Worked in construction after 30 years in the classroom, Science teacher , here! I learned to love the abuse any Estwing product can take and dish out. Most pleased. OTOH, have a couple of Gerber Strongarm knives on my Bug out/ coyote hunt8ng bag and battle belt…..all good products for rough use. Peace Be The Journey!
I have a Fiskars just like that one which is about 20 years old, and other than the blade having lost a little length from sharpening over the years, (I used it a lot), it's still as good as the day I bought it. Those polymer handles really are indestructible under even extreme usage. I consider it to be the best money I ever spent, not counting my divorce lawyer.
I have the estwing, my brother has the fiskars. On a recent camping trip we each got to try out the other model and we were both pleasantly surprised. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these 3.
Estwing is a more traditional all steel design that will survive a nuclear apocalypse... The Fiskars is a lighter, more modern axe that is more forgiving on the user but, still aggressively splits logs. There's not a clear winner. It's what you prefer to use. Even though I have the Fiskars, I will always love the Estwing.
@@crypticreality8484 Right I have estwing but it does wear out my arm a bit much if I use it for smaller tasks. It's better at two handed work but for medium sized trees you need to chop into
The Fiskar has those “wings” or “ramps” to improve its splitting capability and protect the composite material at the head connection while splitting wood, imo.
Yeah I've had one of those plastic handle axes start doing away where the head connects from the woods hitting it. I wouldn't buy one and expect it to last long term.
@@edwinthiessen7102 Yup!…but the Estwing really rocks…used their framing and roofing hammers for years…but any of the three beat the hell of the Harbor Freight or Big Lots Chicom imported shit! 😊😊😊…I like all three 👍👍👍… “LETS GO BRANDON!…I agree” 🤡🤡🤡
Thank you for this video. As an older lady, I can’t swing an ax. I just bought a Gerber. Will be using it to split wood for kindling, smoothing logs for debarking, making trellises from branches for beans and tomatoes. I have a wood pile to cut, fence posts to debark and I’m sure it will come in handy for many years. ❤
I have an Estwing 26" boys axe, it a bit much for backpacking, but is great on canoe trips. It chops, limbs, and pounds in stakes very well, and splits just fine. I was limbing with it today. It is a bombproof tool from an outstanding company.
Yep, l have the 26 inch Estwing and it is by far the best axe l have ever had! It is uncanny how well it chops, for smaller work, just hold it halfway up the handle. Tho you can use it with 2 hands l classify it as a 1 hand axe, so l think your a bit soft saying the 16 is better with 2. :)
I’ve got the small-ish Estwing with the leather handle and one just like the one in the video. The smaller one was my dad’s when he was a kid in the ‘70s, the larger one is maybe four years old. I can see no difference between them in terms of steel, quality, toughness, etc., and the old one looks almost as good as the new one. I also have the big, full axe-length version of the Fiskars splitting axe as well as the very smallest they make, and for splitting, they beat anything I’ve ever used by a LOT. They all have their uses. I keep them sharpened differently and use them for different tasks. All are FANTASTIC tools.
@@graffititoad5758 Yeah? To each their own, but I find them to be among the most attractive tools in existence. Every hammer or hatchet I’d ever seen in my life til I got into the trades myself at age 23 was an Estwing, which in fairness may play a role in what I think of their looks.
For a small car camping wood splitter that falls into this category, without a doubt, the Estwing E3-FF4 4-Pound"Fireside Friend" Wood Splitting Axe/Maul is the ultimate. I have 11 axes, hatchets and mauls in various sizes, but I use this one the most. I love my Gransfors Bruks small splitting axe, but I admit that I baby it. The Fireside Friend is indestructible and you can outright abuse it. Compliment this with a small 2.5lb or narrow 4lb hammer and 2 wedges and you have a complete package. Just read the reviews. Awesome !!! p.s. I should add that this thing chops like a beast as well because of the gradual taper. Just keep it sharp for that. Cheers
I have the nice 3 lb Estwing drilling hammer. I've had it for almost two decades and I love to use it for all sorts of things. It's great when you're using a big chisel to fit timbers. Short enough that it gets in anywhere, and heavy enough that you don't need a long handle to deliver a strong blow.
Ive had the Eastwing axe for over 20years&never thought twice that i shoulda bought a different axe. Takes a great edge easy&holds it well. My Dad&brother both got 1 after truin mine. Only difference is the size..i have the larger 1.
having been in construction since 1988, the Estwing drywall hatchet hammer has been the tool of choice. I've tried others , but the Estwing is a proven tool. I've worn out a couple, the rest got stolen. Even the thieves know quality. The Fiskers and the Gerber seem nice, but i would go with what has been proven for me. Thanks for the video. Enjoyed watching.
Only thing i dont like about the gerber is it doesnt hold up to hammering well. It will loosen the head. If youre not using it in that way often it's an absolutely great tool though
So glad you compared the orange fiskers to the green one! I walk through the bush everyday for work, with an axe on my pack. Never seen anyone keep any axe long enough to wear it out. Have used all three, I hate est wings... hate chopping branches or logs with them. Of course they’ll last forever. Which will make the guy who finds yours out in the bush 10 years later, real happy.
One advantage of the Estwing is you can hammer with the sheath on. Safer than hammering with a sharp blade facing you. Probably not a huge issue for an experienced woodsman, but good for youngsters and newbies.
@@TylerSnyder305 jess christ, if I only ever used tools "as designed" I'd never get anything done! :P FWIW, this is what we have in the camper now. www.amazon.com/dp/B007OM9IHS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YJ0T0AB67SRF12TC01FM this is what I want to replace that with www.amazon.com/Estwing-Riggers-Axe-Hatchet-Reduction/dp/B00DT0OSF6
@@bnrlabs5923 - Exactly. A flathead screwdriver is also a pry bar, chisel, scraper, etc. I couldn't tell you how many times I've used an adjustable wrench as a hammer. Pliers instead of some type of a wrench. The list goes on and on. Sometimes I did it out of necessity, other times out of laziness. Is it ideal to do so, no it isn't, but life doesn't always put one in an ideal situation.
@@BigDave423AAAO " Pliers instead of some type of a wrench." Have you ever tried the Knipex Pliers Wrench? The jaws are smooth and stay parallel. Since you squeeze them they are actually better for not rounding off nuts. Good for squeezing and straightening things too. I have not used an adjustable wrench since I got them. They are expensive, but work really well. I think the patent ran out so their are some imitators out there and videos comparing them.
@@michalurbanful I've broken more than a few polymer/resin handled axes and hatchets and had axe heads fly off on regular wooden hatchets, which is why I went to the Estwing, it'll flex some but it'll spring back.
@@michalurbanful I use mine for Search and Rescue and even in very cold conditions I've never had that happen. I tape around the handle for a better grip when holding it short and this also gives it more protection if you accidentally hit the handle part when swinging.
I agree. An OD green would have that hatchet flying off the shelves. I’ve hard many Gerber knives as well. Hard to resharpen once they lose the factory edge
@@bradbrown9722 that’s a sign of high carbon steel and I agree it is a bummer to sharpen quality knives but once sharp they hold the edge longer. Bang for buck there’s no better brand than Fiskars/gerber imho.
No you don’t want any of these. When the Handel breaks what are you going to do. There is no replacement Handel. You can’t carve a new Handel in the field
@@mikemcquillan7560 you are not going to break any of these handles if you aren't trying to do just that. They are very durable and even if you some how manage to break it you have warranty atleast on the fiskars.
When I was growing up in Oregon, back in the 60’s and 70’s, everyone I knew had some version of a Estwing axe. They weren’t always pretty, but they were good for years of use and abuse. I have 2 now, and gave another to my son. I have 3 of the GFB axes, but I always have a Estwing somewhere.
