Estwing – Axeing

Estwing E24A Sportsman’s Hatchet Review

chris — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:34:26 +0000

We tend to look at a whole bunch of factors when deciding to write a review here at axeing.org and the Estwing Sportsman’s Hatchet, model number E24A is deffinetly worth taking a closer look at.

This is really a beautiful tool. This American made full-tang steel hatchet is finished with a stacked leather handle and a thick lacquer polish, giving you an attractive, useful, and comfortable tool. A perfect camping hatchet, this lightweight piece is well balanced and will effortlessly split small logs for firewood or chop through bushes or branches.

These Estwing hatchets are a true classic, having been in circulation since the 1920’s with only minor adjustments and can surely last you many years with proper care. While Estwing no longer offers the hatchet with its original engraved leather sheath, you can still find it if purchased via outside alternatives.

If you are looking for an instrument that can stand up to all your backpacking, hiking, camping, or bushcraft needs, I’d say look no further! The Estwing Sportsman’s Hatchet is effective, affordable, and durable.

Key Specifications

Brand: Estwing
Model: Sportsman’s Hatchet with Metal Handle
Model Number: E24A
Overall Length: 14”
Cutting Edge: 3.25”
Steel Material: Forged Tool Steel
Grip Material: Genuine Stacked Leather
Overall Weight: 24 oz.
Sheath: Original: Leather with Snap Closure / Replacement: Black Nylon

Features

The E24A Sportsman’s Hatchet by Estwing boasts great features, including it’s full tang steel and attractive leather grip. The type of steel is not disclosed, but Estwing describes it as “tool steel”. It is made in the USA and the grip is comprised of stacked genuine leather ringlets, which are sanded and then finished with a lustrous polish for maximum comfortability.

The ergonomic handle is specially designed with a wider end at the bottom of the handle to prevent slippage when using. Because this is a full-tang piece of metal, it can offer a slightly thinner cutting edge that widens out to a blunt end, making it ideal for splitting. The edge itself comes fairly sharp from the factory, but depending on your particular needs, it could use a sharpening.

A leather crafted sheath featuring an engraved image of oak leaves and acorns is was included with the original purchases and can still be found via Amazon and similar marketplaces, however, it seems it is no longer offered directly through Estwing. Instead, they offer a snug black nylon sheath that is not nearly as attractive, but may prove more effective for carry and durability.

The original sheath slid over the handle and then snapped around the blade, which is useful for hammering without removing the sheath, but incredibly annoying if you favor easy release and carry options. In regards to performance, this hatchet is excellent for basic camping, home improvement projects, bush work, and similar outdoor work. Because of its affordable price, this is perfect for someone on a budget, or as an entry-level hatchet for the aspiring outdoorsman.

Keep in mind, there are a few cons to this hatchet like it’s limited shock absorbency, which can prove to be damaging if used frequently, and its original sheath. If you only plan to use this hatchet for the occasional camping trip, repair project, or seasonal wood splitting, I highly recommend it.

Wrap Up
Overall, this tool is great. It’s well balanced, it’s handsome, it’s durable, it’s effective, and it’s lightweight and easy to handle. Woodcrafters and those who wish to do detailed woodwork should avoid this one, but if you are looking for an axe to include in your survival pack, this is it. It will split and chop small chunks of wood effortlessly, perfect for firewood.

The blunt, hammerhead end will help drive stakes or wood spikes into the ground with ease. Estwing has been making this hatchet almost since their inception with very little changes to it over time, which certainly attests to its dependability and resilience. The Estwing Sportsman’s Hatchet is 14 inches of full-tang steel wrapped with a comfortable, stacked leather grip and it’s available at popular retailers for an affordable price.

Also remember that, it is not a wooden handle and thus does not have the same shock absorbency as a wooden handle would, but again if you use this sparingly, you will not experience any lasting damage. Definitely a must-have for the avid camper and outdoorsman!

Estwing EBTA 27-Ounce Tomahawk Axe Review

chris — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:54:04 +0000

This is a review of the Estwing EBTA Black Eagle 27 oz. Tomahawk. Let me begin by stating that Estwing products are known to be heavy-duty, and this tactical tomahawk is just that, plus it includes the shock resistant grip welded to the handle.

Proudly made in the USA and drop forged out of one solid piece of steel, the Black Eagle is perfect for outdoorsmen, professionals, and military teams alike. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and it is perfectly balanced for precision control. Don’t let it’s size fool you, however, this Tomahawk style axe is not only physically powerful but also versatile; it can be used for breaching, cutting, digging, excavation, extraction operations, and more.

It includes a nylon sheath, which, while not being very practical because it does not offer an attachment for your belt, does offer satisfactory protection for the blade during storage and carry. I’ve outlined important stats and information below.

Key Specifications

Brand: Estwing
Model: EBTA Black Eagle Tomahawk
Overall Length: 16.25”
Handle Length: 8”
Cutting Edge: 5.5”
Steel Material: 1055 Carbon Steel
Handle Material: Nylon Vinyl
Overall Weight: 27 oz.
Sheath: Nylon

Features

American-made Black Eagle tomahawk axes by Estwing are impeccably precise and made to last. Now, the sheath is not great for attaching to a belt and it doesn’t offer the ability to quickly remove the tool, which does diminish its practicality, but that’s just the sheath. I’d recommend finding or making one that has a snugger fit and easy release option, plus a belt or vest attachment.

The tool itself, however, is formidable. I’d like to point out the unique hole-in-the-head design that it sports, which offers users a lighter head and quicker strokes. As I mentioned above, the axe is forged out of one piece of 1055 carbon steel and has Estwing’s famous patented shock resistant handle grip permanently fixed to the end.

It is brilliantly embossed with the Estwing logo on the handle that, combined with the lustrous black finish, gives this tool an attractive and appealing look. The tomahawk has a traditional spade head with spike end, but what is so notable about this end is its strength. It has phenomenal penetration abilities, but its most remarkable quality is its capacity to smash even the toughest materials. It will go cleanly through cinder blocks, metal, plywood, and more!

While not so efficient in traditional lumber chopping or splitting wood cleanly, this axe is great for breaching and breaking down materials, as well as for throwing, hacking, digging, hammering and more. The head of the axe offers a hooked area between the head and handle, which gives you grappling and hooking abilities.

Wrap Up

For such an inexpensive product, you really get your money’s worth with this tactical axe! It is a useful addition to your tool bag or kit and can definitely take on whatever you put in its way. I’ve seen some complaints that the blade isn’t as sharp as desired when first purchased, so keep an eye out for that; it might need some sharpening to get it to your liking.

Overall, I would say this is an exceptional tool. It is powerful beyond belief, strong, and ultra light. This axe weighs out to just under two pounds but rest assured it is robust enough to smash through harsh materials. If you are more interested in throwing, you may find this axe to be noticeably more challenging than most but for tactical purposes, it will exceed your expectations.

The full tang 1055 drop forged carbon American steel plus the shock absorbent grip that reduces vibration up to 70% makes this product extraordinary and easy to handle. Estwing really did a superb job with the EBTA Black Eagle Tomahawk.