safer to use.
Good Luck, Rob

I found one in the woods in the late '70's. I have been using it ever since with no complaints.

quote BananaHammock: "... I have seen the gerber axes but read a lot of bad reviews about them breaking. ...."

Where are you reading all these bad reviews?

I'd buy another of the newest style of Fiskars (made in Finland - basically the same axe as the Gerber)

I have that Estwing and it's about 20 years old. The leather stack handles have fallen apart but I bondo filled it and wrapped it again in leather. It's fine. The new ones with blue handles will probably last 20+ years as well, probably longer with that handle. My opinion is yes they are worth the money and they work OK. But, I'd recommend reconsidering the Fiskers (Gerber) composite handled ones. I have never heard of one failing. Sure you could break one if you really tried, but if you are using it as designed, it should last a VERY long time. I only take my Fiskars or Gransfors Bruks hatchets to the BWCA, never the Estwing. THey function better and are more enjoyable to use.

quote Drab: "

quote BananaHammock: "... I have seen the gerber axes but read a lot of bad reviews about them breaking. ...."

Where are you reading all these bad reviews?


I'd buy another of the newest style of Fiskars (made in Finland - basically the same axe as the Gerber)"

Gerber gator combo axe on the rei website is where I was finding the bad reviews. People saying it broke the first day they used it.

quote Bonvicken: "

quote BRic: "My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing "

Proudly made in Rockford, Illinois, U.S.A.!!!!!!


They're indestructible. Love my Estwing camper's axe!"

Born and raised here.

quote BananaHammock: "

quote Drab: "

quote BananaHammock: "... I have seen the gerber axes but read a lot of bad reviews about them breaking. ...."

Where are you reading all these bad reviews?



I'd buy another of the newest style of Fiskars (made in Finland - basically the same axe as the Gerber)"

Gerber gator combo axe on the rei website is where I was finding the bad reviews. People saying it broke the first day they used it."

Oh, that is a different axe altogether. If I am not mistaken that is made in China or Taiwan - Not the Made in Finland Fiskars/ Gerber axe. Yeah, I would have concerns about that axe.

However I do not think it would be fair to judge the good Gerber axes based on that thing.

I would have no concerns about the Finland made Fiskars or Gerber. And would bet that it would outlast the leather handle on those Estwings... At least if my dad's Estwing hammers are an indication.

Council Tool 26" Hudson Bay axe, but if you must have a shorter hatchet they also sell an 18" version.

Best bang per pound hatchet, Roselli axe.


I've got both, and they are the business.

quote BananaHammock: "

quote Bonvicken: "

quote BRic: "My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing "

Proudly made in Rockford, Illinois, U.S.A.!!!!!!



They're indestructible. Love my Estwing camper's axe!"

Born and raised here."

Jared, not born and raised, but lived here longer than you have! ;~)

If you're serious about getting a good axe I wouldn't mess around...get the Gränsfors Bruks.
I take my small forest axe; it's flawless
Ray Mears - Choosing and using an axe, Bushcraft Survival---bow to your sensei

Call me a Philistine but I'd still take the Fiskars over the pretty wood handled models.



http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-new-fiskars-x7-hatchetbudget.html

I had a Gerber, similar to the Fiskars with the Plastic Handle, worked ok, at the time the metal seemed relatively softer than the higher dollar axes like Wetterlings or GB, etc. I used it a season or two with no problems, but swithced to a GB Small Forest Axe. I liek the GB Quality of Steel, hardness, balance, and ability to hold an edge longer. The Fiskars and gerbers will work fine, and if they fit your budget I would not shy away from them. Long term I like the Wetterlings, and GB for the long haul and quality.
SunCatcher

I've got an Eastwing and a Grans For, and a couple others I can't remember the names. The Eastwing is nice for RV camping, but for the BWCA, I prefer a hickory handle. I used to have an Eastwing leather handle hatchet that I used for quartering elk. The handle is a maintenance nightmare.