The problem with Estwing is they last so long you never have a need to buy anything new. Mine has been handed down for generations and my son will get it next. The leather handle wafers eventually rotted away after several decades so I just wrapped it with paracord a few years ago. Still going strong. Can you guess what I'll buy when I give this one to my son?
I'm becoming a Gerber collector as I own several of their outdoor tools. My favorite full tang knife is the Strongarm; one in a bug out bag and one in a get home bag. My EDC pocket knife is the Gerber Ayako; and I have several of their other models. I just ordered the Gerber "butterfly" machete for my collection, not to use. That Gerber hatchet seems to be calling my name. The hatchet that surprised me immensely is one I grabbed off the camping section at a Walmart. I inadvertently left my Grandsfor Bruks at home and I needed a hatchet for a bushcraft adventure. It looks like a Fiskars knockoff of the X7 model. It was fairly sharp but I put a file and a sharpening puck to it before use. That hatchet was surprisingly efficient; nothing like my G-Bruks but it performed well. It's still in the spare tire well of my Jeep SUV along with a Silky Gomboy 240 and other tools I use for overland camping. Your buddy is pretty impressive being ambidextrous. Loved the demonstration.
I've learned to be ambidextrous with a machete and axe because of my hands blistering and cracking. That tree has to come down no matter how much it hurts. I conquer nature, NOT the other way around.
Own the Estwing 12" camping hatchet & the Estwing 26" sportsman ax for years and both are amazing and durable! Watched a fiberglass handle come apart on a lesser hatchet and happy to know that will never happen to me.
I don't have an axe/hatchet but have been keeping an eye out for one...and yes it comes down to primary purpose. I like the Estwing because the Full tang is so much more durable, it handles fire better, and is a far stronger lever than the other 2 hatchets.
I got a Lowe's Kobalt hatchet at a pawn shop for $3. I sanded of the rust, torched the handle, and got it razor sharp. Three years and it's still a fine tool. If I get another it'll have to have a more narrow head.
Greetings from Finland! I've used the Fiskars tools (obviously) a lot, even bought my first own brush hook as a kid, nowadays it's called "Solid S3"-model. Used it a lot when my parents got an idea to build a loghouse and we needed to clear the lot to get started with the cabin. When I got my drivers license, I bought the X17 and the folding saw to the trunk. It's been over 10 years and I just got myself the X11 model, also. The gerber looks quite similar with the X10 carpenter axe, that being said it's build for allround use and lacks some splitting power. The X11 feels like minimum to do the job in our area. Good comparison and I'm glad to see Fiskars (Finland) is strongly involved there.
Having used Fisker & Gerber are better for splitting wood. Actually cutting down trees, brush the Estwing is way ahead of the other light axes. Sort of what he said. One thing about the Estwing you can put really sharp edge on it better that the other two.
Well, you asked for a comment, so here's mine: Firstly, it depends a lot on whether weight plays a significant role or not. It weight is a real issue, I'd ditch the axe before any other tool. For cutting logs etc, the saw is King. A Silky bigboy (probably lighter than most axes) can cut trees into logs FAR more quickly, with fewer calories expended, than an axe, with the bonus of a nice clean 90 deg end! Then, splitting: if the log being split is up to, say 3-4 inches, I'd use a large knife (like my CS Trail Master) to split them in a trice. Larger than that I'd just cut a few wedges and split them with a baton. Delimbing: larger branches use the saw, smaller branches use the TM. Sorted! If the situation is a camp, lodge etc or where a vehicle (car, truck, quadbike, animal) is present, I'd probably have a resident axe (but not carry it around). I'd go for the more durable Estwing. If the log is a bit too big or troublesome, I'd split with wedges instead. Any comments? Cheers mate.
I have had the Estwing for maybe 30 years. I bought it at a yard sale, as new for $4 without the sheath. It can be razor sharp and still not be much of a chopper. When you drive tent stakes, it pings on every strike. It`s my only hatchet and has served me well, but you might want to look a little more.
I have an older version of the Gerber. It's grey and black, and is 19 inches. Love it. Works well one or two handed, but still very compact and light. It lives in the Jeep
I have 2 27 inch estwing axes one my dad bought in 1964 a one i bought 1996 both are great not to heavy that i wont strap it to my backpack and take camping i can use it one handed for a full sized axe it is very easy to use one handed but i grew up working on houses and swinging 4 to 8 pound short handle sledgehammers one handed so i could just be used to it i have used the fiskers and the geber but for camping my estwing all the way anuther plus of the estwing if you need to do some rough carving such as debarking for a walking stick you can comfortably wrap your hand around the head of the axe and get really good control to carve i have even made feather sticks with my estwing axe.
It's also made in the USA unlike Fiskars I've handled the Fiskars and I really don't understand the hype. Wood handles beat it any day and it felt like a toy to me
It depends what you’re doing with it. Survival tool I’d agree with Estwing because it’s very tough and good for chopping. I carry a x11 when felling trees to pound wedges and also split kindling because of the razor sharp edge and head design. I can actually limb small trees with the x11 in 1 hit.
Good information. I'd probably use my pocket chainsaw to cut them to length, then the hatchet to split it. The pocket chainsaw has the advantage of producing more even ends so the piece can be stood up for splitting. And if you save the sawdust, it's good to help start the fire.
As a carpenter/woodsman myself, I decided on the 2 handed Estwing because of its durability, deep-biting chops, high visibility in the environment, the grip feeling more traditionally axe shaped and maintains grip capability when sweating profusely lol
I currently use Estwing because that is what my dad used and my father-in-law uses. Durable, and good performance. But after seeing this, now I want to pick up a Gerber.
I own the estwing 16 " and my brother owns the 26 " estwing and honestly I regret not getting the 26 " estwing . They both have the same head weight but because the 16 " is a much shorter handle length it feels really unbalanced IMO. You can get much more work done with the extra 10 inches ( that's what she said ) lol and it's not that different in weight or size .just letting anyone who would pick the estwing out of these 3 .I strongly recommend just getting the 26 " estwing.
I agree. I own the 26" as well as the leather stacked & orange rubber handled smaller hatchet models (both of which I like). The 16" is a quality tool, and will serve many uses, but I've found it's really fatiguing & inefficient if you're doing alot of work. It's in that odd size where it's a bit too heavy for extended single handed use and a bit too short to effectively use two handed.
*grabs coffee mug* This gon' be GOOD! Thanks, Aaron. Sidenote: BEST part of the video? The kids playing with sticks in the background. Reminds me of childhood, when a stick and some imagination meant I could have ANYTHING in my hands :)
I chose the Estwing so I would not need to be replacing the handles. Years ago before I discovered the full size Estwing, I had to replace several handles on an axe. It seems they always fail when you are busy. So the Estwing was the answer to my problems.
thats a stupid comment, simply because the handles on the fiskars are basically indestructible and are guaranteed to outlast that blue shit on the estwing.
Estwing is the best.its also a devastating and accurate thrower.try throwing the other 2 and see how fast the head breaks off the handle.just saying.....
@@giannispapadopoulos6603 yes they can. Not easy to break, but just look on amazon and you’ll see plenty of reviews to the effect of broken heads. That said, the ones that break are the exceptions rather than the rule so the Fiskars design is still great for maximizing performance while reducing overall weight, but to say they cannot be broken is just downright innacurrate.
