This is what a review should look like. I have used this same model for 15 years and it's a great tool. It's so frustrating that most of the CZcams reviews on this hatchet are from people who clearly just bought it, they chop one stick in half with it, and then regurgitate the same supposed pros and cons they've heard from others. In fact, it seems like most 'reviews' of anything are like that nowadays. I don't want to hear from someone who just opened the box, I want to hear from someone who has actually used the damn thing.
Thanks David! I agree. That’s what I want this series to be. Not only a review of the tool, but an understanding of my relationship with it. This tool is almost a character in my life, and I have many other tools that have become that over the years as well. Have a look at my most recent episode where I go deep about my Swiss Army knife czcams.com/video/emtjUweOdJk/video.html Thanks for watching. I plan on making many more videos like this one!
My dad bought me one when I was 12 I believe and the other day he asked me how glad I was to have that thing and it has been a faithful companion to say the least
Just bought this beauty a couple of weeks ago, and I really like it. If anything, it works wonders on stress relief / anger management ;-) Great review 👍
I have had mine for about 5 years now... I have always had Estwing hammers 🔨, but I love my axe 🪓! I now have the other two larger sizes. You are so right about the edge... it gets beat up easy but sharpens just as quick! Yes please to the sheath video! I bought mine used with no sheath. I dabble in kydex, but I think it deserves a well designed leather one!
Not trying to 1 up you but I got the smaller model in 1967 still got it I use it constantly around the ranch to this day. Re stitched the sheath many times love it. I have the same model as your but like the smaller 1 best
Awesome video, dude! For sure your best one yet! I like how One Tool Wednesday looks at tools more in depth than 5 Tool Tuesday (although I'm a fan of that series too).
Hello Ira, Nice video. I agree these are exceptional tools. My journey is different. I have an Estwing hammer with grip deteriorating. I restored the grip and then restored several Estwing leather gripped tools. I did one axe like this for a friend, one for my son, and several other hammers, axes. I'm learning as I go, but happy with the results. Elegant tools worth saving.
@@irapelletier5506 initially I made rectangle washers and then sanded them on a belt sander after fitting on the shaft. The butt plate is attached by peening the little stubs that stick through it.Then I dip twice in lacquer. I was fortunate to get some washers from Estwing which are thicker and pre drilled. Either way, the results are very nice. I don't know how to post pictures on this format, but I'd be happy to share some photos of what I've done.
You buy a tool and it last for 30 years and still going through heavy use is all the advertising a tool needs. I work industrial maintenance and I’ve got tools coming up on that mark. Something last that long and you know you made a good buy.
Ira I was worried that I messed up the edge on mine sharpening it. Used a file to start then stones. After watching this video and hearing your stories i’ve realized it’s almost impossible to ruin! thank you for this brother
Nice! Ya those axes are so great! I mean I do have a sentimental connection so I am a bit biased, but they are awesome in my opinion! I’ll do an old vs new as long as Cohen let’s me use his for the video!
Hey guys, I’m hearing you loud and clear! I’ve got a few other things on the go, but I’ll get to this video for sure! Thanks for watching and giving me your input!
30 years? I literally got mine about 3 weeks ago. Love it! Took 2 hours of scrubbing with Clorox wipes, and hot soap & water to get the glue residue off of the upper portion of the hatchet; after I took both labels off. Yeah, not happy about that.
I see you have the same problem as I do. A lefty with right handed tools! Ha ha! Great video I have two Estwing hatchets and I really like them. ATB Sam Adler from Vietnam
@@irapelletier5506 you’ll have a blast. The handle takes a little bit of a beating if you miss but it’s full tang so the worse that can happen is the stacked leather can break in certain places . That’s why I bought two. I have one just for chopping and admiring haha! I put some electric tape around the handle on the one I throw just to protect it some. It always sticks. That rascal is sharp! Such a boss hatchet for the money. Gorgeous
@@411Outdoors Agree my friend! I bought one for my son when he turned 11, and we go out and throw the tomahawk all the time. never thought of bringing the Estwings!
