Estwing Sportsmans Axe | 3 Year Field Review
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- Krik of Black Owl Outdoors gives his 3 year field review of the Estwing Sportman's Axe. A great companion for processing firewood, carving wood & general camp tasks, the Sportsman's Axe is a great tool for the price.
Estwing Sportsman's Axe - amzn.to/25krh0E
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bought my Estwing Sportsmans Axe when I was 14 years old, still bringing it to the woods with me at 41 years old and it still works as well as the day i bought it. I would not recommend stripping the poly-coating off the handle, since it protects the leather from rot. The coating on mine wore off over time so I dipped it in linseed oil a few times, letting the oil dry fully dry and it worked very well. If you take of this hatchet you will be able to give it to your grandson.
i wrapped the metal part of the handle with two layers of para cord. that made chocking up on it very comfortable.
one thing I love about those axes is the fact that they just look like a little chunk of 1954. The new ones with the shock-stopping handles don't have the same historical look and feel of these ones.
I still don't have one, but I may change that sometime...
This is a beauty and I use it for hardcore stuff. I ended up living 3 days with this my knife and my ferro rod. Good stuff for brushcraft
That technique of splitting wood with the hand ax used to be called contact. It was taught in Woodbadge courses as a safer method and over the years I've found it to be a quick and easy method of splitting tree limbs for kindling or preparing stakes.
Krik, I've had mine dating back to the mid 1980's and it is indeed a great all around camp tool.
best review on anything I have heard in a while well done sir. Hard to compensate for skill and experience with $$ alone.
Love my Estwing, and it's served me well for years. I like that you guys are doing long term review videos. It's good to know how well gear performs over time.
I was looking up this hatchet on Amazon wondering if it would be good. You can't imagine how glad I was to see this video when I did a Google search. Thanks for the info!
I’ve put this same axe through so much abuse it’s sick, and yet she just keeps rockin. I’m almost thinking that I’ll never need another. Love ESTWing.
I found one of these in the woods about two years ago. I didn't know what it was at the time, but it has worked pretty well for the time I've had it.
You didnt know what an axe was!? 😶
wtf...😐
I'm assuming he means he didn't know of Estwing hatchets at the time he found it...
I've had my Estwing hatchet for 34 years & it was used when I purchased it at a pawn shop for $10 then used it to make kindling for 21 years it's still in my shed in southern Nevada I live in a house with A/C & heat in Tennessee now
Chance of breakage is nill. Great piece of mind when your way out there.
It's good to see you back Krik. Always appreciate your very informative vids. Please keep them coming buddy.
Est wing are known for their awesome hammers and this axe is definatly on the same level.
Thanks for the 3 year review. I have the slightly bigger camp axe from Estwing and use it in the same manner. I wrapped the handle with cord so I can choke up for the finer task. It is a good basic camp tool to have. It takes a good edge and works well.
Good videos, viewing you from Hong Kong! Great job! I love the coffee on the ridge video!
Good review, and as usual phenomenal camera work! Awesome!
Estwing hammers have been the go to framing hammer for decades, I have only seen one break in my 35 years of framing, it wasn't mine and I suspect it was subjected to improper useage or abuse. I don't see why the hatchet would be any different, I have had great success with mine, keep it sharp, don't abuse it (let it rust) and it will serve you well for years. As with all tools don't use it for what it was not designed for. Thanks for the great review on a great product, keep up the great work on a great channel.
Mine gets a lot of yard work.......Love the old school look, including the oak leaves on the sheath..... . PAPA DUKES
Good video. I have had my sportsman's hatchet for about a year and put it thru everything. Very rugged tool.
looking to buy this axe now, to pair with the rock hammer, for some mountain sourced jewellery making. Thanks for the honest review Krik
I have the 16 inch Eastwing and love it! I also received Gransfor Bruk jonaker 10 inch hand hatchet as gift. Together they serve me well! Great Review Sir!
Excellent review! Specifically it was concise, succinct and relevant to me! Thank you.
It looks cool. Thanks for the share! Great video!
thanks for the follow up . I think I will pick one up.
I have an Estwing, I think you made a smart decision by not messing with the handle, I've seen a couple people try thinking they could just rub linseed oil on the leather to preserve it and when the handle started to fail they blamed the manufacturer, they put the laquer on there for a reason, to protect it, if they get hot spots they should just put some Wilson tape over it.
