I don't write many reviews but this little gem deserves one. Proudly made in the USA since 1923, this is the same fine tool your granddad bought, with the same high quality forging and rugged leather grip. Properly used and cared for it will stand up to several lifetimes of hard use. I recently bought a spare from Amazon and this review is based on that item.
A couple of observations/recommendations: I note one reviewer whose hatchet handle rotted. Well yeah. As these come from the factory the handle is given a glossy varnished finish and the stacked leather grip underneath is very dry. It looks nice when it's new but the varnish will crack and chip with use, and then the grip will absorb water like a sponge, ruining the leather. Thus, knowledgable sportsmen have long looked fondly on that glossy factory finish and then taken a couple of sheets of 100-grit sandpaper and sanded it off. Mask off the metal part of the shaft of the handle, no point in scratching that up, but do round off the sharp edge of the metal washer at the base of the handle to make it more comfortable in use. Be sure to get all the varnish off, the leather underneath will look almost white when you're done sanding. 100 grit is fine, there's no need to finish with finer grades.
Then get a bottle of Fiebing's Neatsfoot Oil (available at Amazon!) and rub it in. If you didn't get all the varnish off you'll immediately notice light spots where the oil isn't soaking in, stop and sand those off. You'll be amazed at how much oil that leather grip will absorb, my new one has taken at least an ounce of oil and it's still sucking it up. It will take several applications over several days to do a thorough job -- the idea is to completely saturate the leather grip -- just slather it on with a fingertip at first and then rub it in after a couple of days' applications. Put some on the sturdy leather sheath they provide while you're at it. The neatsfoot will give the grip a nice antique brown finish and a slightly sticky, non-slip feel, and once the grip is thoroughly saturated it will be nearly impervious to the elements *forever*. I have hunting knives and another old Estwing hatchet that were given this treatment by my dad and grandfather before I was born -- that was a long time ago -- the grips have turned black over the years but they're still as sound as the day they were made and they've seen a lot of weather over the years.
Then get a Lansky "puck" dual grit sharpener (also available at Amazon!) and sharpen the blade. They come dull, probably for product liability reasons it will only be as sharp as you're capable of making it, but it will take a fine edge with a little effort. Then avoid chopping it into the ground, rocks, or what have you -- it will take you several patient hours to put the initial edge on the blade and all that effort will be wasted if you whack it against a rock. The blade should never touch anything but the wood it's made to cut.
Learn to split kindling safely by taking a 1-2' piece of wood 2-3" in diameter, holding it by one end pointed away from you and resting the other end parallel to the ground across a larger piece of wood. Split the far end by chopping through it sideways into the chopping block and then giving the hatchet and the wood a deft twist to split it lengthwise (a glove on your off-hand isn't a bad idea). Repeat with each half until you have enough kindling. Whatever you do, don't try to hold a piece of kindling on end and split it lengthwise lumberjack-style, that's a good way to lose a finger or chop yourself in the knee.
Guys, this is a tool every manly man should treat himself to and learn to use! There's darn few things in this world that are the same high quality they were 90 years ago but this is one of them.
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From the manufacturer
Outdoor Tools Built to Last
Estwing has a long tradition of making quality striking tools for the outdoors. Estwing Axes made in the 1940’s have been passed down through generations and can still be found in use today.
- Forged in One Piece
- Tempered for Strength
- Lacquered Leather Grip
Estwing Sportsman's Axe
The choice of outdoorsmen everywhere.
At Estwing we have a passion for making the finest American-made outdoor tools. For over 90 years we have been making tools for the outdoorsman. You can see that passion in each tool, from the beautiful genuine leather grips to our hand polished blades, these tools are made to last. The world famous Sportsman's Axes are the choice of outdoorsmen everywhere.
- Forged Using the Finest Tool Grade Steel
- Hand Sharpened and Polished
- Proudly Made in the USA
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Attention to DetailThe Sportsman Axe stands out from the crowd with its hand polished head and neck. |
Form Meets FunctionThe beautiful genuine leather grips are sanded and lacquered for durable, long lasting finish. |
Forged PerfectionEstwing axes are drop-forged in one piece, creating the most durable, long lasting outdoor tools on the market. |
Safety for You and Your ToolOur Sportsman's Axes come equipped with a durable nylon sheath for added protection. |
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| Estwing E14A 12" Sportsman's Axe with Leather Grip & Nylon Sheath | Estwing EO-25A 14" Camper's Axe with Black Finish & Orange Shock Reduction Grip | Estwing E44A 16" Camper's Axe - All Steel with Shock Reduction Grip | Estwing E45A 26-Inch Camper's Axe-All Steel with Shock Reduction Grip | |
| Customer Reviews |
6,639
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1,676
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| Price | $53.40 | $34.99 | $54.99 | $51.99 |
| Grip Type | Genuine Leather Grip | Shock Reduction Grip | Shock Reduction Grip | Shock Reduction Grip |
| Finish Type | Hand Polished Steel | Powder Coat | Hand Polished Steel | Hand Polished Steel |
| Overall Length | 12 Inches | 14 Inches | 16 Inches | 26 Inches |
| Forged in the USA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Videos
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Review Of Estwing Sportsman's Axe After Lots Of Use
Kael
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My take on what makes these axes tick!
