WHAT'S THE BEST BIG HATCHET? $$$ CHEAP Gerber/Fiskars/Estwing
#axe #tomahawk #fiskars #gerbergear
HATCHET LINKS**
Fiskars X11~ amzn.to/3H9kFxh
Gerber Freescape~ amzn.to/3GJcJS1
Estwing 16" Camper~ amzn.to/3XwI1Cw
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BLADEHQ LINK
Fiskars X11~ shrsl.com/3vvlr
Gerber Freescape Axe~ shrsl.com/3vvlp
Estwing 16" Camper~ shrsl.com/3vvly
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5.11 TACTICAL LINK
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GERBER GEAR STORE LINK
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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!
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.
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.
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 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
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. ❤
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.
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
Very impressed with how in depth your content went on these 3 hatchets and how their differences effected the outcome
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...
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
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.
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.
I've had that Estwing for about 7 years. It is a little beast. One of my favorites.
Another great video and very informative! Thanks so much love these kinds of videos !
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.
Awesome review! I'm loving the axe reviews! Keep them up!
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” 🤡🤡🤡
Will take the Estwing. I have broken the heads off 2 of the Fiskers. Weight is not really a concern for me.
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 👊🏼💥
Thanks Aaron great video as usual, enjoy your weekend
I have an estwing bouncing around in my truck for the last 5 years and I have never felt disappointed
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.
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...
This is what I've been waiting for!!! I'm recently getting into backpacking and camping more often and I've been contemplating between Estwing 16" vs Fiskars X11. I'm so glad that you post this, thank you very much!!
Which one did you go with?
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've used the Gerber for seven years as a camping tool. Perfect tool for the job!
Just got today the X11 for splitting. So happy to watch your conclusion. You just made my day.
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.
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.
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.
New sub. Love the no bs videos. Great stuff man. Thanks
Thank you so much my friend and welcome to the GT family.
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.
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.
I signed up for the test products, and your videos are great reviewing. I have both the fiskars, and estwing I like the estwing for bigger jobs myself.
I loved watching your boys in the background. They were having a great time with their sticks.
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.
Thanks for the tips I hope it’s good for backpacking I might get the green one Take care
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.
*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 have the estwing 26 inch camp axe, and it's awesome!
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.
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 $35 Estwing Sportsman's Axe will outperform tools that cost 2 or 3 X that. Also, indestructible.
It translates extremely well. It's a tough hatchet that works well.
I love estwing, have the claw, lump, dead blow and hatchet. Had them for over 20 years now. Never let me down
Estwing its 1 full tang piece of metal Thats all i needed to hear😁👍
yes, so you can feel hit vibrations up to the chin.... :D RiP arm.
Agree. It's also much better for throwing because of the balance.
@@runkorko I've not used an Estwing yet (I plan on buying the 26" though) but they put a grip on there to reduce vibration. In this video: kzhead.info/sun/dKZqgbefZJidZWg/bejne.html *gideonstactical* says that he did not feel any vibrations, and that's on the smaller hatchet which doesn't have the special grip to reduce vibrations, the leather grip Estwing. When I get mine, I'll post here and let you know if I feel the vibration. P.S. I'm pretty sure both of these guys in the video would've said something about vibrations if they were that bad. He did bring up the weight, so why not vibration? Interesting. Even more interesting is how there are mixed results from people who claim vibrations and those who don't. Who is lying? Who is telling the truth. I'll find out when I get mine. Heh! :) Either way, I like full tang for durability. I'm doubting vibration will be a big deal.
I’ve been running my leather handle estwing hatchet for 6 years, re sharpened dozens of times. A good feature of it is that since its one metal piece the handle won’t break with time, leaving you having to make a new handle in the woods is a pain. About the vibrations, oh yea I feel them but that’s just part of cutting wood it’s not supposed to feel like a pillow hahah.
@@runkorko Grow bigger muscles and quit bitching. Estwing is the only axe or hammer to own less then 500$.
I 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 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 acquired the smaller Fiskars Hatchet @ Sears for 25.00 around 8 years ago and money well spent.
Hey brother just want to let you know your videos are excellent the quality is unmatched you do such a great job at reviewing products you are going to be my go-to I think for things like this I hope you can basically find a review on all things survival bushcrafting and backpacking and I don't mean that short-term I mean long-term
Those boys are ready to plant the garden!
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
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.
Thanks for the review I just ordered the X11 for Motorcycle camping . I have a silky for cutting.. Cheers guys
Hope you enjoy it!