@@jessr.3763 Broken in what kind of use?its a tool for chopping wood.if you are testing the strength in a way not intended for use thats another story.at least here in Greece they have lifetime guarantee.as long as it is used as and axe of course and not crowbar, demolition ball etc etc
Why are people throwing their tools all the time? No wonder they break so quickly, not being used for its intended purpose. Wanna throw an axe? Get a throwing axe and abuse it maliciously, don't destroy a good tool just to put it through its paces. Why use an axe that has a handle that can't be replaced if it breaks? I'm not talking about using it in your backyard or at some campground, I'm talking if you're out in the Bush in -28°C trying to cut down a frozen poplar for firewood and it snaps, unless to have another axe, you're kinda hooped for the night and you can't affix the head onto a new shaft as their isn't an eyelet. So, ill stick with my old style heavy wood handles and wool shirts, ill be happy to lend my Husquevarna hatchet when your Gerber/Fiscars handle breaks, cuz I hate to see ppl struggle wit sub par equipment
@13:13 that kids almost ready for a hatchet !! I bought the Estwing camping hatchet a few years back tried it out and brought it back and got my money. I currently have an older wood hatchet,some plastic covered with steel shaft one that i hammer the snot out of it. I don't even care if i hit rocks 😆 and i have a Fiskers x7 which i like and actually found in the woods !! Thank you very much . Estwing used to make a pretty good smaller hatchet ,i had one when i was younger and lost it, probably in the woods 😁😆
When splitting the Fiskar and Gerber had a nice knot free log. The Estwing had a large knot in it's log and still split it. Would like to see all of them on a knot piece.
Great vid. One thing, you do know that if you don't hold your log down, every hit that bounces reduces cutting efficiency by more than 50%, right? Cheers
I have both the estwing 16 inch and the fiskars x11. I'm not an "axpert", i mostly use them for processing logs in the back yard for the fire pit. I really enjoy both of them. The fiskars excels at splitting, the estwing excels at chopping. It's really tough to decide which one I would choose if I could only have one. You can't go wrong either way.
Fiskars also offers the same narrow head as the Gerber. The x11 is a splitting hatchet while the Gerber is more of utility chopping/splitting hatchet with its head shape. Great demo for backpacking.
Unless the Estwing hatchet is made different from the axe, it’s not full tang. The shaft is welded to a hollow pipe at about the top of the rubber handle. I have two of the axes that separated right there. They still last and are durable, but not indestructible.
If I was using one today only I'd use the Gerber. Of all 3 if I plan on keeping it for 40 years I'm taking the Estwing. I've not owned a tool yet with that "soft touch" crap that holds up. And I can't imagine the composite handles are going to last as long as a full steel construction.
I own about 15 Estwing tools. They're great. That being said the Fiskars are nearly as indestuctable. The geometry and type of polymer they use is really tough stuff. They also have excellent customer service & a full lifetime warranty. Oh yeah & they own/produce the gerber axe.
I have carried the regular Estwing camp ax since the early sixties and still have one. There is not a better ax in its price range. Thinner and fits in a pack much better too. Balance and quality of steel are hard to beat. Still made in the US too.
I got a the 17.5'' gerber hatchet. It has treated me well, but I find it very weak at delimbing and splitting small kindling compared to the fiskars x7. The lighter, smaller hatchet is just so much swifter and controllable than the mid-size hatchet. Holding the gerber hatchet higher up to be able to swing it faster makes the shock feel a lot harder in the handle. I'm nowhere near a battle-hardened lumber jack, but it is orders of magnitude worse than the x7 at those tasks. It all depends on what you intend on using the tool for and what other tools you have that can fill the gaps.
After blistering up my hand batoning with my SP-8, I realized that I needed a camp hatchet/axe. After your video, I was set on the Gerber, then I went to your Amazon store and decided on the Estwing fireside friend axe/maul. It's a bit heavier, but will take up less space in my camping tub.
I think it would be interesting if you compared the benefits of packing a hatchet vs a batoning/chopping knife. I've come to believe that a hatchet is too limited to bring camping.
Good video, thanks for the comparison. For me personally I usually stick with Estwing, they are made in the USA and durable as all get out. My main concern with an axe is durability.
The Fiskars X11 is a splitting ax. The other 2 are chopping axes. I own the X11, X17, and X27. They are all splitting axes. I live down in the Ozarks. I split Oak by hand all winter long. You need to use a chopping ax made by Fisksars, if you’re going to compare it with the other two axes. John
I have a Marbles hunters axe. Has an 18 inch handle with a pound and a half blade on it. Really enjoy using it and it's affordable. I think it around $35 on amazon.
I carry a saw for cutting. I carry a hatchet for splitting. In my experience, a LEXIVON V10 Camping Hatchet and a baton make an unbeatable lightweight combo for splitting wood up to around 10" diameter.
the X Series comes in both a splitting and chopping head. The Gerber used in the video has the chopping head but you can get the Fiskers X-11 in the chopping head as well.
They have served me well over the years, especially the roofing hatchet. My current camp hatchet is a 40+ year old hand forged Plum roofing axe. It is 17 inches long and despite having a small cutting edge it does what I need. I use it for campfire prep delimbing, splitting, and chopping. It always sits next to me at the campfire.
I love my Estwings! I've got a big collection and have been using them for a long time, but be aware that the full tang design can be a little rough on your arm. A wood or composite handle absorbs a lot of shock.
Excellent presentation! I have the Estwing, mighty fine cutting tool, and a longer version for felling trees. I busted my wooden handle spilting maul which is why I'm viewing this video. Considering a shorter spiltting tool and I agree with your Fiskars being a better design for this purpose. The right tool won't wear me out as fast...
I went to Home Depot for an Estwing (my stepdad always had them growing up) but they were all sold out. I bought a Fiskars X15. It's not an Estwing but, I do like the modern design. It's not as harsh vibration wise and it has an aggressive taper that forces logs apart. . I don't think it will prove as durable but, it's still a nice modern axe.
Eastwing is decent for chopping and felling but not great for splitting anything with any sort of twist to the grain. They also tend to rust out at where the shaft goes from solid bar to hollow tube.
@@runkorko I've not used an Estwing yet (I plan on buying the 26" though) but they put a grip on there to reduce vibration. In this video: ruclips.net/video/AB1QSg-fg20/видео.html *gideonstactical* says that he did not feel any vibrations, and that's on the smaller hatchet which doesn't have the special grip to reduce vibrations, the leather grip Estwing. When I get mine, I'll post here and let you know if I feel the vibration. P.S. I'm pretty sure both of these guys in the video would've said something about vibrations if they were that bad. He did bring up the weight, so why not vibration? Interesting. Even more interesting is how there are mixed results from people who claim vibrations and those who don't. Who is lying? Who is telling the truth. I'll find out when I get mine. Heh! :) Either way, I like full tang for durability. I'm doubting vibration will be a big deal.
I’ve been running my leather handle estwing hatchet for 6 years, re sharpened dozens of times. A good feature of it is that since its one metal piece the handle won’t break with time, leaving you having to make a new handle in the woods is a pain. About the vibrations, oh yea I feel them but that’s just part of cutting wood it’s not supposed to feel like a pillow hahah.
I’m still using my father’s 60+ year old hatchet. The original handle was leather but was rotted away when I found it 33 years ago (I was 16). I whipped it with cordage that is still the handle today. I sharpened it and took off some of the mushrooming they the hammer side had from years of abuse. My father was impressed by my work and gave it to me. He had already replaced it with a cheap hatched that’s no longer around. He was hard on tools didn’t like spending much on things he said he’d probably break or loose anyway. I’m an Estwing fan ever since for nostalgia reasons and the made in the USA factor. I can’t say they are the best but durable and American made has me sold. I believe the one I have is smaller than the one in the video.