If you do get worried about the wood handle (To each their own...but what are you doing with your axe that it cant have a wood handle??plus then it's replaceable) then you may as well go all out and get one from Ted Frizzell: Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works :) I actually have the Paramedic Ax; its a BEAST! Phenomenal at chopping but it weighs like 5lbs....no joke, it's got just under 1/2" thick tang. I'd personally never pack it anywhere but if you want an indestructible axe....get one of his

MMHW

I don't think I could break it if I tried

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet

quote BRic: "My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing "

I realize it is a heavy tool to carry but for me this is what I want to have when the chips (?) are down. I used to do painting and landscaping back in my younger days and we had an Estwing axe for cleaning old growth roots right up next to basements and that thing was indestructable. When I had a chance to grab a hatchet of theirs I took it. Only regret is I couldn't find the rubbery handle but this one has done the job well!

I really like the little Gerber, but I did have one handle break...a kid was splitting wood by hitting the back of the hatchet head with a log, and he hit the handle instead. They replaced it free, and that one is about 55 trips old and still working fine.

quote BRic: "My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing "

Yep, works for me. I use it to drive tent stakes. It sometimes gets a bit uncomfy at night though under my pillow.

Been taking a Fiskers/Gerber to the BW for over 15 yrs. Don't have any complaints w/ it at all. Mines about 16" (roughly).

quote bapabear: "

quote BRic: "My brother brought this on our trip last year, and our partner and I both went out and got our own afterwords.
12" Estwing "

I realize it is a heavy tool to carry but for me this is what I want to have when the chips (?) are down. I used to do painting and landscaping back in my younger days and we had an Estwing axe for cleaning old growth roots right up next to basements and that thing was indestructable. When I had a chance to grab a hatchet of theirs I took it. Only regret is I couldn't find the rubbery handle but this one has done the job well!


"

Had the same hatchet. Ended up putting marine PU varnish on the handle. Lasted 4 or 5 years of heavy use. A replacement handle would be a good product for Eastwing to come out with.

The last time I replaced the leather washer handle on an old Marble knife I was really tempted to wrap the handle with braided nylon cord, the fine stuff from Lee Valley; and then float it full of that really liquid super glue. I've done repairs like that on other things and I don't see why it wouldn't work. I didn't though, just didn't seem right; a Marble knife without a leather handle.

I've noticed that replacement handles for axes are getting to be of really questionable wood. I'm all most tempted to try laminating up a handle out of ash or hickory. Wonder why the manufactures don't use laminate? Maybe by the time you go to a laminate you may as well make it of some kind of plastic like the Gerber axes.
Just some thoughts
Rob

check these out, got one for xmas and seems like a solid hatchet. Hardcore Hammers

I have an old "Plumb" brand framing hatchet that I have used for years and it is excellant!! You might find something similar this spring at a local yard/garage sale. If your looking to buy brand new, I have bought several tomahawks/camp hatchets from H&B Forge. The medium size camp axe is probably the best combination of size/chopping potential/ease of carry that I have ever seen. www.hbforge.com

I bought an estwing, i figure since i live in rockford, if it ever fails I can take it back to where it was made and supporting the local economy and all that.

quote schweady: "Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
"

yep

Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe for me, aptly named Eugene. I went a bigger than I probably needed. If I had to do over again, might go for the Small Forest Axe.

I like things that are old fashioned, classic and cool to look at--and also functional!

http://shrewbows.com/shrewhawk/

quote OldieMoldy: "The last time I replaced the leather washer handle on an old Marble knife I was really tempted to wrap the handle with braided nylon cord, the fine stuff from Lee Valley; and then float it full of that really liquid super glue. I've done repairs like that on other things and I don't see why it wouldn't work. I didn't though, just didn't seem right; a Marble knife without a leather handle.


I've noticed that replacement handles for axes are getting to be of really questionable wood. I'm all most tempted to try laminating up a handle out of ash or hickory. Wonder why the manufactures don't use laminate? Maybe by the time you go to a laminate you may as well make it of some kind of plastic like the Gerber axes.
Just some thoughts
Rob"

I've done some remarkable things with JB Weld.