@@irapelletier5506 sweet! You’ll love it. I subbed your channel. You seem like a great guy with some great tutorials. I started my channel about 4 months back. Really enjoying it all🙂.
Nice to know I am not the only one out there with a estwing sportsman hatchet which I bought in 1980 Sealth is long gone. Didn’t realize it until I return from a camping trip in the late 80’s. Some friends don’t care about other peoples tools
Hey thanks Michael! That’s a good question. I’ve seen a couple videos on CZcams about that process. I do have an old estwing hammer that desperately needs restoration, so maybe I will do a video on that one day! Thanks for watching!
@@irapelletier5506 Would you be interested in making a custom sheath for me ? If so , how can I send you pictures of the knife and a similar sheath for you to copy ?
@@irapelletier5506 , thanks , sending shortly , two knives , two sheaths , 1 to 2 external pockets on each sheath .1 right side up as in the picture , the other opposite opening from the bottom , fairly large for sharpening, and other stuff . also not folded , use 2 pieces of leather with an edge spacer , 1 fold over snap on opposite side of blade edge as they both have above and below the blade , thanks , let me know pricing and shipping as well . Time frame is not a rush , several months is ok if you need the time . Tom Stone
most people say you cant beat a mora and a saw i say green river knife and a estwng camp hatchet nad youre golden pony boy the blade son most saws are disposible
This is what a review should look like. I have used this same model for 15 years and it's a great tool. It's so frustrating that most of the CZcams reviews on this hatchet are from people who clearly just bought it, they chop one stick in half with it, and then regurgitate the same supposed pros and cons they've heard from others. In fact, it seems like most 'reviews' of anything are like that nowadays. I don't want to hear from someone who just opened the box, I want to hear from someone who has actually used the damn thing.
Thanks David! I agree. That’s what I want this series to be. Not only a review of the tool, but an understanding of my relationship with it. This tool is almost a character in my life, and I have many other tools that have become that over the years as well. Have a look at my most recent episode where I go deep about my Swiss Army knife czcams.com/video/emtjUweOdJk/video.html
Thanks for watching. I plan on making many more videos like this one!
You are very correct!!!
Thank you for the kind words!
My dad bought me one when I was 12 I believe and the other day he asked me how glad I was to have that thing and it has been a faithful companion to say the least
Just bought this beauty a couple of weeks ago, and I really like it. If anything, it works wonders on stress relief / anger management ;-)
Great review 👍
Had mine over 20 years!!! Excellent tool!!!
I love it!
Hey Ira, when i choke up on mine i just put on a good fitting quality leather work glove and I have No problems at all, even doing fine work.
What a great tool with so much history! Also, I’m glad to own one of your spoons! I use it everyday in my workshop when I make coffee.
Dirk that makes me very happy!!!
I have had mine for about 5 years now... I have always had Estwing hammers 🔨, but I love my axe 🪓! I now have the other two larger sizes. You are so right about the edge... it gets beat up easy but sharpens just as quick! Yes please to the sheath video! I bought mine used with no sheath. I dabble in kydex, but I think it deserves a well designed leather one!
Don’t know when I’ll get a chance to do a video again, but I’ll do my best to do an axe mask tutorial
I was doing research on this baby axe and as a result, I am subscribing to your channel. Well done.
Thank you friend!
It's an underrated little hatchet. I've had mine for years and out of all the hatchets I have, it's always my go to.
Such a handy tool! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for such a fun and informative video review of this axe.
Hey Thank you for your kind words! its my pleasure.
Not trying to 1 up you but I got the smaller model in 1967 still got it I use it constantly around the ranch to this day. Re stitched the sheath many times love it. I have the same model as your but like the smaller 1 best
So glad I saw this video
Great video Ira,I remember tooling around your back yard with that axe! Man those were the days. Love the new subscribe reminder and the intro!
Thanks buddy! Would you believe I hit that sign the first try?
Just got mine shipped to me today. Hopefully I'm still alive 30 years from now to make a review of it. :D
Awesome video, dude! For sure your best one yet! I like how One Tool Wednesday looks at tools more in depth than 5 Tool Tuesday (although I'm a fan of that series too).