I have one and its awesome for long treks in the woods, pair it with a Hudson Bay Trapper Knife and a solid Multitool, and you have all the tools you need minus an awl and sewing needle
I've had an eswing hammer for well over, 20 years, it's like an ole friend. It just fits my hand. Not sure if that translates to hatchets but I tend to be brand loyal until proven wrong. Cool vid. 👍👍
It definitely translates to Estwing hatchets. In the small hatchet category, a $35 Estwing Sportsman's Axe will outperform tools that cost 2 or 3 X that. Also, indestructible.
Estwing measures its hatchet from the head to the end of the tang. And as the tang doesnt go all the way to the bottom of the grip so you get the 16" from that. I have had a passed down Estwing from my grandfather for as long as i can remember and i have new had the leather replaced and have only ever sharpened it ever couple of years and it still slices paper like a razorblade.
I came to the same conclusion when comparing the Fiskars X15 and X17. Both are 23.5 inches long, but I chose the X15 as it's built for chopping and the X17 is built for splitting (wanting the one "all around" axe to take with me). The Gerber Freescape 17.5 is an awesome axe by all means; but the Fiskars X15 provides a few more inches to make it long as your arm (for many people), for practically the same weight, and it is still very packable. So more swing power while being safer (I don't mind a handle that sticks out a few inches higher on the side of my backpack for these significant advantages). In the end they are all excellent axes but the Fiskars X15 is definitely on top of my list for my needs (yours may differ).
Fiskars or Gerber for car camping or small back country camping trips. Estwing or Vaughan solid steel camp axes should be in your bugout bag. They will never break, especially the 1080 high carbon steel Vaughan. I have a Vaughan that is about 45 years old. My parents gave it to me. While it's slightly rusted on the surface, it's still in perfect condition, with no rolls or chips on the edge. It has been used A LOT over 45 years.
I've worked at a summer camp every summer for about 15 years. We have budget limitations that mean we need our tools to last, we have some maintenance issues because the tools are being used by kids who will frequently hit at weird angles or overswing and hit the handle, or even drive it into the dirt. The tools are mostly used for splitting. We have a fiscars and an estwing hatchet, and in my experience and under the rather unique circumstances I've used them in, the fiscars has vastly outperformed the estwing. Even with the abuse these tools go through, I have not seen significant deterioration of the handle. The lighter and better distributed weight is easier for the kids to use. And the wedge shape means that even if it gets dulled from misuse, it can still split surprisingly well (though of course I still sharpen it when I get the chance, a sharp tool is a controlled tool is a safe tool). If I'm backpacking, and I need a tool that's light, that won't break ever, and that can perform even if I can't maintain it perfectly in the field, I would take fiscars every time over the estwing. I cannot speak to the Gerber, I haven't used one.
I've been using a Fiskars X7 for the last few years. Small er size fits in my back pack easier and still use it for splitting at home around the fire pit.
Full tang please. I remember my friend introducing me to Estwing years ago on a construction job. He called his framing hammer Excalibur! Estwing for the win!
@@Brandino807 try it...I swung estwing 30 oz framing hammer. They know how to make handle material. Definitely try it , I believe you will be surprised.
Nice video and good comparison. I bought the Estwing years ago and saw no reason to change. Tough, takes a nice edge and holds it pretty well. I do have a dedicated Fiskars splitting axe that I am pretty fond of.
My brother had a Fiskars without the ramps on the sides and after a few years the composite around the head wore thin and on a camping trip far from home the head flew out of the handle. He couldn't use it anymore. At least with the Estwing that wouldn't have happened. He replaced it with the Estwing and I bought one to after what happened to his. I don't want to be stuck in the woods with a broken tool. Just my thoughts !!!
The Gerber sounds like the right choice for hiking situations where traveling as light as possible is necessary. It will perform both chopping and splitting tasks adequately enough. Good informational video.
Worked in construction after 30 years in the classroom, Science teacher , here! I learned to love the abuse any Estwing product can take and dish out. Most pleased. OTOH, have a couple of Gerber Strongarm knives on my Bug out/ coyote hunt8ng bag and battle belt…..all good products for rough use. Peace Be The Journey!
I have a Fiskars just like that one which is about 20 years old, and other than the blade having lost a little length from sharpening over the years, (I used it a lot), it's still as good as the day I bought it. Those polymer handles really are indestructible under even extreme usage. I consider it to be the best money I ever spent, not counting my divorce lawyer.
ha ha
😂 my divorce lawyer screwed me!
Haha
I've gone through several axes an the eastwing is still going strong
I found that the fiberglass handles tend to eventually fail spectacularly and blow apart. I would go with the Estwing due to durability.
Not an EASTwing, it is an ESTwing!!
@@teacheng3795 speach to text has its limit's
@@jon5918 SPEACH?
That good old text to SPEECH strikes again!
@@teacheng3795 Yeah that and i couldn't give 2Fs
Hi guys I’ve been a carpenter and a camper for over 50 years, using Estwing hammers and hatchets with great results … can’t beat them
I have the estwing, my brother has the fiskars. On a recent camping trip we each got to try out the other model and we were both pleasantly surprised. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these 3.
Yeah all solid choices imo
Estwing is a more traditional all steel design that will survive a nuclear apocalypse...
The Fiskars is a lighter, more modern axe that is more forgiving on the user but, still aggressively splits logs.
There's not a clear winner. It's what you prefer to use.
Even though I have the Fiskars, I will always love the Estwing.
@@crypticreality8484 Right I have estwing but it does wear out my arm a bit much if I use it for smaller tasks. It's better at two handed work but for medium sized trees you need to chop into
The Fiskar has those “wings” or “ramps” to improve its splitting capability and protect the composite material at the head connection while splitting wood, imo.
Yeah I've had one of those plastic handle axes start doing away where the head connects from the woods hitting it. I wouldn't buy one and expect it to last long term.
@@cwegga Fiskars by far is the best and most durable splitting axe I’ve ever owned and it never gets stuck.
@@cwegga stop hitting the handle on the wood then
@@edwinthiessen7102didn't you know, Mistakes can happen?
@@edwinthiessen7102 Yup!…but the Estwing really rocks…used their framing and roofing hammers for years…but any of the three beat the hell of the Harbor Freight or Big Lots Chicom imported shit! 😊😊😊…I like all three 👍👍👍…
“LETS GO BRANDON!…I agree” 🤡🤡🤡
Thank you for this video. As an older lady, I can’t swing an ax. I just bought a Gerber. Will be using it to split wood for kindling, smoothing logs for debarking, making trellises from branches for beans and tomatoes. I have a wood pile to cut, fence posts to debark and I’m sure it will come in handy for many years. ❤
You sound like a pretty damn good woman. I hope to meet someone like you one day.
I have an Estwing 26" boys axe, it a bit much for backpacking, but is great on canoe trips. It chops, limbs, and pounds in stakes very well, and splits just fine. I was limbing with it today. It is a bombproof tool from an outstanding company.
Same here,I got the 26” as well though I’m thinking about getting it’s little brother too..can’t go wrong with Estwing
Yep, l have the 26 inch Estwing and it is by far the best axe l have ever had! It is uncanny how well it chops, for smaller work, just hold it halfway up the handle. Tho you can use it with 2 hands l classify it as a 1 hand axe, so l think your a bit soft saying the 16 is better with 2. :)
Been using them all my life. Great company indeed.
the Gerber is sold in Europe as Fiscars x10, i own the x10 and love it for light/medium splitting, kindling, garden work and camping
Estwing, got mine from my grandpa its only 40 years young
I’ve got the small-ish Estwing with the leather handle and one just like the one in the video. The smaller one was my dad’s when he was a kid in the ‘70s, the larger one is maybe four years old. I can see no difference between them in terms of steel, quality, toughness, etc., and the old one looks almost as good as the new one. I also have the big, full axe-length version of the Fiskars splitting axe as well as the very smallest they make, and for splitting, they beat anything I’ve ever used by a LOT. They all have their uses. I keep them sharpened differently and use them for different tasks. All are FANTASTIC tools.