Costa Family Reviews
Reviews with images
ESTWING AXES & HATCHETS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
ESTWING brand of axes and hatchets have been made in USA for over 100 years. All ESTWING products are high-quality and priced accordingly. I own the full size ESTWING axe, the 16 inch Campers Axe, and decided to buy their 14 inch ESTWING SPORTSMAN'S HATCHET. A sturdy heavy-duty nylon cover with a belt loop to carry and protect the blade. This SPORTSMAN'S Hatchet is ideal for light camping use, but can very easily chopped down small trees. A fellow camper friend owned one and let me use it when last out camping. Ideal size for backpackers, hikers, day campers, etc. to hitch on your belt along with your fixed blade knife. My friend told me he was out hiking and got too far from his base camp when starting to get dark. He used his ESTWING Sportsman's Hatchet to chop down small trees to build a "lean-to" for shelter at night. He told me that his SPORTSMAN'S Hatchet made fast work for that chore. Best thing about this Sportsman's Hatchet (and all Estwing axes) they are made of one piece quality steel with no chance of breaking handle from cutting axe. BOTTOM LINE: If you want a high-quality product to last you a lifetime, then ESTWING is the brand to buy.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
Color: Leather-special EditionSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
ESTWING AXES & HATCHETS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
ESTWING brand of axes and hatchets have been made in USA for over 100 years. All ESTWING products are high-quality and priced accordingly. I own the full size ESTWING axe, the 16 inch Campers Axe, and decided to buy their 14 inch ESTWING SPORTSMAN'S HATCHET. A sturdy heavy-duty nylon cover with a belt loop to carry and protect the blade. This SPORTSMAN'S Hatchet is ideal for light camping use, but can very easily chopped down small trees. A fellow camper friend owned one and let me use it when last out camping. Ideal size for backpackers, hikers, day campers, etc. to hitch on your belt along with your fixed blade knife. My friend told me he was out hiking and got too far from his base camp when starting to get dark. He used his ESTWING Sportsman's Hatchet to chop down small trees to build a "lean-to" for shelter at night. He told me that his SPORTSMAN'S Hatchet made fast work for that chore. Best thing about this Sportsman's Hatchet (and all Estwing axes) they are made of one piece quality steel with no chance of breaking handle from cutting axe. BOTTOM LINE: If you want a high-quality product to last you a lifetime, then ESTWING is the brand to buy.
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Very strong. Works well
Good quality.
Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2024Color: SheathSize: Fits AllStyle: HatchetVerified Purchase
Christian
¡Buena hacha!
Reviewed in Mexico on April 15, 2023Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Christian
Reviewed in Mexico on April 15, 2023
Images in this review
Joel
The enforcer
Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2023Color: LeatherSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Joel
Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2023
This Estwing comes with the lacquer finish over the leather wrap. I heard it may eventually crack allowing unwanted moisture to seep in, so the moment it arrived, I sanded every but of it off as suggested with sandpaper(youtube for instructions). I moisturized with mink oil(nestfoot is suggested everywhere so hopefully this wasn't a mistake on my behalf). The leather handle feels way better than the lacquer and gives perfect grip on a bare hand.. wirh that said, the metal butt did cause a hot spot on my hand after doing this 15 min job. A leather glove may be the way to go. In Canada, this cost me $70 which is a steep price, but it's been tried, tested and true..and has a leather handle with a full metal body. Can't ask for more. It's worth the purchase if you're on the fence. In my opinion, Fiskar is just a bit more value for the money but without any sort of class, which this makes up for hands down.
Images in this review
Don Ardelian
Great Quality
Reviewed in Canada on August 19, 2021Color: LeatherSize: 12" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
Carbon
Great little hatchet
Reviewed in Canada on August 13, 2021Color: Leather-special EditionSize: 14" (Inches)Style: HatchetVerified Purchase
