Estwing E14A Sportsman's Axe Leather Grip - 2.3/4in Edge (1.1/4 lb), Steel

Product Information

This is one of our favorite options for accuracy tests like limbing a log and power tests like bucking it into rounds. All claw hammers, axes, specialty tools and pry bars are manufactured to the highest possible standards and offer a true value to both tradesmen and craftsmen alike. It's a solid investment, but it is a branded Fiskars product, and they sell a similar version for less. It doesn't have the convex cheeks that make it easier to pull the other two Fiskars options out of the wood between strikes, either. It's made in Finland by Fiskars and branded for Gerber, so it's very similar to the other two Fiskars options in the test.

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They share a blade design with a wedged head, convex cheeks, a low friction finish, and a molded head-to-handle connection meant to protect from overstrikes. The Estwing family have taken pride in designing and manufacturing an impressive range of hand tools since 1923. Whether you’re splitting or slicing, camping or hunting, Estwing axes and knives are the right choice for precision, power and durability.

Therefore, we often choose it for light-duty jobs like cutting down invasive autumn olive shoots and chopping kindling. The Kershaw and Gerber handles seem similarly well-anchored to their steel axe heads, but time shall tell. Tommy Swaan is a commercial builder obsessed with collecting the very best gear for every aspect of his trade. Unfortunately, the Estwing's sanded and lacquered leather handle wrap is hard to hold onto, detracting from its efficiency and quickly tiring our hands and forearms. If you're hunting for the best axe for camping, splitting wood, or cutting down trees, we swung 11 of the best to find the right one.

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With these developments, Estwing’s market share grew and by the 1970’s, Estwing hammers were the “hammer of choice” for many tradesmen and were found on job sites throughout the United States. A well-balanced axe transfers power effectively from the handle through the blade, cutting into the wood efficiently.It also feels sturdy and well-made, lacking any discernable points of weakness and boasting a fairly sharp blade right out of the box. The X11 and Freescape include a plastic handle on their sheathes, the Kershaw gives you a nylon sling that you can use or choose to tuck away, and the Gransfors and Norden will clip around your belt without the need to remove it. Toolstop offers a wide range of their products, like the Estwing Claw Hammer and Estwing Framing Hammer in a range of weights.

Estwing Axe 4lb | Toolstation

Our lead female tester particularly likes using them for daily chores and camping since she is smaller. It is these high standards from Estwing that has helped them become one of the best selling brands around the world. It's also made by Fiskars and sports a wedge-shaped head for splitting wood, but the cheeks aren't concave to help you extract the blade from the wood between strikes. Its molded head, vibration-damping hollow handle, and wedged steel blade make for a comfortable and efficient tool. The handle is comfortable to grip, with an arched construction that provides excellent balance, leverage, and blade control.Toolstop Limited is a credit broker, not a lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 737231). Our two lead testers split rounds, chopped up logs, and went on an invasive autumn olive tree-chopping rampage (because old habits die hard). It also has the same plastic sheath with a carrying handle as the Fiskars X11, making it convenient to grab and go. The MTech, Estwing, Schrade, and Gerber are small enough to toss in a pack or loop through your belt. The N12 feels lively in our hands as we work through the woodpile, splitting rounds into fireplace-ready stacks.

Axes/Hatchets Axes/Hatchets

It's not large enough for extended tasks or large logs, but it will easily chop enough kindling for a fire, help you knock in some tent stacks, and clear a limb or two out of the trail. The shorter but very similar Gerber Freescape is also balanced and easy to put where you want, particularly given its compact size. We like this axe best for jobs like cutting down saplings, chopping up kindling, and carving off small limbs, though it also does a surprisingly good job cutting a log in half. The entire axe head is thin, keeping weight down while the mid-length handle still gives you the power to do the job.These patents provided hammers and axes, which do not have any head or handle connection, as the whole tool is forged in one integral piece. Since 1923, Estwing have endeavoured to produce the worlds most durable, attractive and comfortable striking tools - and in our opinion, they succeeded! Due to its compact 14" length, the Gerber Freescape is more of a purebred camping axe that can also chop wood when needed. The Kershaw Deschutes Bearded Hatchet is one of the lightest and most compact options we'd use for anything more than a quick job or two, like getting a fire going or cutting down a few shrubs. Estwing hammers evolved first with a beautiful laminated leather grip and then in the late 1950’s with Estwing’s exclusive nylon vinyl deep cushion grip, molded directly to the steel shank.