Mine is from my father and is 35ish! Gotta love em!.
I gave my dad an Estwing the first time I seen him in 20 years. He put it on his fishin belt and I never felt like I've given a better gift.
I think estwings are great but I don’t like how they look
@@graffititoad5758 Yeah? To each their own, but I find them to be among the most attractive tools in existence. Every hammer or hatchet I’d ever seen in my life til I got into the trades myself at age 23 was an Estwing, which in fairness may play a role in what I think of their looks.
For a small car camping wood splitter that falls into this category, without a doubt, the Estwing E3-FF4 4-Pound"Fireside Friend" Wood Splitting Axe/Maul is the ultimate. I have 11 axes, hatchets and mauls in various sizes, but I use this one the most. I love my Gransfors Bruks small splitting axe, but I admit that I baby it. The Fireside Friend is indestructible and you can outright abuse it. Compliment this with a small 2.5lb or narrow 4lb hammer and 2 wedges and you have a complete package. Just read the reviews. Awesome !!!
p.s. I should add that this thing chops like a beast as well because of the gradual taper. Just keep it sharp for that. Cheers
I have the nice 3 lb Estwing drilling hammer. I've had it for almost two decades and I love to use it for all sorts of things. It's great when you're using a big chisel to fit timbers. Short enough that it gets in anywhere, and heavy enough that you don't need a long handle to deliver a strong blow.
you just detailed my kit right down to babying my $200 euro-axe a bit -the 24” Eastwing is a war fighter 👊🏼💥
Ive had the Eastwing axe for over 20years&never thought twice that i shoulda bought a different axe. Takes a great edge easy&holds it well. My Dad&brother both got 1 after truin mine. Only difference is the size..i have the larger 1.
having been in construction since 1988, the Estwing drywall hatchet hammer has been the tool of choice. I've tried others , but the Estwing is a proven tool. I've worn out a couple, the rest got stolen. Even the thieves know quality. The Fiskers and the Gerber seem nice, but i would go with what has been proven for me. Thanks for the video. Enjoyed watching.
I have the estwing. I have had i for a very long time and it has served me well with absolutely no problems. I highly recommend it.
Only thing i dont like about the gerber is it doesnt hold up to hammering well. It will loosen the head. If youre not using it in that way often it's an absolutely great tool though
1:17 the first one is correct. Fiskars is the oldest company in Finland (1649).
So glad you compared the orange fiskers to the green one! I walk through the bush everyday for work, with an axe on my pack. Never seen anyone keep any axe long enough to wear it out. Have used all three, I hate est wings... hate chopping branches or logs with them. Of course they’ll last forever. Which will make the guy who finds yours out in the bush 10 years later, real happy.
One advantage of the Estwing is you can hammer with the sheath on. Safer than hammering with a sharp blade facing you. Probably not a huge issue for an experienced woodsman, but good for youngsters and newbies.
that's literally the entire reason we replaced the Fiskars in our campervan with the Estwing.
The poll of an axe or hatchet is not a hammer unless specifically designed as such and hardened to be one.
@@TylerSnyder305 jess christ, if I only ever used tools "as designed" I'd never get anything done! :P
FWIW, this is what we have in the camper now.
www.amazon.com/dp/B007OM9IHS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YJ0T0AB67SRF12TC01FM
this is what I want to replace that with
www.amazon.com/Estwing-Riggers-Axe-Hatchet-Reduction/dp/B00DT0OSF6
@@bnrlabs5923 - Exactly. A flathead screwdriver is also a pry bar, chisel, scraper, etc. I couldn't tell you how many times I've used an adjustable wrench as a hammer. Pliers instead of some type of a wrench. The list goes on and on. Sometimes I did it out of necessity, other times out of laziness. Is it ideal to do so, no it isn't, but life doesn't always put one in an ideal situation.
@@BigDave423AAAO " Pliers instead of some type of a wrench." Have you ever tried the Knipex Pliers Wrench? The jaws are smooth and stay parallel. Since you squeeze them they are actually better for not rounding off nuts. Good for squeezing and straightening things too. I have not used an adjustable wrench since I got them. They are expensive, but work really well. I think the patent ran out so their are some imitators out there and videos comparing them.
I like the Estwing better, it handles better two handed for chopping.
Estwing user for years. It's part of my felling kit. It's a chopper, it's hammer, it's a prybar, it's a beast!
Same here. I'm a carpenter, and outdoors kinda guy and it works for both. All of my uncle's, and my dad always carried Estwings.
I've always been afraid of bending the handle. Does that happen pls?
@@michalurbanful I've broken more than a few polymer/resin handled axes and hatchets and had axe heads fly off on regular wooden hatchets, which is why I went to the Estwing, it'll flex some but it'll spring back.
@@michalurbanful I use mine for Search and Rescue and even in very cold conditions I've never had that happen. I tape around the handle for a better grip when holding it short and this also gives it more protection if you accidentally hit the handle part when swinging.
Gerber, please change that ghastly green for an olive green and it will be far more appealing
Definitely won't misplace it in the woods! Same reason I finally got a bright orange case for my iPhone, lol
I agree. An OD green would have that hatchet flying off the shelves. I’ve hard many Gerber knives as well. Hard to resharpen once they lose the factory edge
Or at least just black lol
Fiskars owns Gerber
@@bradbrown9722 that’s a sign of high carbon steel and I agree it is a bummer to sharpen quality knives but once sharp they hold the edge longer. Bang for buck there’s no better brand than Fiskars/gerber imho.
I've had that Estwing for about 7 years. It is a little beast. One of my favorites.
Jeez! I came here for answers, now I just want to buy all 3.
I've had to return 3 fiskars hatchets in 4 months because the metal soft that hard wood bends it otherwise its incredibly sharp
No you don’t want any of these. When the Handel breaks what are you going to do. There is no replacement Handel. You can’t carve a new Handel in the field
@@mikemcquillan7560 Good point! I do prefer a wood handle. Maybe I'll just keep on bashing away on my Jessica X till I find something I like better.
@@mikemcquillan7560 you are not going to break any of these handles if you aren't trying to do just that. They are very durable and even if you some how manage to break it you have warranty atleast on the fiskars.
Thats so funny, same here...
When I was growing up in Oregon, back in the 60’s and 70’s, everyone I knew had some version of a Estwing axe. They weren’t always pretty, but they were good for years of use and abuse.
I have 2 now, and gave another to my son. I have 3 of the GFB axes, but I always have a Estwing somewhere.
I have the estwing 26 inch camp axe, and it's awesome!
The problem with Estwing is they last so long you never have a need to buy anything new. Mine has been handed down for generations and my son will get it next. The leather handle wafers eventually rotted away after several decades so I just wrapped it with paracord a few years ago. Still going strong. Can you guess what I'll buy when I give this one to my son?
Just so you know you can contact a tack shop and they can make you a new stacked leather handle from their scraps. I highly suggest.
