The Best Axe – Estwing Axes Review

Established in 1923, Estwing is a manufacturing company that is known for its high quality and innovative tools. The company is a household name famous in the innovation and manufacture of solid, durable and comfortable hand tools that can be used for a variety of purposes. This is the main reason why Estwing products are trusted by craftsmen and tradesmen all over the world. Estwing’s product portfolio includes claw hammers, deadblows, bricklayers, axes, pry bars and a range of specialty tools, Today, we review 3 of their best-selling axes that can come in handy when on camping, hunting, chopping, splitting and so on.

 

(a) Estwing E24A 14-inch Leather Sportsman’s Axe

The Estwing Leather Sportsman’s Axe E24A sports a revolutionary design that blends comfort and performance. The axe has a sanded and lacquered leather grip that gives it a sleek finish. It comes with a great nylon sheath for safety when carrying and also storage. The Estwing E24A has its head and handle crafted in to 1 14-inch piece that is neatly polished. For the best cutting experience, Estwing crafted it with a perfectly balanced 3-1/4 inches tempered thin cutting edge for easy and hassle free cutting. The Estwing E24A is the best axe for campers but can also handle other outdoor activities like hunting.

Pros
(i) Sleek design
(ii) Comfortable and ergonomic design
(iii) 3.25 in. edge for easy cutting
(iv) Comes with storage sheath
(v) Durable

Cons
(i) Non-replaceable handle
(ii) Heavy
(iii) Grip requires maintenance

 

(b) Estwing E45A 26-Inch Camper’s Axe

The Estwing E45A is another great axe from Estwing. It boasts of a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry and use. It is the best in terms of comfort courtesy of the patented Estwing Shock Reduction Grip technology that reduces shock by up to 70% and can’t come off. This single blade axe comes with a leather sheath for safety when carrying it. The Estwing Camper’s Axe has a forged steel head and a 4-inch balanced cutting edge for easy cutting. The E45A is more versatile as it can be used to felling and trimming trees, notching timber, splitting wood among other outdoor uses.

Pros
(i) Lightweight design
(ii) Shock reduction – up to 70%
(iii) 4-inch edge for easy and fast cutting
(iv) Comes with storage sheath
(v) Highly versatile
(vi) Indestructible

Cons
(i) Non-replaceable head
(ii) Quite heavy

 

(c) Estwing EBTA Black Eagle Tomahawk 16-inch Axe

The Estwing Black Eagle was built for tough and heavy duty purposes. It has an ergonomic and lightweight design with matte finishing. It also comes with a nylon protecting cover for user safety when carrying and also for storage. The Black Eagle Tomahawk has been forged out of high grade American steel to give it the sturdiness it deserves and also for durability. The 5.5-inch cutting edge has been perfectly balanced and weighted. This 16.25″ axe also has the patented Estwing Shock Reduction Grip that cuts down shock by up to 70%. It is also a versatile axe that can be used for a range of purposes including cutting, digging, trenching, excavation, extrication, breaching and so on.

 

Pros
(i) Ergonomic and lightweight design
(ii) Shock reduction – up to 70%
(iii) Highly versatile
(iv) Comes with a nylon sheath
(v) Durable

Cons
(i) Non-replaceable head
(ii) Grip requires maintenance

 

Verdict

Estwing made sure that craftsmen and tradesmen would get the most out of these axes. They made sure that they were comfortable, effective in cutting, safe, durable and most importantly, versatile as they can be used for a range of outdoor activities. In a nutshell, they engineered these axes with all the features you’d expect from the best axe. If you are looking for great axes, then look no further, Estwing is all you need!

Note: I have also written a review on Fiskars Axes, You can also check that.

 

References

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estwing
2. http://www.estwing.com

The Best Axe – Review on Fiskars Axes

 

When looking for the best axe, it’s quite common to come across a review on Fiskars Axes. People always prefer to read reviews before purchasing any axe. This helps them not only get vital information but also have peace-of-mind when using this important tool. Finding the perfect tool however is never easy. While one user will be seeking a chopping or camping axe, another will be looking for a splitting or hunting axe. There are also many types of axes in the market. In order to find the right tool for the intended purpose, it helps to research and read reviews on the different types of axes that are being offered in the market. My review on the best axes from the Fiskars brand shows the following to be the top choices:

Fiskars X27, 36-Inch Axe

Anyone searching for the best axe for splitting wood will be interested in the Fiskars X27. Featuring a long handle that measures 36 inches, this tool delivers powerful swings that can split different types of wood. You also have to worry about splitting hard timber or the blade getting blunt fast as the sturdy metal will keep its sharpness for long. Though weighing 8.56 pounds and measuring 1.8 x 9.3 x 37.41 inches, the axe is quite balanced and doesn’t feel too heavy on the hands. Unfortunately, the X27 is best suited for tall and strong people. Shorter users may find it too heavy. It also designed for splitting timber and not for cutting or chopping.