Or build up the calluses. Lol.
I love the idea/ appreciate the use of not a specific tool to gain skill! I have my dad's old camp hatchet, some Japanese steel thing, no idea of the name. works fantastic sharp as hell. I live trying to learn with it!
I've tried a few hatchets, this is my go to and favorite I've purchased. Really a beautiful, functional tool.
I've tried a few hatchets, this is go to and favorite I've purchased. Really a beautiful, functional tool.
I have a bunch of Hults Bruk axes and hatchets but bought this one from Home Depot to use it for roots and dirt jobs thinking it is mediocre .Turns out it is not that bad-the balance is good and so is the grind and handle.It was sharp and ready to work with the stickers still on.
Nice looking axe we have something similar here in the UK I must keep an eye open for one
I have 9 axes and the Estwing I have just bought is the best quality of any I've had so far.
I am from Britain but I am certainly more impressed by American made axes than many other country's offerings.
In fact, the only axe I have that I'd say is better is the custom one I had forged by a British Smith to my exacting specifications but that's expected at 3x the price
It is an awesome little hatchet. Great review.
A so-called friend asked you “borrow” mine. It grew legs and ran off. I sure which I could remember which “friend” that was. I miss that hatchet. 😠
This channel is very professional and helpful. I wish it was bigger
Love all your videos. I was a huge fan back in the day. Hope y’all are doing well.
Estwing makes quality tools
TShull my late father loved estwing hammers and tools in general. I have their special edition sportsmans ax, great quality.
I've been a carpenter for about 10 years now and for the first 9 of those years, I listened to everyone talk about how great estwing hammers were, everyone else had one, and I just thought it was all talk. Then I got myself an estwing tomahawk and once I saw how great the quality was, I soon replaced my hatchet with an estwing hatchet. When I saw how good that was, I replaced my hammer with an estwing hammer. Took 9 years but I finally learned what all the hype was about
Absolutely fantastic. Mine has taken quite a lot of abuse. After 8 years it still holds an edge very well. Very sharp. Great for camping or carving needs. Just recently the coating on the handle is coming off, but coating with linseed the beeswax and I like that feel as well. The curvature of the handle is similar to a drop knife handle with excellent power at the end or control as you choke the grip up.
American 1055 tool steel. good stuff.
Great review. Subscribed!
There is a "How it's made" episode out there about this axe too. I love mine and used it to split wood down some for a wood heater for around 3 years. Good to see you are enjoying yours as well.
I LOVE mine, would prefer the blue rubber on the handle like my other Estwing tools, but it works
Covered all of the exposed handle with electrician's splicing tape. Lot friendlier to the hands and definitely improved grip.
This looks very similar to my favorite hatchet: the (german) Ochsenkopf OX 270.
(The Ochsenkopf has a handle made of hard rubber, and the cutting edge is different designed, but the silouette of the axe is pretty much the same. Here in Europe, the OX is a bit cheaper than the eastwing.)
The size and balance is brilliant.
It's a tough and reliable companion outdoors.
I've had my Estwing 16" camp hatchet 🪓 for 7 years & still going strong after all these years of hard use.
I bought one about two years ago and I like it alot. I mostly use it for splitting smaller wood, but I have used it to fell up to four inch diameter trees. In my opinion it works really well for this type of work. I don't like it for carving though. It is a little too heavy, and since I can't comfortably choke up to the head I quit trying to carve with it. But it works really well for most other tasks. Plus it looks cool.
Have one and would recommend it to anyone
Good video. Thank You.
Nice video fun and informative thank you
Haha, seeing yours makes me want want to clean mine.. I keep it sharp but I only really mess with the blade.
One of the best hatchets of all time. Long after other brands fade from the limelight and their heads buried and forgotten, these things will STILL be around somewhere ready to be cleaned up and used in short order. Absolute tanks.
On the day when civilization collapses, I want to have one of these nearby.
So I just got the special edition...edition. great quality, paid about 44 dollars for it compared to 35 or so for the regular edition. One different thing the special edition comes with is a nylon sheath that seems to function on the belt really well. The regular edition comes with a nice leather sheath but some have criticized that it doesn't work on a belt very well. Anyway, a lot of long lasting hatchet for the money. Great gift idea to anyone from campers, boyscouts, hunters, wood burning stove people...anyone really.