I'm becoming a Gerber collector as I own several of their outdoor tools. My favorite full tang knife is the Strongarm; one in a bug out bag and one in a get home bag. My EDC pocket knife is the Gerber Ayako; and I have several of their other models. I just ordered the Gerber "butterfly" machete for my collection, not to use. That Gerber hatchet seems to be calling my name. The hatchet that surprised me immensely is one I grabbed off the camping section at a Walmart. I inadvertently left my Grandsfor Bruks at home and I needed a hatchet for a bushcraft adventure. It looks like a Fiskars knockoff of the X7 model. It was fairly sharp but I put a file and a sharpening puck to it before use. That hatchet was surprisingly efficient; nothing like my G-Bruks but it performed well. It's still in the spare tire well of my Jeep SUV along with a Silky Gomboy 240 and other tools I use for overland camping. Your buddy is pretty impressive being ambidextrous. Loved the demonstration.
Fiskars owns gerber. They bought it in 1987.
I came to comment section to see if anyone else notice he used the Gerber left handed.
Ive rolled a few edges on Gerber knives, won't buy a single one again.
I've learned to be ambidextrous with a machete and axe because of my hands blistering and cracking. That tree has to come down no matter how much it hurts. I conquer nature, NOT the other way around.
I have an estwing bouncing around in my truck for the last 5 years and I have never felt disappointed
Own the Estwing 12" camping hatchet & the Estwing 26" sportsman ax for years and both are amazing and durable! Watched a fiberglass handle come apart on a lesser hatchet and happy to know that will never happen to me.
Splitter goes to fiskars, all-around and ergonomics= gerber, lifetime and durability = estwing... I completely agree, but now I just want all 3...
I don't have an axe/hatchet but have been keeping an eye out for one...and yes it comes down to primary purpose. I like the Estwing because the Full tang is so much more durable, it handles fire better, and is a far stronger lever than the other 2 hatchets.
the estwing is heavier,but alot more durable,just like the hammer. i have an estwing framing hammer i've used for over 30 yrs.
I acquired the smaller Fiskars Hatchet @ Sears for 25.00 around 8 years ago and money well spent.
I got a Lowe's Kobalt hatchet at a pawn shop for $3. I sanded of the rust, torched the handle, and got it razor sharp. Three years and it's still a fine tool. If I get another it'll have to have a more narrow head.
Greetings from Finland!
I've used the Fiskars tools (obviously) a lot, even bought my first own brush hook as a kid, nowadays it's called "Solid S3"-model. Used it a lot when my parents got an idea to build a loghouse and we needed to clear the lot to get started with the cabin.
When I got my drivers license, I bought the X17 and the folding saw to the trunk. It's been over 10 years and I just got myself the X11 model, also.
The gerber looks quite similar with the X10 carpenter axe, that being said it's build for allround use and lacks some splitting power. The X11 feels like minimum to do the job in our area.
Good comparison and I'm glad to see Fiskars (Finland) is strongly involved there.
Having used Fisker & Gerber are better for splitting wood. Actually cutting down trees, brush the Estwing is way ahead of the other light axes. Sort of what he said. One thing about the Estwing you can put really sharp edge on it better that the other two.
I own a Fiskars hatchet and it is stupid easy to put a razor edge on it.
@@theWZZA Because it's soft as butter. The edge lasts an hour in the field.
@@foggy7595 that has not been my experience.
@@theWZZA Fair enough, can't argue about your experience, but I will say it has been mine!
Well, you asked for a comment, so here's mine:
Firstly, it depends a lot on whether weight plays a significant role or not.
It weight is a real issue, I'd ditch the axe before any other tool.
For cutting logs etc, the saw is King. A Silky bigboy (probably lighter than most axes) can cut trees into logs FAR more quickly, with fewer calories expended, than an axe, with the bonus of a nice clean 90 deg end!
Then, splitting: if the log being split is up to, say 3-4 inches, I'd use a large knife (like my CS Trail Master) to split them in a trice. Larger than that I'd just cut a few wedges and split them with a baton.
Delimbing: larger branches use the saw, smaller branches use the TM. Sorted!
If the situation is a camp, lodge etc or where a vehicle (car, truck, quadbike, animal) is present, I'd probably have a resident axe (but not carry it around). I'd go for the more durable Estwing. If the log is a bit too big or troublesome, I'd split with wedges instead.
Any comments?
Cheers mate.
I have had the Estwing for maybe 30 years. I bought it at a yard sale, as new for $4 without the sheath. It can be razor sharp and still not be much of a chopper. When you drive tent stakes, it pings on every strike. It`s my only hatchet and has served me well, but you might want to look a little more.
I have an older version of the Gerber. It's grey and black, and is 19 inches. Love it. Works well one or two handed, but still very compact and light. It lives in the Jeep
The answer is always Estwing. The full metal tang, and balance lends itself to using rotation to add to the force without using a full arm swing.
I’ve had my Fiskars hatchet, axe and splitter for 17 years and they’ve got signs of use, but they’ll hold up for years to come.
Fiskars is hard to beat for the money . I have the X-7 for backpacking and the X-27 for splitting wood at home . The X-27 is a splitting beast .
I have 2 27 inch estwing axes one my dad bought in 1964 a one i bought 1996 both are great not to heavy that i wont strap it to my backpack and take camping i can use it one handed for a full sized axe it is very easy to use one handed but i grew up working on houses and swinging 4 to 8 pound short handle sledgehammers one handed so i could just be used to it i have used the fiskers and the geber but for camping my estwing all the way anuther plus of the estwing if you need to do some rough carving such as debarking for a walking stick you can comfortably wrap your hand around the head of the axe and get really good control to carve i have even made feather sticks with my estwing axe.
Love my Estwing. I like the heft and ease of use. Wouldn't trade it for plastic handles period
It's also made in the USA unlike Fiskars
I've handled the Fiskars and I really don't understand the hype. Wood handles beat it any day and it felt like a toy to me
Estwing without question is the best.
Thats what I was thinking
Agreed. Estwing’s rock 🤘🏻
It depends what you’re doing with it. Survival tool I’d agree with Estwing because it’s very tough and good for chopping. I carry a x11 when felling trees to pound wedges and also split kindling because of the razor sharp edge and head design. I can actually limb small trees with the x11 in 1 hit.
I have estwing tools I inherited from my grandfather that are older than I am. I'd be willing to bet my kids are gonna inherit them from me.
Maybe best for you but not for me and others.
I lean towards the Gerber
Good information. I'd probably use my pocket chainsaw to cut them to length, then the hatchet to split it. The pocket chainsaw has the advantage of producing more even ends so the piece can be stood up for splitting. And if you save the sawdust, it's good to help start the fire.
It's for splitting the wood they buy at the gas station lololol
As a carpenter/woodsman myself, I decided on the 2 handed Estwing because of its durability, deep-biting chops, high visibility in the environment, the grip feeling more traditionally axe shaped and maintains grip capability when sweating profusely lol
I currently use Estwing because that is what my dad used and my father-in-law uses. Durable, and good performance. But after seeing this, now I want to pick up a Gerber.
I own the estwing 16 " and my brother owns the 26 " estwing and honestly I regret not getting the 26 " estwing . They both have the same head weight but because the 16 " is a much shorter handle length it feels really unbalanced IMO. You can get much more work done with the extra 10 inches ( that's what she said ) lol and it's not that different in weight or size .just letting anyone who would pick the estwing out of these 3 .I strongly recommend just getting the 26 " estwing.
I agree. I own the 26" as well as the leather stacked & orange rubber handled smaller hatchet models (both of which I like). The 16" is a quality tool, and will serve many uses, but I've found it's really fatiguing & inefficient if you're doing alot of work. It's in that odd size where it's a bit too heavy for extended single handed use and a bit too short to effectively use two handed.
*grabs coffee mug*
This gon' be GOOD! Thanks, Aaron.
Sidenote: BEST part of the video? The kids playing with sticks in the background. Reminds me of childhood, when a stick and some imagination meant I could have ANYTHING in my hands :)
Loved that too
I chose the Estwing so I would not need to be replacing the handles.