Fiskars X15, 23.5-Inch Axe

Designed for felling trees, the X15 Fiskars axe is a popular choice for people who regularly go on camping or cut down trees in the yard. The 32.5-inch axe deeply chops even the toughest trees courtesy of the uniquely-designed blade. And to give the user the right balance and deliver powerful swings, the handle is unique and has good ergonomics. Measuring 1.18 x 6.5 x 25.59 inches and weighing 3.2 pounds, this chopping axe is among the best axes in regard to compactness and lightness. And to minimize the vibrations and shocks, it features FiberComp handle. Sadly, it is designed for only chopping or felling trees and not for splitting.

Fiskars X11, 17-Inch Axe

If you are not planning to chop down large trees or split large logs you should consider the Fiskars X11 axe. Weighing approximately 2.18 pounds and with dimensions of 2 x 7 x 20 inches, this axe can easily be held using one hand. Its lightweight and small size makes it perfect for light chores such as splitting small logs. Similar to other axes from the manufacturer, it features among the best axes because of its well-balanced and solid design. This minimizes the effort and time used during the task. You are also guaranteed of longevity thanks to its virtually unbreakable design and ultra-sharp edge. Unfortunately, it is not ideal for heavy-duty applications or chopping.

Besides coming from the same Manufacturer, all the above axes feature quality craftsmanship and good engineering. They will continuously cut, chop or split wood without the edge requiring regular sharpening. The design of the handle and head offers good weight-to-power ratio. This provides the much needed power and swing. Chances of numb or aching fingers and hands are less-likely thanks to the efficient ergonomic design.

Nonetheless, these best axes aren’t multi-purpose and a prospective buyer needs to be very sure on which type is most ideal for the intended task. In addition to showing why they are among the best axes, the above review on Fiskars axes makes it easy for buyers to find the most suitable type.

Note: I have also written a review on Estwing Axes, You can also check that.

References

1. axezon.com
2. www2.fiskars.com

How to Make Axe Handle Wrap with Paracord

(Image Source: de.wikipedia.org)

Sometimes, I use paracord (named as Parachute cord) for my Ax handle. There is not much operational benefits for using it, but it can gives a good look to your Ax and also comfort for hand griping.

In this post, I am sharing a video that how you can make the paracord ax handle wrap at home. It is super easy. You can use your favorite color for paracord selection.

Hope you will like and enjoy this video and I will share more useful information on Axe in the coming days.

Tips To Make A Leather Axe Sheath at Home

Axe Sheath is very important for your personal safety. But all the axes are available in the market may not have a protecting cover. If you do not have a sheath for your axe, then do not worry.

Watch this video, you can make a good quality sheath for your axe even at your home.

 

I wish you enjoy this video tutorial.

 

5 Things To Consider Before Choosing The Best Axe

Selecting the best axe is one of the most hectic tasks you would find when you are going to look for one. There are hundreds of brands and companies to offer axe with various functionalities & design but without knowing some important factors for you will end you purchase with the wrong product.

In this blog post, I am not going to give you any product or brand name of any axe but I will share the most important 5 things you should consider before choosing the best axe. You will be only satisfied with your axe when you select the right axe for right purpose with right features.

You must have to know what you are going to do with your axe. Different axe is built for different works and one doesn’t fit with others.

1. What do you want to do with wood – Chop or Split?

Chopping Axes and Splitting Axes are not the same. You have to select your axe based on the action will you will perform. If you are not sure about the difference between chopping and splitting woods, then Teresa O’Connor’s words from Fiskars can help you to understand it very clearly. She said, “Splitting wood means to cut a vertically positioned log with a single downward stroke of an axe…. Chopping wood consists of cutting horizontal logs into segments with several sharp, downward strokes of an axe.”

