witchhunter
Member
A hickory handle might be lighter, but I still have my dad's Estwing, and I am an old man nowadays. I couldn't break it, I can't say that for his bamboo fly rod.
The Eastwing is a classic. Solid and pretty much "sailor proof"...
You might want to look for an older Plumb Boy Scout hatchet if you have a used tool and antique store around. I have a couple and they are great little hatchets.
Don't forget a good ax Sharper
For the axes a small hand file will do wonders. It is light and with a little practice can sharpen to a shave. Stones and other sharpeners take forever, as the steel in the Estwing (can't comment on the other) is much harder than any knife, and thicker to boot.Just ordered the Estwing E44A 16-Inch Steel Campers Axe for $39.99 with free S/H from Amazon and the Russ Kommer Timberline Bush Pilot 9" Survival Hatchet for $44.99 with free S/H from Midway USA. It was a hard choice between the Estwing and the Gerber/Fiskars, but the Estwing will be strictly a camping hatchet whereas the Russ Kommer will be carried in my hunting pack. Thanks for the recommendations everyone!
One more question. What is a good sharpener to carry with me?
Stones and other sharpeners take forever, as the steel in the Estwing (can't comment on the other) is much harder than any knife, and thicker to boot.
Those are some purdy axes... I didn't realize axes were actually so much softer than knives. Must be the thickness that gives them that feel while sharpening.Estwings are 55-56 RC, IIRC. Not hard at all.
Wetterlings and GBs get as hard as 58, knives will get into the low 60s depending on steel and intended usage.
http://www.wetterlings.se/the/index.php
MMmmm.....purty axes.
I just found out that some of the good stuff (Gransfors etc) use laminated steel. woot! Quite interesting considering that a normal axe (Estwing etc.) works/cuts wonderfully.Those are some purdy axes... I didn't realize axes were actually so much softer than knives. Must be the thickness that gives them that feel while sharpening.
It proofed stamped Made in the USA. It just like my uncle had and used till the rubber handle dry rotted , he then roped wrapped the handle and he still got it except it sports a new rubber coat blue handle.Hopefully it'll cut. I blew a hole through an old Chinese hatchet (they still sell the exact model) with a 30-06 many years ago because it would just bounce off of any wood regardless of edge angle/grind etc.