Thanks my friend!!! Yeah it’s nice to get a chance to go deep with one tool.
Any thoughts on a leather tool episode?
I have had that same axe for 44 years. I dontI care what they say. I won't give it up. It goes on every camping trip.
Hey, you got a few years on me with it! Glad it’s still holding up!
Hello Ira,
Nice video. I agree these are exceptional tools. My journey is different. I have an Estwing hammer with grip deteriorating. I restored the grip and then restored several Estwing leather gripped tools. I did one axe like this for a friend, one for my son, and several other hammers, axes. I'm learning as I go, but happy with the results. Elegant tools worth saving.
Very cool! How did you restore the handles?
@@irapelletier5506 initially I made rectangle washers and then sanded them on a belt sander after fitting on the shaft. The butt plate is attached by peening the little stubs that stick through it.Then I dip twice in lacquer. I was fortunate to get some washers from Estwing which are thicker and pre drilled. Either way, the results are very nice. I don't know how to post pictures on this format, but I'd be happy to share some photos of what I've done.
You buy a tool and it last for 30 years and still going through heavy use is all the advertising a tool needs. I work industrial maintenance and I’ve got tools coming up on that mark. Something last that long and you know you made a good buy.
Ira I was worried that I messed up the edge on mine sharpening it. Used a file to start then stones. After watching this video and hearing your stories i’ve realized it’s almost impossible to ruin! thank you for this brother
Of course my friend! I also have a video on sharpening knives that will apply to your axe as well! Cheers!
@@irapelletier5506 thank you brother!! i’m gonna watch!!
@@jaredleland6667 I’ll be posting an axe restoration video next week as well, in case you are interested
@@irapelletier5506 I cant wait to see it! i’m a fan brother
Thanks man! It will be up on Wednesday morning bright and early!
Good stuff thank you!
I just got mine back from dad in the summer. Mines still going strong too. I would love to see an old vs new review and see how the new ones are.
Nice! Ya those axes are so great! I mean I do have a sentimental connection so I am a bit biased, but they are awesome in my opinion! I’ll do an old vs new as long as Cohen let’s me use his for the video!
@@irapelletier5506 that's amazing you got him one as well! I love it.
How could my oldest boy turn 11 without one???
I love my Estwing tools ! You might rap the neck of your hatchet with hockey tap ! I use that on several of my tools . 👍👍👍
Would love to see a new sheath design. I hace the same axe and definitely could use that
Hey Shawn, its in the works for sure! Probably in about a month or so!
@@irapelletier5506 I second this request
Hey guys, I’m hearing you loud and clear! I’ve got a few other things on the go, but I’ll get to this video for sure! Thanks for watching and giving me your input!
Nice video, I brought the 14" one so excited for it to arrive
Thank you! It’s a great axe!
I bet a bunch of handlebar tape and/or some Wilson wrap could really help with grip and comfort up on the neck of that puppy
Hey thanks for the tip, I never thought of that!
30 years? I literally got mine about 3 weeks ago. Love it!
Took 2 hours of scrubbing with Clorox wipes, and hot soap & water to get the glue residue off of the upper portion of the hatchet; after I took both labels off. Yeah, not happy about that.
Hey, yeah it’s a great tool! The glue sucks, but it comes off naturally after about 30 years lol!
Nail polish remover (acetone) gets it off very quick.
@@joestavish823
Didn't try that. Thanks for the info. 👍
Thanks for the tip!
A heat gun will also help you remove those stickers.
I'd like to see the new sheath design.
I’ll try and do that video in the next few months!
What about using a tennis handle tape wrap to give something to grip on?
That’s a really good idea! I think I have some bar tape for my road bike somewhere too, that might work!
Great video!
Thanks!!!!
I actually had to replace mine. The first one was stolen. It really irritates me that I can't find a new 14" with a blue handle.
Old vs New? Yes please.
Hey awesome! I’ll be doing a couple follow up videos for this one including making a new sheath, and comparing the old vs new!
Cheers!
great review!
Thank you so much!!!