I also have the Estwing 12" and love it. Always take it with in the bw, but it's too heavy for backpacking IMO, just take the sven saw or a T-handle hunting saw.

gransfors small splitting axe is what i use, i've tried many of the others. it is a little heavier than the forest axe. not nearly as useful for limbing but what it lacks there it makes up for in splitting.

Another option that i let the kids use is a small 6" froe and a camp made mallet. It works good for breaking down wood and the sharp part is fixed and you swing the mallet.

Gosh tyh, that's a great idea with the froe and with a longish handle on it for leverage to split off the piece! Kids, God bless them, always want to help yet us grownups are reluctant to allow hatchets or axes in young hands. That froe gives real meaningful work and still is safe; oh I suppose they might bonk themselves on the head with the club but that's minor. Great idea, Thanks!!
Rob



P.S. I'll have to look up what the heck is BJ Weld, sounds interesting Beaverjack!

My dad bought this along with a stove I also still use a long time ago (1964). It's an old super banko. I like Karlwithak's idea of used (Craigslist or eBay?). Sometimes it benefits everyone. You get high quality for less and it doesn't end up in the landfill. I do this same thing with hand tools when I can. The Sven saw Keth061 mentioned is another hand down from dad and it is definitely lighter.

which one is best?

the one left home

quote ZaraSp00k: "which one is best?


the one left home"

I disagree, they do a much better job of cutting/splitting when with you, they're basically non-functional when at home....unless you just want to think about all the fire wood you could be processing and the perfect fires you could have....

quote pamonster: "

quote ZaraSp00k: "which one is best?



the one left home"

I disagree, they do a much better job of cutting/splitting when with you, they're basically non-functional when at home....unless you just want to think about all the fire wood you could be processing and the perfect fires you could have...."

+1

I would check out the fiskars line. I have an X15 axe and like it.

Don't forget Wetterling.

a couple thoughts..

Outdoor life or field and stream had a article about an alaskan trapper named marty (who moved from WI) and he only uses a estwing in the alaskan bush because wood or plastic handles shatter in extreme cold.

I foolishley gave my brother a estwing I found so I never practiced splitting with it. I have several hatchets that.. never get taken to BWCA because some of my fellow scout leaders fear them.

So if I would bring a hatchet - my fiskars for rookies in the crew and my wetterlings for just me...

Many of the "axes" mentioned here I would blush to classify as "axe". Try out a Gränsfors Bruks small forest axe and you will completely understand :-P

Gransfors Schmansfors...buy American!!!!

WARNING!!!!!
This photo contains scenes that most definitely will offend the delicate sensibilities of the AA's (Axe Aficionados) on the board! View at your own risk!!!!

Well Bon, that was truly amazing! Will you be showing us how you chop wood with your frying pan? Actually I'd be spellbound to see any of your unique ideas....what have you done with your tent? Canoe?

Every now and again I come to realize how diverse the range of people is that you could meet out camping. Not that it makes me sleep any better out there.

Rob

This action was born of necessity. My buddy refused to use my camp grill because it was exposed to paint stripper (another story) and we decided we'd stop at a Wal-Mart on the way up to pick up a new one. Unfortunately, they didn't carry them. The 2 pieces of meat that were then put at risk were worth almost as much as what the axe cost, so it was a no-brainer. It would have been more criminal to waste those steaks than to sacrifice the axe. And it wasn't really sacrificed; indeed, it now has a nice patina and still works as good as it did before, and we've got a great stupid human trick story to tell, so it was a win-win-win!

BTW the steak turned out perfect! Bone-in ribeyes, best steak I ever had, bar none. And they were so huge that we saved the second one for dinner the next night.

