When it comes to hatchets, Estwing has a reputation for making the best of the best. There are plenty of models, but the Sportsman E24A tends to be the one that everyone loves. The Estwing hatches and axes have become quite popular and they are available practically anywhere.
The truth is, Estwing hatches aren’t cheap at all, but they are more in the mid-range of prices and they tend to look amazing. The give you a complete picture of what type of marketing that they have. They are normally around 13 inches long and made of 1055 carbon steel. The handle is made of steel with a strong leather cover and it weighs around 2 pounds. That isn’t bad especially if you are using it when you are out in the woods.
The one thing that you will notice is that the hatchet is made as a single mold and not in pieces which tends to make it a lot sturdier than any thing else. When it comes to the shock that comes through the handle, Estwing has done a lot of research, but let’s be honest, it still gives you a lot of force in your hand than a wood handle would. The best thing about the design is that this hatchet is virtually indestructible because it’s made out of one piece of solid steel.
It is quite hard to destroy these hatchets, but it does have a quite interesting shape that is unlike other hatchets that are out there. The cheeks tend to be quite thin which have a more concave shape to the poll. The cutting edge has been left quite thick. It is due to this thickness that when it comes to hardcore chopping, this isn’t your best bet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXi4qtHjOHI
When it is purchased it comes with a dull edge and it takes quite a bit to really get it sharp. Even though the hatchet is quite thick it has a lot of issues chopping wood, which is a bit of a shame that the designers from Estwing weren’t able to give it a better cutting edge. Carving is a bit of hassle as well.
Price
The reason you buy this hatchet is simple, it’s made from one piece of steel which makes it pretty much indestructible. Check the latest price. Personally, I feel that there are better options available at that price point but at the end of the day, I completely understand the pull of a product that’s made in the USA.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Great design
- Leather handle
- Made in the USA since 1923
Cons:
- Not great for chopping or carving
- has a lot of shock when used in the handle
- Has a thick edge
- Hard to sharpen
Conclusion:
Unfortunately the Scandinavians are better at making axe’s and hatchets and they quite simply make better products like the Husqvarna hatchet. It is a great looking hatchet, not as cool looking as the Schrade SCAXE2L though. When it comes down to it, this is best to be used when in the woods for safety. Chopping, cutting, and splitting is a really hard task to do. Not only does it make a great conversation piece, it is a great looking tool but if you really want a quality survival hatchet, you’ll need to look for another product. If you still want to buy the product you can buy it from Amazon cheaply.
