I've had the X7 for years now and have had zero issues. I think it comes down to preference. I'm sure I'd like the Estwing too for the tasks I use the X7 for.
Huge Fiskars fan, X7 is fantastic. Also can recommend the splitting axe, splitting maul (iso), and chopping axe. And the weed puller lol. Great products.
B Mobile Saw recently the episode "Aircraft Crashes" -- 2nd pilot chopped the window of a burning aircraft cockpit and the head of the axe flew off a wooden handle --- put a lot on my mind.
11:20 I have the longer X11 17" Fiskars axe like you showed, I wrapped the handle with a tennis racquet replacement grip and it's amazing. Night and day comfort and control.
My dad gave me the estwing 3 years ago when I left for natural resources college (Fish and Wildlife tech. and Forestry Tech.). The estwing is absolutely bombproof, however I find however it corrodes very easily but is deadly for butchering up game animals. The fiskars (series) is what the college supplies for most camps and is awesome when it comes to wood splitting and processing. Both are awesome pieces of kit!
To me it seems to really depend on what is included in your camping/survival kit, If you have a beefy Kabar becker then it would probably be better if you use the X7 since you can get more controlled precise chops with your knife. If you are rocking something that's more bushcraft orientated like a mora then it's probably best you have the Estwing just so you can have a precise chopper but still have splitting and felling capability.
@@thomasschafer7268 Saw recently the episode "Aircraft Crashes" -- 2nd pilot chopped the window of a burning aircraft cockpit and the head of the axe flew off a wooden handle --- put a lot on my mind. ))))
The Estwing is heavy, not sharp off the shelf. The Fiskars has a lifetime warranty, is light, razor sharp and the handle feels perfect ergonomically. It's possible to use the wrong tool for 45 years. Times have changed.
Love my estwing my dad gave me his from like 20 some years ago about 2 ish years ago for on of my boy scout summer camps it had some nicks and was missing a couple of the leather scales so made wood inserts and painted the handle in epoxy and then after the epoxy dried I paracord rapped the metal with paracord by just pretty much coiling it vary tight for about 2-3 layers of paracord then took it to my sharping stone and gave it quite acute angle it has been holding a very good edge so far the edge I put on it is very good for feather sticking and amateur carving
@@dirtysouthbushcraftandmma9784 its not great for bushcrafty woodwork stuff, that's the difference. It's designed to cut through wood and that's what it does very well, but it's not terribly precise. I swear by Fiskars for firewood etc. It's idiotproof.
If I have a choice I choose American made whenever possible. An extra $10 won’t break the bank and it supports American workers. That’s just my preference.
I wouldnt be too worried about Fiskars considering they own Gerber and Gerber still makes knives in Oregon... Fiskars also has a few offices in the US they employ a couple thousand Americans and they mostly specialize in the tools that are across the Gerber/ Fiskars line like most of the hatchets and axes.
If I don't like the way it performs as well, I could careless. I'm not going to use something that doesn't work as well just because of where it's made
I beleive the Estwing was designed to be used as a hunting hatchet, that can be used to dress larger game ( elk etc.) wheras the fiskars was.designed more as a pure chopping,splitting tool.
I would rather have full tang axe in the wilderness. If no full tang, I cannot mail the axe in to get replacement in the wild. 🤣 Even if at the house, how annoying to have to spend money and time to ship your axe to get replacement? Very. Estwing full tang axe is what I'd choose. Some will say that they will never be in the wild but a few years later some will go camping hundreds of miles from home, bring their axe, it breaks and that'd be huge annoyance. Get the Estwing and you don't have to worry.
You nailed it with one being a chopper and the other being a cutter. I inherited an eastwing and was amazed at how sharp I could make it. It broke the skin in my palm the full with of the blade. Sharp as a knife. I did buy it's bigger brother.
X7 is one of the best hatchets period regardless of price. The wedge shaped head just works better than the skinny cheeked profiles used by most companies these days. Chops great without ever getting hung up and obviously is a great splitter.
it's the main brand sold by my local bunnings. I picked up the x7 and the logsplitter as they were mind numbingly cheap. got home and checked reviews. . . turns out budget or not, fiskars is one of the most reliable brands out atm. most of my camping blades are now fiskars and not once have they even come close to letting me down. fucker holds its sharpness waaaaaaaaaay longer than any hatchet ive had previously. can't recommend the brand enough.
I have several Fiskars garden tools with the polymer and rubber grips that have all turned gummy and sticky after about 3-4 years. I have an Estwing framing hammer and masonry pick with the leather handles that are still in excellent shape after 40 years.
@@dirtysouthbushcraftandmma9784 Correction, my hands are Larger than most! The only gripe I have with the Estwing is the neck and how skinny it is. But pros and cons, I am just accustomed to handling something heavier and with a bigger head in my hand. Mine came with a leather sheet and I much prefer the vintage feel and look of the Estwing. For the money, the Fiskars feels cheap, but the Fiskars is fine too, a lot of people like it for the price. Plus I support AMERICAN MADE ALL THE WAY!!!!!
The real test is after afew sharpenings - also the full tang estwing will last for ever but the plastic of the X7 may crack,or the head loosen over the years( I love my Estwing tools).
We sell those same hatchets at the store I work at. I was wondering the other day how good those things are and if they are pieces of junk or not. This video popped up in my recommended, and for the price we were selling them at, I am impressed.