Just bought a Gränsfor axe for a winter camping trip. That along with a simple and inexpensive Irwin Procut course cut saw. I've never had it so easy with these two saws. You won't regret the investment

Estwing 16" camp axe here

I have 2 Eastwing hatchets. One I got as a gift 38 years ago and one I found. Both stay home in lieu of a Fiskars because we use a hatchet only as a wedge for safety reasons. Works fine and is the lighter weight alternative. Also affordable.

this one

I've had a Snow and Neally Hudson Bay Axe for years. LL Bean used to sell them, that's where I picked it up. I like the length, 24" which is a bit longer than the usual hatchet. Made in Maine.

Snow and Neally Hudson Bay

Check these out.
Not sure how you overlooked these options!!

http://www.renblades.com/Axe-Mace.htm

I'd personally pick up the Viking Model

I have a Wetterling,and like it. Only used for splitting.

quote KevinL: "I have a Wetterling,and like it. Only used for splitting. "

Is that your handiwork in scribing "grip" lines in the handle? Can't say I've seen that before but like the idea!

I see the need for a splitting tool when using larger pieces of wood. I burn wood at my house and do all the work by hand (and back). I once had a mishap with an axe that resulted in a "mishit" and the axe going into the side of my foot! When on a trip we've never had an axe, only a hatchet. Honestly, they make me nervous as hell. When we've had "younger" (middle school-high school) campers with us it's like the hatchet is a magnet to them. They want it in their hands and are always hacking away at firewood -but not always safely in my opinion. Even adults get reckless with it when in a hurry or just not thinking. I was wondering how many people, when preparing firewood, really take a swing at the wood or just get by with the head of an axe/hatchet using it as a splitting tool striking it with a heavier stick or rock or something? At that point a decent knife used to baton the wood would be just as effective? Sorry, I guess I've gone off the topic there but was just wondering.

I have a Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet and a Wetterlings large hunting (19"). Both are very nice hatchets. Had a Gerber 12" hatchet that the handle broke. Took an axe with us on every trip to the BWCA and never had any safety issues with using it. Most time we kneel when splitting or chopping so the hatchet goes into the ground or backup block if there is a miss hit. Use a stick to hold the block of wood that you are splitting is necessary or use the hatchet as wedge. There are many safety youtube videos on how to use an axe safely.

I would suggest you go to YouTube and look up "Mors Kochanski Axe".

quote bapabear: "

quote KevinL: "I have a Wetterling,and like it. Only used for splitting. "

Is that your handiwork in scribing "grip" lines in the handle? Can't say I've seen that before but like the idea!"

Yes Bapabear, I did it. Started out using some of my gun stock checkering tools but ended up just taking a riffler file. But a corner of a file or a three sided file would work. Not for looks, only to help grip. Made the spacing big so works good with my leather gloves that I always wear when processing my fire wood.

I do the "tap and split" method. I usually go in mid May and I like to be able to have a fire when its been raining/sleeting/snowing. It's still the best way in my opinion when it's been precipitating to get a fast fire.

My little Fiskars axe and the Corona RS 7160 saw is the perfect kit for me & my woodstove...

I'm a wildlife hatchet fan as well. "Tap and Split" is the only way to go for me. I've had a sick feeling many times watching my tripmates with an axe overhead getting ready to let loose on a small log. I really don't like the idea of separately packing out toes and feet.

side comment - Wetterlings used to be the cheaper alternative to GB untile GB bought wetterlings. Not any more when I looked at prices at one website. Anyone else notice this too?

quote Humdinger: "side comment - Wetterlings used to be the cheaper alternative to GB untile GB bought wetterlings. Not any more when I looked at prices at one website. Anyone else notice this too?"

I bought mine from Bladematrix a couple years ago and it has only gone up about $5 for the Wetterling 20H. It's now listed for $73.02. That's my review listed.

I use an old friend that I have had for years. Its a Bolo Machete, I have cut down trees, built shelters, cleared paths, killed animals, split firewood & much more with it. I believe in bringing items that have multiple uses. I really don't know why more campers/hikers & outdoors-man don't use them... but get a good one, made of good steel.

quote KevinL: "

quote Humdinger: "side comment - Wetterlings used to be the cheaper alternative to GB untile GB bought wetterlings. Not any more when I looked at prices at one website. Anyone else notice this too?"

