Best hand axe value for $50 or less

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If you look around used you might find some great values.

I have found Wetterlings Hatchet and Camp Axe for just above 50 each. Got hatchet off ebay even.
 
I have 3 of the Gerber / Fiskers all different sizes. They are very handy & lite. I just was given a 26" Estwing campers ax as a gift. It is a very nice tool. Sounds like you already made some good choices. Don't forget a good ax Sharper, it will come in handy. Good luck &hope you enjoy your new tools.
 
I would recommend eather Lansky or Work Sharp. They have some good choices. Also a good round file & a round diamond hone. That is a good place to start. Axs & hatchets need to be sharpen different than a knife. A quick check in a camping guide or book should show the proper method. Good luck hope that helps.
 
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?
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.

Oh yes, and i see as you have already made your selection I really like the classic looks and performance of the leather-handled Estwing. Liked it so much that I just had to buy a leather-handled hammer to match :D.
 
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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.

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.
 
Estwing has served me well over the years, carry one in my truck kit along with a collapsible saw and machete - just recently picked up what appears to be Swiss Army hand ax, cost me $15 for work in the yard; Takes a great edge and looks to be indestructible. you can never have enough 'edged' tools.
 
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.
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.
 
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.
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.
 
I went with the Gerber/Fiskars 14" camp axe---smaller, lighter, mine was pretty sharp as delivered---works well...
 
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.
 
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.
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.
 
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