Great hatchet. Well worth the money. Keeps and edge. Redipping the handle in linseed will keep the rot away (the number one complaint about leather stacked handles).
Hey Turtle master...Great Ax! Seems very versatile!... Yet, after useing Ax's, Machete's, large knives, etc., my uncle Ed stopped by, back in the day, when I was gearing up for a 4 week camp. And yes Turtle master, I was packing all of the above, and more... Long story short, my uncle handed me a package he had wrapped up and said...John, put all your blades away and check this out! He gave me, what I am pretty sure was called a Woodsman Companion from WWII. It was a mix of everything! It was an ax, a machete, a gut hook that can also be used to pick up large and small debris, a shovel, and heck....use ones imagination. That was in 1976...and I still carry that tool to this day! You should look into it! You would love it! Now of course I still carry my Mora's and other assorted smaller knives for other camp duties....but, I got rid of my larger gear and lightened the load! A lot of folks do not know of the Woodsman Pal, yet I believe they still sell them. Still...it was cool to here your input! John
Like to double down on previous tip about covering handle-to-head w electrical splicing tape. Excellent and durable.
I bought mine over 20 years ago at a local flea market, for about $15, new with all the tags.....but after I got it home I noticed the had the Estwing disk at the bottom ground to obscure the Estwing name, it turns out it was a "factory second". I could find the issue with it and it works as well for me as it does you!!!
Yours came with a much better sheath than mine I like it
I've had one for thirty years or so. It has been thrown, abused, sharpened incorrectly at times and beaten with a variety of things. I kept it under my Jeep seat to assist with any extrication needed. I don't recall now what I paid for it but it has been more than worth the price. A Gran Fors Bruks it ain't but it has always gotten the job done when needed.
mine gets a lot of yard work.....I love the old school including the white oak leaves on whether cover..... PAPA DUKES
That is a nice axe. I had one (not estwing) that was an all-metal design, but the vibrations were horrible when chopping. How is this one?
I've had one for at least 10 years (minus the year that my Uncle mistook it for his own of the same kind and confusion ensued). I got the edge to shaving sharp with a robust splitting profile with a bit of file work. I use the poll to hammer stakes (with the sheath on so I don't split my face) as well as other things that need a large hammer. The edge has held up amazingly well. I can knock off a bunch of kindling, and still have an edge to shave tinder sticks. Choking up isn't a problem if you get a couple fingers on the blade or wear gloves. It's also cheap so you can get rough with it without worrying like you would with a $300 Swedish masterpiece with some dude's initials on it. If I had to live in the woods: Ok, maybe go high end. If you need to bring a reliable tool camping or to clear out your grandma's garden, the Estwing is a solid choice
Very interesting video! I like it!
Just pulled an old one of these hatchets out of a rubish skip.
Googled the name, decided worth a bit of work
Cleaned it up put an edge on it ,ready for the woods tomorrow.
The Estwing sportsman axe is a classic timeless tool, can't go wrong with them.
I carve with my Fiskars x7 for stock removal and find no need to spend any more money on a carving hatchet. props for not just running out and grabbing the big names of axes just to look cool, even though you still look cool using the estwing. cheers buddy Dave from BC Bushcraft
+BC Bushcraft Thanks Dave!
The Fiskars x7 is such a great value.
I went straight for the roofing/riggers Estwing axe. very similar...a bit longer but everything I need from that style of axe and then some. It is the heavier item in the bag but who knows when it will be worth it's weight in gold?
Say Heah Krik, Yup, your right, it's a hard hatchet to forget about. Last few years I got some nice Hatchets, But I still use it especially when I Hike and have a Afternoon Delight. Oh, I did get the new Nylon Sheath for it, because it fits my belt better. I just got my Spyderco Puukku, which I will neck carry, I'm also adding my EZ KUT WoW Folding Saw and the Estwing Sportsman Hatchet, Yup my Flexcut Carving Jack and my Gerber Multi Tool. This way I could just get by with my makeshift haversack. A ideal Afternoon Delight Set.. Dilly Dilly.,,.p
Great axe for the price. I have one. But I recently I bought the Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet - Craftsmanship at its best.