Years ago before I discovered the full size Estwing, I had to replace several handles on an axe. It seems they always fail when you are busy. So the Estwing was the answer to my problems.
thats a stupid comment, simply because the handles on the fiskars are basically indestructible and are guaranteed to outlast that blue shit on the estwing.
@@orson091 Your rude and insulting comment has been duly noted.
@@Harleylovinchelley1 you spelt "truth i dont want to hear" wrong. but good try.
@@orson091 In youir opinion. MEH
@@Harleylovinchelley1 not an opinion if its a proven fact.
Estwing is the best.its also a devastating and accurate thrower.try throwing the other 2 and see how fast the head breaks off the handle.just saying.....
Fiskars can't be broken
@@giannispapadopoulos6603 yes they can. Not easy to break, but just look on amazon and you’ll see plenty of reviews to the effect of broken heads. That said, the ones that break are the exceptions rather than the rule so the Fiskars design is still great for maximizing performance while reducing overall weight, but to say they cannot be broken is just downright innacurrate.
@@jessr.3763 Broken in what kind of use?its a tool for chopping wood.if you are testing the strength in a way not intended for use thats another story.at least here in Greece they have lifetime guarantee.as long as it is used as and axe of course and not crowbar, demolition ball etc etc
Why are people throwing their tools all the time? No wonder they break so quickly, not being used for its intended purpose. Wanna throw an axe? Get a throwing axe and abuse it maliciously, don't destroy a good tool just to put it through its paces. Why use an axe that has a handle that can't be replaced if it breaks? I'm not talking about using it in your backyard or at some campground, I'm talking if you're out in the Bush in -28°C trying to cut down a frozen poplar for firewood and it snaps, unless to have another axe, you're kinda hooped for the night and you can't affix the head onto a new shaft as their isn't an eyelet. So, ill stick with my old style heavy wood handles and wool shirts, ill be happy to lend my Husquevarna hatchet when your Gerber/Fiscars handle breaks, cuz I hate to see ppl struggle wit sub par equipment
@@TheMoose126 just saying the estwing is tough enough to throw and camp chores.thats why it's the best
@13:13 that kids almost ready for a hatchet !! I bought the Estwing camping hatchet a few years back tried it out and brought it back and got my money. I currently have an older wood hatchet,some plastic covered with steel shaft one that i hammer the snot out of it. I don't even care if i hit rocks 😆 and i have a Fiskers x7 which i like and actually found in the woods !! Thank you very much . Estwing used to make a pretty good smaller hatchet ,i had one when i was younger and lost it, probably in the woods 😁😆
I had this x7 for about 2 months and the handle cracked vertically near the neck below the head but it still works fine so far
Wow! I would send that back. Never heard of that!
When splitting the Fiskar and Gerber had a nice knot free log. The Estwing had a large knot in it's log and still split it. Would like to see all of them on a knot piece.
Don't worry, the Fiskar/Gerber probably rolled its edge or broke off a tip on the third log. It's hardly better than potsteel.
Great vid. One thing, you do know that if you don't hold your log down, every hit that bounces reduces cutting efficiency by more than 50%, right?
Cheers
I have Estwing and would not trade it for anything. I also have the Estwing hatchet and same thing for me these are tops in my book.
I have both the estwing 16 inch and the fiskars x11. I'm not an "axpert", i mostly use them for processing logs in the back yard for the fire pit. I really enjoy both of them. The fiskars excels at splitting, the estwing excels at chopping. It's really tough to decide which one I would choose if I could only have one. You can't go wrong either way.
Fiskars also offers the same narrow head as the Gerber. The x11 is a splitting hatchet while the Gerber is more of utility chopping/splitting hatchet with its head shape. Great demo for backpacking.
Unless the Estwing hatchet is made different from the axe, it’s not full tang. The shaft is welded to a hollow pipe at about the top of the rubber handle. I have two of the axes that separated right there. They still last and are durable, but not indestructible.
Will take the Estwing. I have broken the heads off 2 of the Fiskers. Weight is not really a concern for me.
I have the Estwing. (15 years) You can’t hurt it. Wary of the plastic handles over the long haul.
If I was using one today only I'd use the Gerber. Of all 3 if I plan on keeping it for 40 years I'm taking the Estwing. I've not owned a tool yet with that "soft touch" crap that holds up. And I can't imagine the composite handles are going to last as long as a full steel construction.
I've had my Estwing going on 15 years with the blue handle and use it weekly to limb, chop and split mesquite, it's still going strong.
I own about 15 Estwing tools. They're great. That being said the Fiskars are nearly as indestuctable. The geometry and type of polymer they use is really tough stuff. They also have excellent customer service & a full lifetime warranty. Oh yeah & they own/produce the gerber axe.
I have carried the regular Estwing camp ax since the early sixties and still have one. There is not a better ax in its price range. Thinner and fits in a pack much better too. Balance and quality of steel are hard to beat. Still made in the US too.
This review sold me. If an axe can last 60 years without being replaced, m getting one.
I'd have to loose an Estwing because they are all but indistuctable
I got a the 17.5'' gerber hatchet. It has treated me well, but I find it very weak at delimbing and splitting small kindling compared to the fiskars x7. The lighter, smaller hatchet is just so much swifter and controllable than the mid-size hatchet. Holding the gerber hatchet higher up to be able to swing it faster makes the shock feel a lot harder in the handle. I'm nowhere near a battle-hardened lumber jack, but it is orders of magnitude worse than the x7 at those tasks. It all depends on what you intend on using the tool for and what other tools you have that can fill the gaps.
After blistering up my hand batoning with my SP-8, I realized that I needed a camp hatchet/axe. After your video, I was set on the Gerber, then I went to your Amazon store and decided on the Estwing fireside friend axe/maul. It's a bit heavier, but will take up less space in my camping tub.
I think it would be interesting if you compared the benefits of packing a hatchet vs a batoning/chopping knife. I've come to believe that a hatchet is too limited to bring camping.
Good video, thanks for the comparison. For me personally I usually stick with Estwing, they are made in the USA and durable as all get out. My main concern with an axe is durability.
The Fiskars X11 is a splitting ax. The other 2 are chopping axes. I own the X11, X17, and X27. They are all splitting axes. I live down in the Ozarks. I split Oak by hand all winter long. You need to use a chopping ax made by Fisksars, if you’re going to compare it with the other two axes. John
I have a Marbles hunters axe. Has an 18 inch handle with a pound and a half blade on it. Really enjoy using it and it's affordable. I think it around $35 on amazon.
I carry a saw for cutting. I carry a hatchet for splitting. In my experience, a LEXIVON V10 Camping Hatchet and a baton make an unbeatable lightweight combo for splitting wood up to around 10" diameter.
the X Series comes in both a splitting and chopping head. The Gerber used in the video has the chopping head but you can get the Fiskers X-11 in the chopping head as well.
Estwing....no question..
Its a classic for a reason
Estwing has always been my go to!
They have served me well over the years, especially the roofing hatchet. My current camp hatchet is a 40+ year old hand forged Plum roofing axe. It is 17 inches long and despite having a small cutting edge it does what I need.
I use it for campfire prep delimbing, splitting, and chopping. It always sits next to me at the campfire.
I love my Estwings! I've got a big collection and have been using them for a long time, but be aware that the full tang design can be a little rough on your arm. A wood or composite handle absorbs a lot of shock.
Excellent presentation! I have the Estwing, mighty fine cutting tool, and a longer version for felling trees. I busted my wooden handle spilting maul which is why I'm viewing this video. Considering a shorter spiltting tool and I agree with your Fiskars being a better design for this purpose. The right tool won't wear me out as fast...