2. How is your physical appearance?

May be you are smiling that how your physical appearance is connected to find your best axe but this is true that your height is related to your axe. If you are tall and have a big physic, then you must select an axe with a long handle and if you are short, then you should go with smaller handle size to finalize the best axe.

If you are small and select a long handled axe, then very shortly your will experience to cut your leg.

3. Does the axe have any protecting head cover?

Most the axes are sold in the market do not have any head cover. But you must select an axe which comes with axe head cover is known as a sheath. This sheath is a close-fitting cover for the axe to protect the user from an accidental cut from the axe head. If you are traveling with your axe and your axe does not have any head cover then the chances of any major injury to your body are very high.

4. What is your main task with this axe?

The leading purpose of your activity will define what kind of axe you need to buy. For chopping and splitting medium or large sized logs, you have to consider heavy axe. You also have to select heavy axe for felling trees. For a campfire, you need an axe for kindling, chopping and splitting firewood. Light weight small size axe are more carrying convenient for this type of small camping activities and traveling.

5. Design of the handle

The handle of an axe is very important part of this tool. Before buying any axe, you should check the handle construction of the axe. Most of the axe handles are manufactured from wood or steel or glass fiber. The best results always come from wooden handle due to shock absorbing power of the wood. Another most important part of the axe handle is texture. You should always consider non-slip grip handles for your axe for the maximum safety.

Ray Mears from Woodlore has spoken on YouTube telling how to choosing and using an axe.

This video will also help you to select your axe.

 

References 

1. Teresa O’Connor, Choosing the Right Axe for the Right Job, FISKARS
   
2. Best Axe – Guide & Reviews, AXEZON
3. Ray Mears, Choosing and using an axe, Bushcraft Survival

What is the difference between an Axe and a Hatchet?

When you start to look for selecting or buying a cutting/splitting tool, you will get confused with the two terms – Axe and Hatchet. Which one should you buy? Or what is the main difference between an ax and a hatchet? It is not only you but also many others face the same difficulties with it.

As the objective of my blog is to help people by providing the guideline on Axe, therefore, I have decided to clarify this confusion so that you will never be wrong or get confused with Axe and Hatchet.

An Axe

An axe is a weapon or a tool which you can use for various purposes such as cutting woods, splitting logs, hunting, firefighting and so on. Then, what is a hatchet? Interestingly, “Hatchet” is also an axe. There are many different types of axes depending on their uses and hatchet is one them.

A Hatchet

A hatchet is a specific type of axe mainly used for camping, gardening, cooking and traveling to cut or split wood, small trees, tree brunches, clear trails, chop animals for cooking and many other purposes.

Components of an Axe

Every axe has two major components – one is axe head and the other one is handle. Timothy Dahl has described about axe and hatchet on PopularMechanics.com in this way, “The modern axe and hatchet consist of a steel head attached to a wood or composite handle. Some hatchets are formed from a single piece of steel,….”

Main Features of a Hatchet

The features that make “Hatchet” different from other types of axes are as follows:
• Hands need to use this axe: One Hand
• Axe Size & Weight: Small and Light
(for this reason, it is easier to carry and become best friend for camping buddies)
• Handle Length: Shorter than many other axes. There are some other axes which have 12” handle length but they are not “Hatchet”, they are “Hand Axe”
• Axe Head Type: Hammer
• Handle Materials: Wood / Steel / Fiberglass

(I personally prefer wooden handle for its impact and vibration absorbing power).

One Hand Vs Two Hands

For most of the axes, you need two hands to hold the axe to make the action but with a hatchet you can perform your tasks with only one hand and this feature makes hatchet unique. However, with a hatchet you cannot split or cut large logs and will need many more additional strikes for felling of big trees. Writing on ehow.co.uk about hatchet, Stephanie Mitchell said, “They are not usually big enough or heavy enough for major wood chopping jobs”.

I am pretty much hopeful that at this point, I have cleared the confusion between an axe and a hatchet. Now, you can select your desired axe based on your requirement.

References

1. Types of axes, Axe, Wikipedia
2. Timothy Dahl, The Difference Between an Axe And a Hatchet, Explained, POPULAR MECHANICS, Dec 03, 2015
3. Stephanie Mitchell, Difference Between a Hand Axe & a Hatchet, ehow.co.uk