I know this is super late to comment on this video, but I'm passionate. So last night I lost my wallet and keys in the woods and my phone was about to die. There were coyotes, crack heads, and a pissed off buck in the area. It was the first time I had to make a fire not just for recreation, but "for real". My hands were cold and the cheap Coleman saw I had failed me. This axe processed and split enough wood for me to get a good sized fire going and stay out there as I looked for me stuff. I literally now love this thing. This is a tool, not just a toy. Highly recommend, plus I think it looks cool
Great stuff, again. Where did you go?
Thanks for the review. Here’s my two cents’ worth. If you remove the lacquer from the leather, treat it with neatsfoot oil. It is made from the feet of cattle. Neat is an Olde English word for cattle. Since the leather is also derived from cattle, neatsfoot oil would seem to be a good fit. Keep linseed oil for wood.
To fix the thin shaft so it's more comfortable to choke up on....I wrapped that part with 550 paracord...it helps
refreshing change of pace. I am so tired of reviews telling me I have to remove the factory finish. the only reason I would remove it is because I like the feel of stacked leather in hot weather or cold. A little leather lube goes a long way.
great survival or tool box axe because you know the handle is not going to break
I always hear great things about these estwings...especially for the price....but I can't ever seem to bring myself to buy any kind without a wooden handle
Say Heah Kid, Yeah, I have the Estwings in 3 sizes, the smaller one is with the Leather Handle and the new ones come with a ballistic nylon sheath too. The larger two have the Rubber Handle for shock absorbing. And your right, I used my about the same like you do. But then one day I went to H D and Estwing has a Tomahawk and a Double Bit Hatchet so I got one. The Sportsman Hatchet is taking a rest. I think the Estwing Double Hatchet is becoming one of my Fav's. When I go on a overnighter, I usually would take the Campers Axe, and I like to Axe Chop processing wood. You start the Axe in then continue chopping until the wood splits, It really makes short work of it and I find its easy and safe. But since the Double Bit Hatchet is got a little weight to it. That's the one I've been using. I also have a 2Hawjs Double Bit Trappers Hatchet a copy of Nessmuk Double Bit Hatchet and I on person carry that one when I'm scouting a area out, which I carry my trio. a knife, saw and my 2Hawks.
I have brought one, my reason is this.. I have many but this will not break easy it fits in a small bag however if you was in a survival situation this will rule on the basis its a jack of all trades and is low maintenance
Estwing are bombproof and a better hatchet than hatchets costing three times as much. 1060 steel and American made. Good review and thanks.
I had the sportsman for about 8 years. I used to only bring it car camping due to its weight however a couple of years ago I took it backpacking and now bring it as a 'luxury' item. Since I mostly camp out of state I can't bring my own wood so I'm forced to buy it at the camp grounds. Usually the bundle has just big logs, so I use the axe to split my kindling and make the feather stick. Out of the box the axe I got was dull. In 8 years I sharpened it twice and the performance has been excellent. I use it to hammer in the metal tent stakes. Over the years I tried holding a piece of wood between the axe end and the stake. Then I put duct tape on the back end, but after it wore off I got lazy and just use the metal on metal. Never see a spark and only once did I bend a stake as there was a rock under the dirt. I never had an issue with the handle, however most of the times I am wearing gloves.
when it has edge damage from hard use or an unexpected nail i lightly remove that and just gently rub it with a steal file basically putting an edg back on the bad boy, but otherwise i use it every day as my hand axe. Not being a purist fore anything more i just use a generic big axe frome the closest shop to me or a stihl saw but this thing has never let me down, fast to use handy well balanced and all you need for its size. If you wanna fell a 20 cm thick tree with it .?. well .. It wouldn't take you as long as you might think. Nice piece, and a good cary. Put it in the boot of your car van or whatever. Generally Awesome!
I widdled my first walking stick with this hatchet
What type of steel does it have?