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
the fiskars x11 comes in two versions, yours, splitter other one same as the Gerber's. Great video!
Estwing, Have had mine for 20 years and love it.
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. Some times 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.
@@BigDave423 " 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.
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'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.
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.
Great vid, never expected Gerber to be so good
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.
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 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 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 have the Fiskers X7 and Estwing 24 hatchet and both are great but I love the Estwing USA quality. For something larger like you are testing I have the Wetterlings Bushmans axe which is fantastic for splitting with its wedge shape head. Out of the 3 on test here I would prefer the Estwing. In fact I am going to buy the black special edition which not only looks great but should be better protected from rust although I do keep my tools well maintained. Great video.
💯 good review !
I have had my gerber for almost 15 years and it's still my favorite!
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.
Awesome review. I would have to agree!
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.
The Fisker's full size splitting axe is awesome, swings like an axe, splits like a maul & no handle shock. Gerber hatchet & works great & has saw in handle
I have had the gerber for a couple years and it has performed great
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.
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
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
@@brandencoburn757 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.
I agree with your assessment of the three candidates. I'm spoiled & keep all three versions in my truck. My favorite hatchet/axe of all time is the Granfors Bruks Carpenter's Axe for the straight cutting edge & thin profile, if I feel the need for an axe/hatchet at all. My favorite pack loadout is one of three Silkyboy folding saws, a large knife like the Ontario RTAKII or Aurora Borealis Kodiak Chopper & a smaller thin blade belt knife. That said, I like switching the loadout because I'm a mechanical tool guy & like using them all!!! You should review & test the Kodiak.
I have the Fiskars and Estwing. Agree with your assessment.
Just bought the Gerber today! Was wondering pleased to watch this afterward.😊😊
Isn’t it great to see validation of your purchase?!
I'm getting the estwing for yard work. Very excited
I've had a couple of the Gerbers and they performed well for me, but read some reviews that when using the hammer side the head can come loose. I also like the Estwing which my grandson uses when he comes to visit. In any case, good review Aaron and thanks for the video.
Happened to just order the Gerber as it was available but x11 in short supply right now. All I read didnt note the small differences so thanks!
I have the longer axe style Eastwing and I can swing it a handful of times one handed . But I do swing a hammer for a living so I think that has helped me alot. I would love to have the hatchet version
Estwing found its way into my Search and Rescue gear. A bit heavier but this thing will never fail you.
Like my Plumb. Handle only 14" but wood and a nice feel. Had a friend with a saddle shop make a sheath for it. Prolly get the Gerber to toss in the RV
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
The Estwing Axe is my absolute favorite bush tool or even zombie apocalypse slash camping hiking etc..now that being said I agree 100 with Mike about it and I knew he was going to give the Estwing that exact review..that being said what I did with my Estwing when I first started using it 3 yrs ago..is I took a razor knife and sliced the rubberized handle down much slimmer and much more ergonomic for my hand grip..and I also took a whizzer to the back pummel and took about an inch thick of steel off of it..so I made it lighter and more stream line ..and now it's the absolute ultimate Campers Axe ever..btw it also came with an amazing leather sheath with a button snap closing strap..the tool is amazing..
Got the 17" Fiskars chopping Axe, not the splitter.. pretty sure it's the same as the Gerber in this video. Can't wait to start using it after I split some rounds with my x27. Great video 👍
Good video. I noticed that with the gerber when you were splitting it was the only one that had no deflections.
Great video,,I am starting a wood splitter service,but I have a eastwing and I love it .thank u
Awesome!!
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.
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.
Awesome versus video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would go with the Estwing Hatchet all day.
I lucked out stopping at a small general store to pick up some bait on a camping trip almost 30 years ago. In a closeout bin on the way to the register, there was an 17 in. Estwing riggers axe for only $10! I remembered I'd broken my hatchet on the previous trip & forgot to replace it. I think I've replaced every bit of camping/fishing kit since then, except the Estwing!
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
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).
Great video... I think I would go with the Estwing... I have a request I been looking on Ebay and Amazon and seen several budget survival knife. I know not all budget meet quality but I have can across quality budget knives and gear. Can you review some of these under $20.00 knives I know not everyone can afford knives over $20.00 other than a Mora just an example. Keep up the good work...
Years ago before youtube could tell me what is best and I was trying to figure it all out for my self I got an Eastwing thinking well if nothing else it won't break and I won't have to rehandle it.
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
Eastwing #1 love tbe eastwing they're one of my favorite real tool