I see you have the same problem as I do. A lefty with right handed tools! Ha ha! Great video I have two Estwing hatchets and I really like them.
ATB Sam Adler from Vietnam
Ya it’s a problem for sure! I’ve gotten pretty good at modifying blades to suit my handedness!
You've heard people complain
that the steel isn't quite as hard ?
... As hard as what ?
Thank you.
As other axes made from different steel
I absolutely love the Estwing Sportsman Axe. Throws beautifully. Went out and bought two haha
That’s amazing! The one thing I haven’t done with it is throwing. I’ll take it out to the woods and give it a try!
@@irapelletier5506 you’ll have a blast. The handle takes a little bit of a beating if you miss but it’s full tang so the worse that can happen is the stacked leather can break in certain places . That’s why I bought two. I have one just for chopping and admiring haha! I put some electric tape around the handle on the one I throw just to protect it some. It always sticks. That rascal is sharp! Such a boss hatchet for the money. Gorgeous
@@411Outdoors Agree my friend! I bought one for my son when he turned 11, and we go out and throw the tomahawk all the time. never thought of bringing the Estwings!
@@irapelletier5506 sweet! You’ll love it. I subbed your channel. You seem like a great guy with some great tutorials. I started my channel about 4 months back. Really enjoying it all🙂.
@@411Outdoors Thanks buddy, really appreciate it! Sweet, ill check out your channel today!
Reach out to Estwing. They probably love to hear this.
You know I did, but I only heard crickets back
What kind of sharpener did you use on your hatchet in the video around 5:45 mark
Nice to know I am not the only one out there with a estwing sportsman hatchet which I bought in 1980 Sealth is long gone. Didn’t realize it until I return from a camping trip in the late 80’s. Some friends don’t care about other peoples tools
Gotta keep an eye on those friends of yours! It’s a great tool, and it will always have a place on my wall. Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoy your videos. I have one of these and the leather on the handle is coming apart. Any idea how to replace?
Hey thanks Michael! That’s a good question. I’ve seen a couple videos on CZcams about that process. I do have an old estwing hammer that desperately needs restoration, so maybe I will do a video on that one day!
Thanks for watching!
I love axes, too. Do you hunt with your axe, too?
Hey Positive Pete! The only hunting I’ve done has been hunting rabbits with a long bow, but I had it with me the whole time!!!
Have you made a sheath yet??
No sorry, I am in transition at the moment. Building my shop outside the house, and renovating the down stairs
What is "pearacord"???
It’s a robust cord, often used in bushcraft.
@@irapelletier5506 no, that is paracord. They said "pearacord".
I have two, one is so old I retired it
Make a new sheath
It’s on the list!
@@irapelletier5506 I just picked one up from a garage sale for 10$ in fairly good shape with the leather sheath Great Video!
@@jays6.021 hey thanks so much! You will love that axe!
Do you do custom leatherwork like making a knife sheath ?
Sure do!
@@irapelletier5506 Would you be interested in making a custom sheath for me ?
If so , how can I send you pictures of the knife and a similar sheath for you to copy ?
For sure! You can email me at pelletier.ira@gmail.com
@@irapelletier5506 , thanks , sending shortly , two knives , two sheaths , 1 to 2 external pockets on each sheath .1 right side up as in the picture , the other opposite opening from the bottom , fairly large for sharpening, and other stuff . also not folded , use 2 pieces of leather with an edge spacer , 1 fold over snap on opposite side of blade edge as they both have above and below the blade , thanks , let me know pricing and shipping as well .
Time frame is not a rush , several months is ok if you need the time .
Tom Stone
looks like you leave it outside
No I keep it inside with the rest of my axes
What’s the hat mean?
“Make camp not war” and the brand RSDK, nobody knows what it stands for! It’s a friends brand.
Can you come over and chop some wood for me???? Great vid!! Maybe I will get a Tomahawk ;)
For you? Any old time!
Why do people keep on calling it a AXE!!! ITS A HATCHET. A axe you swing with two hands, hatchet one hand.
most people say you cant beat a mora and a saw i say green river knife and a estwng camp hatchet nad youre golden pony boy the blade son most saws are disposible