Say Heah Krik, Yeah, I was paying so much attention to the poll and edge that I didn't pay attention to the middle, Mine was mistamped on one side, But it was on the left side, it had alot more metal, So I took some cheap hobby files, and a few football games later I filed out a nice area to hold it when I carve with it, Yeah, it came out super. I really like mine, Its personalized for me. I like especially using it for hikes, and especially harvesting Fatwood with it, I did add my vintage Blind Horse Bushcrafter, but any Mira prolly will do. I also take my Fiskar wooden folding saw with this carry. But again, its the Estwing that's the star attractiin, because if its wet and raining I can get to some dry stuff in short order. , Yeah, Its as tough as get go. I actually like how it looks and I think its the best metal handle Hatchet out there. No head flying off, although don't drive over it with your truck, that will bend your handle, but mine didn't break and I was able to straighten it out, Kewl BeanZ I say to that., Yeah, mine also came with a ballistic nylon Sheath which I actually like much better because it fits my military belt much better. and I now can at least carry my Dangler leather Sheath with my Blind Horse Bushcrafter and my Estwing and Necessities Pouch on it. So I can just take my makeshift Haversack, So yeah, Its still very comfortable to carry but yet it's a super strong trio.,,.
Yeah I own two of these hatchets and they both gave me blisters.
Where did you guys go? miss your videos
I have used them Off and On forever..They are Great "All Around" or "JUst to Have in Case" Hatchets...I keep One in my Pick Up Truck..When I Ran OTR I kept One under the Bunk, Not for Self Defense just in case something needed cutting up that a POcket Knife wouldn't handle..I even kept One in my Ruck when I was in the Army great for field problems Just hit it with Spray Paint and Wrap the Handle..They will handle some pretty big chores if Folks remember to be careful and accurate with their swing and the direction of said swing and to be patient and not try to Power through the Work like One would do with a Full Size Axe..With a Bit of Work they can get shaving Sharp and Once out hunting I watched a fellow open up the Belly of a Deer with One
It's pretty.
"Any fool could be a witch with a runic knife, but it took skill to be one with an apple corer,"-Terry Pratchett.
I put this here in reference to the use of specialized vs generalized tools. Being able to accomplish more with less is based on one's skill level rather than having one specific tool for each task. There'd be no end to the amount of gear one would have to carry if they had a certain tool for every job! So a long winded aggreement, lol.
I have 2 one I use for wood 1 use dedicated only for scrapping hides
How long is it and weight?
Also enjoy it being full tang because over swinging doesn’t totally destroy the handle
Yours looks brand new and partially babied, I've had mine for about half that time and it looks nice and worn/used... it's an estwing, after all. You can beat on it. Don't be scurred
@ 4:00 Not sure what what the area is called between the head and grip but I don't see why one couldn't wrap leather shoe laces around it for a better grip. Maybe sew on a piece of leather.
What steel is used to make this axe? Does it sharpen and hold a edge good? What is the weight of the axe?
American 1055 tool steel. edge retention is very good once you put bigger angle on it.
I would want to buy one of these, can anyone tell me their personal experiences with this hatchet? Thanks.
i have had one of these for decades. I have used it for everything chore you can think of and it still looks like new.
Did the steel roll/chip easy?
Nope
I wanna get an estwing but man a just feel like a wooden handle is a little more old school y'know? I've been thinking on buying a Husqvarna and an estwing and throwing them both in my bag but that just seem like a lot of weight. I'll figure something out eventually.
anyone have the black version? I hear bad things about the paint chipping off... I want one but I want it to be a flat color (it will be on the outside of a pack) should I just paint it myself?
Why does it need to be a flat color to be on the outside of your pack? Good luck finding a paint that will hold up to that.
Defensive loadout, can't be reflective. I've found they have black ones that aren't Chinese knockoffs, and that was the issue with the finish is the bootlegger was just spray painting them.
Buyers beware the market is full of knockoffs, make sure you get one from a reputable seller. Don't buy anything from Asia for that matter.
You can't get a better all round anywhere axe than the Estwing Sportsman. I've had the smaller one for around 15 years and their isn't any axe that will take the battening that the sportsman will. I have also ground a not sharp leading edge on the front of the shaft and that flies through anything upto 150 mm thick. Arthur (UK)
I got one and it chipped a lot on small twigs
I didn't like the metal at the very bottom of the handle...I returned it (had just bought it at home depot) and purchased the 16'' all black 'axe' from amazon. i'm not hiking/carrying the thing...it'll be a truck camping tool so no worries on weight really....and as per my estwing hammer which I've had for YEARS...I prefer a rubber handle than the hard leather thing they have on the 12"".
Agreed. The leather handles are best if you're a hobbyist who isn't particularly demanding on a tool. If I was a tradesman who was constantly whacking away, (roofing, masonry, construction, etc.) I would get the shock-reducing handle for the better performance as well as a gesture of respect for my joints. ;)