I bought mine from Bladematrix a couple years ago and it has only gone up about $5 for the Wetterling 20H. It's now listed for $73.02. That's my review listed.
"

I bought a wetterling hatchet from smoky mountain knife works about 2 years ago for $35 and I see the prices have doubled after wetterlings was bought out.

FYI for people wanting estwings - Mills fleet farm is prioced well.

I have a collection of axes including a Gransforth, but would not take one canoeing. Being on the water is hard on stuff. I would favor a durable axe like the longer Estwing or Gerber. A broken axe handle is a problem on a long trip, unless you can make one.

It's been mention a number of times about breaking a wood handle axe. On good quality axes or hatchets I never heard of anyone just breaking a handle that didn't show damage already. My Gerber handle just broke with no signs and I was left with nothing to use. Now a wood handle usaully shows some signs that the handle is bad so you can replace it before going on a trip. A hatchet handle would be harder to break because you cannot generate the force as with a longer handle axe. The only issue would be a new handle with the grain of the wood being bad.
I do like my Gransfors Wildlife Hatchet.

If quality, craftsmanship, and effectiveness are your priorities: Gransfors Bruks.

Same as above, but on a budget: Wetterling

If low cost and absolute toughness and durability are your priorities: Estwing.

If low cost and weight are your priorities: Gerber / Fiskars

quote TIMMY: "If quality, craftsmanship, and effectiveness are your priorities: Gransfors Bruks.


Same as above, but on a budget: COUNCIL TOOL HUDSON BAY...at less than $40 online. cheap enough that you might even consider letting someone else actually use it.

"

for those recommending an Estwing, all i can say is that you'd have a tough road trying to convince many old timers that it's even an axe. it's really just a chunk of steel that's shaped like one.

same thing with Estwing hammers. you won't find a professional framer with years in the trade swinging one all day, and for good reason.

those Estwings are weird tools with a integral steel handle connecting the head to your hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

"

same thing with Estwing hammers. you won't find a professional framer with years in the trade swinging one all day, and for good reason.

"

Hell, I haven't seen a professional framer swinging ANY hammer very often with the advent of pneumatic tools!

My brother in law owns a medium sized construction company and in fact Estwing is the only hammer that they buy anymore because they last years and support american manufacturing.

Yes, they are lacking in performance, but my arguement is that they will be around longer than the other options and take more abuse and resharpenings. Lately I've just taken my GB Wildlife or my Fiskars if my roughian friends are going along!

quote TIMMY: "

"

same thing with Estwing hammers. you won't find a professional framer with years in the trade swinging one all day, and for good reason.


"


Hell, I haven't seen a professional framer swinging ANY hammer very often with the advent of pneumatic tools!


My brother in law owns a medium sized construction company and in fact Estwing is the only hammer that they buy anymore because they last years and support american manufacturing.


Yes, they are lacking in performance, but my arguement is that they will be around longer than the other options and take more abuse and resharpenings. Lately I've just taken my GB Wildlife or my Fiskars if my roughian friends are going along!


"


we do 100% of our carpentry work with our own payroll carpenters, and yes, we drive millions of fasteners per year with air nailers, but my philosophy is the direct opposite of your brother in law. i could care less about the durability of a steel handled hammer look alike, i'm more concerned about the durability of the men. Estwing hammers (or similar) are not permitted on our jobs, i doubt anyone would use one even if it was ok.

carpenters (laborers too) all swing a well balanced hickory handled hammer in a medium weight head, 28oz is not permitted either. there are some really good hammers available, the balance is spooky. if an employee breaks a hammer on the job, the understanding is that i'll replace it, but i don't think anyone ever asked, at least not in the last 20 years. if a handle cracks or breaks, 9/10 times it's covered by warranty and can be exchanged for a new one.

Estwing hammers in everyday use are the perfect ticket for worker's comp claims, it's only a matter of time.