I went to Home Depot for an Estwing (my stepdad always had them growing up) but they were all sold out. I bought a Fiskars X15. It's not an Estwing but, I do like the modern design. It's not as harsh vibration wise and it has an aggressive taper that forces logs apart.
. I don't think it will prove as durable but, it's still a nice modern axe.
Eastwing is decent for chopping and felling but not great for splitting anything with any sort of twist to the grain. They also tend to rust out at where the shaft goes from solid bar to hollow tube.
Yes you can go to lowes and buy and Estwing for $60 and do anything that the hipsters $400 "viking bushcraft axe" will do plus more!
I single hand sawing my estwing all the time and would not trade it for nothing in the world it makes a hell of a throwing hatchet too
Estwing its 1 full tang piece of metal
Thats all i needed to hear😁👍
yes, so you can feel hit vibrations up to the chin.... :D RiP arm.
Agree. It's also much better for throwing because of the balance.
@@runkorko I've not used an Estwing yet (I plan on buying the 26" though) but they put a grip on there to reduce vibration. In this video: ruclips.net/video/AB1QSg-fg20/видео.html *gideonstactical* says that he did not feel any vibrations, and that's on the smaller hatchet which doesn't have the special grip to reduce vibrations, the leather grip Estwing. When I get mine, I'll post here and let you know if I feel the vibration.
P.S. I'm pretty sure both of these guys in the video would've said something about vibrations if they were that bad. He did bring up the weight, so why not vibration? Interesting. Even more interesting is how there are mixed results from people who claim vibrations and those who don't. Who is lying? Who is telling the truth. I'll find out when I get mine. Heh! :) Either way, I like full tang for durability. I'm doubting vibration will be a big deal.
I’ve been running my leather handle estwing hatchet for 6 years, re sharpened dozens of times. A good feature of it is that since its one metal piece the handle won’t break with time, leaving you having to make a new handle in the woods is a pain. About the vibrations, oh yea I feel them but that’s just part of cutting wood it’s not supposed to feel like a pillow hahah.
@@runkorko Grow bigger muscles and quit bitching. Estwing is the only axe or hammer to own less then 500$.
I'm getting the estwing for yard work. Very excited
I’m still using my father’s 60+ year old hatchet. The original handle was leather but was rotted away when I found it 33 years ago (I was 16). I whipped it with cordage that is still the handle today. I sharpened it and took off some of the mushrooming they the hammer side had from years of abuse. My father was impressed by my work and gave it to me. He had already replaced it with a cheap hatched that’s no longer around. He was hard on tools didn’t like spending much on things he said he’d probably break or loose anyway. I’m an Estwing fan ever since for nostalgia reasons and the made in the USA factor. I can’t say they are the best but durable and American made has me sold. I believe the one I have is smaller than the one in the video.
The x15 costs the about same as the x11. It’s a 23” axe and it’s versatile and effective.
I want the Estwing, it will last a life time. If I'm going on a hike, I'll take the leather handel Estwing 13 inch.
Good video. I noticed that with the gerber when you were splitting it was the only one that had no deflections.
Out of that line up i would pick the Gerber, for backpacking i will keep my CRKT woods chogan
I have one and its awesome for long treks in the woods, pair it with a Hudson Bay Trapper Knife and a solid Multitool, and you have all the tools you need minus an awl and sewing needle
I've had an eswing hammer for well over, 20 years, it's like an ole friend. It just fits my hand. Not sure if that translates to hatchets but I tend to be brand loyal until proven wrong. Cool vid.
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It definitely translates to Estwing hatchets. In the small hatchet category, a $35 Estwing Sportsman's Axe will outperform tools that cost 2 or 3 X that. Also, indestructible.
It translates extremely well. It's a tough hatchet that works well.
I love estwing, have the claw, lump, dead blow and hatchet. Had them for over 20 years now. Never let me down
Estwing measures its hatchet from the head to the end of the tang. And as the tang doesnt go all the way to the bottom of the grip so you get the 16" from that. I have had a passed down Estwing from my grandfather for as long as i can remember and i have new had the leather replaced and have only ever sharpened it ever couple of years and it still slices paper like a razorblade.
I came to the same conclusion when comparing the Fiskars X15 and X17. Both are 23.5 inches long, but I chose the X15 as it's built for chopping and the X17 is built for splitting (wanting the one "all around" axe to take with me).
The Gerber Freescape 17.5 is an awesome axe by all means; but the Fiskars X15 provides a few more inches to make it long as your arm (for many people), for practically the same weight, and it is still very packable. So more swing power while being safer (I don't mind a handle that sticks out a few inches higher on the side of my backpack for these significant advantages).
In the end they are all excellent axes but the Fiskars X15 is definitely on top of my list for my needs (yours may differ).
Fiskars or Gerber for car camping or small back country camping trips. Estwing or Vaughan solid steel camp axes should be in your bugout bag. They will never break, especially the 1080 high carbon steel Vaughan. I have a Vaughan that is about 45 years old. My parents gave it to me. While it's slightly rusted on the surface, it's still in perfect condition, with no rolls or chips on the edge. It has been used A LOT over 45 years.
I have the Fiskar X7 and it looks identical in size to the Gerber.
I've worked at a summer camp every summer for about 15 years. We have budget limitations that mean we need our tools to last, we have some maintenance issues because the tools are being used by kids who will frequently hit at weird angles or overswing and hit the handle, or even drive it into the dirt. The tools are mostly used for splitting.
We have a fiscars and an estwing hatchet, and in my experience and under the rather unique circumstances I've used them in, the fiscars has vastly outperformed the estwing. Even with the abuse these tools go through, I have not seen significant deterioration of the handle. The lighter and better distributed weight is easier for the kids to use. And the wedge shape means that even if it gets dulled from misuse, it can still split surprisingly well (though of course I still sharpen it when I get the chance, a sharp tool is a controlled tool is a safe tool).
If I'm backpacking, and I need a tool that's light, that won't break ever, and that can perform even if I can't maintain it perfectly in the field, I would take fiscars every time over the estwing. I cannot speak to the Gerber, I haven't used one.
I've been using a Fiskars X7 for the last few years. Small er size fits in my back pack easier and still use it for splitting at home around the fire pit.
I love my small Fiskar hatchet. The first time I used it to de-limb a deer lane, it cut through big branches like butter.
I have the 26 inch estwing campers axe and it’s a beast I prefer using it over my full size husky 3.5 pound wood splitting axe
Full tang please. I remember my friend introducing me to Estwing years ago on a construction job. He called his framing hammer Excalibur! Estwing for the win!
Full tang is durable, but I feel it's not the best shock-resistant
@@Brandino807 try it...I swung estwing 30 oz framing hammer. They know how to make handle material. Definitely try it , I believe you will be surprised.
Nice video and good comparison. I bought the Estwing years ago and saw no reason to change. Tough, takes a nice edge and holds it pretty well. I do have a dedicated Fiskars splitting axe that I am pretty fond of.
My brother had a Fiskars without the ramps on the sides and after a few years the composite around the head wore thin and on a camping trip far from home the head flew out of the handle. He couldn't use it anymore. At least with the Estwing that wouldn't have happened. He replaced it with the Estwing and I bought one to after what happened to his. I don't want to be stuck in the woods with a broken tool. Just my thoughts !!!
The Gerber sounds like the right choice for hiking situations where traveling as light as possible is necessary. It will perform both chopping and splitting tasks adequately enough. Good informational video.
I've used the Gerber for seven years as a camping tool. Perfect tool for the job!