I wanted my Estwing Sportsmans axe to be my preferred hachet and I thought it would be when I got it, but it just does not perform as well for me as my Fiskar's, in chopping and splitting. Not as comfortable either. Just heavier and a better hammer. (obviously)
I have the estwing and love it all except for splitting because it tends to stick often. If the swedge were to start an inch or two closer to the edge it truly would be the perfect hatchet in my opinion. I don't have the fiskars as I just prefer the vintage, clean lines of the estwing but I can see how it would outperform the estwing in splitting. Great review as always!👍
Great detailed overview I have both and right off the shelf, the Fiskars seems sharper, but the steel seems a bit softer than the Estwing. It may be due to the style of head or for what I generally use it for; not precision tasks. The Estwing feels more "solid" as it's full metal, but I do like the flaired out handle on the Fiskars. Overall I use the Fiskars more for chopping and the Estwing for the detailed type work. But with some practice, I've gotten proficient with the Fiskars doing some detailed tasks.
Have both. Got the Fiskars a few months ago on sale for $20. Same as the one in the video. Not the all black version that's also around. All black doesn't have the cushion grip. Picked up the Estwing locally a couple days ago. Last one in stock. Have always wanted one. Also grabbed the larger Campers Ax at a different store. Again, last one in stock. Been using Estwing hammers for years. Mainly the 22oz framing but every hammer I've ever had from Estwing has served exceptionally well. Real tools made to last.
@@jimmylarge1148 My friend, I grew up in South East and South Central Alaska I'm 56yrs old, I have my dad's Estwing camp axe in the tool box of my pick up, and a smaller version under my back seat. My dad's axe has a bit of patina on it, but it's still rock solid.
I've had the Estwing for years. The weight and shape of the head can be really frustrating when trying to do those heavier tasks. I appreciate the comments about the hollow handle on the X7! That is the primary reason I haven't bought one. I've been suspicious of it's ability to hold up.
can't be re-handled, and they can and do break, regardless of what fiskars fanboys say. Imaigine liking plastic garbage over a traditional tool that's worked forever
Ok hipster, people who actually work, love "plastic garbage" because of its durability, zero maintenance, and how long it last, can't say the same about "leather handles" that you hipsters eat up.
I have an estwing ax that warped and chipped when I was cutting oak at my house. I was bummed. I just bought an X7 yesterday for my backpack. We'll see...
I own both. The Fiskars is a wood splitter. The Estwing is a chopper. Both are tough. My Estwing has the old blue- grey rubber handle, like on the old Estwing framing hammer. One tough tool. - Both get it done.
Estwing looks cool, but every time I've seen one in store, upon closer inspection, they just looked really poorly-made. I always want one, but the quality issues I see stop me from purchasing. On the other hand, I've have a Fiskars X27 splitting axe and it's a beast. At first glance, it looks cheap, because of all the plastic stuff, but it's built well. I'm looking into getting a smaller hatchet, so will probably get X7 tonight from Amazon.
By the way, I did get the X7 -- absolutely love it. Been using it to cut up stringy wood that fails to get split. That said... I also got myself an Estwing Welding Chipping Hammer (E3-WC) and it's freakin' awesome.
Fiskars is lightweight and has a good feel. Estwing is heavier but more rugged. The blade on my Fiskars takes a roll and a chip at times. I am not a fan of the plastic snap on sheath for the Fiskars. Could do to have a leather snap option. Less weight in my pack and the reality that it is not intended for felling trees makes me select the Fiskars for the pack; the Estwing for the main camp.
Old video but this interests me. I've admired the Fiskars/Gerber axes for some time, especially the larger models, but something about using the X7 as a pack/survival hatchet never sat well with me. Lately I've been comparing it to the 14" Estwing hatchet (the larger one with the blue synthetic grip) and I think the Estwings are better for this specific role for numerous reasons: - My pack hatchet will inevitably serve the role of a dual purpose wilderness/urban survival tool. This means I may need it's hammering capability to do things such as break glass or bend metal. With the Fiskars, any overstrike against hard or sharp materials may damage the haft. There's a factory warning against using the tool as a hammer (though it seems to hold up just fine for wooden wedges) and it's hammer poll geometry is small and poor overall. You also have the pronounced grip swell that makes it awkward to hold the axe in reverse to use the hammer. In general I find it useful to have a good hammer on hand. - Along the lines of urban survival there is also the possibility of needing the tool to cut through things like auto bodies or other sheet metal, or even chip through brick or concrete like the soldier who did this to escape a building under fire and is used as a testimonial by RMJ tomahawks. Doing something like this with the Fiskars would essentially ruin the tool, because you would have to completely regrind the scandi-like bevel to get it's performance back, and the wear-resistant stainless used would make the task doubly difficult. The relatively thin bit geometry of the Estwing and soft 1055 steel would be significantly easier to repair, as well as facilitate better performance against sheet metal and hard materials. - My survival hatchet obviously serves as a potential weapon option, and the Estwing is the clear winner here with it's long, wide, thin bit and low point of balance, making for a flesh slicing and skull biting weapon nearly the equal of purpose-built combat tomahawks. The steel haft will happily absorb the blow of a machete. - The Estwing is a safer hatchet because the geometry resists deflection. The Fiskars is the most deflection-prone design I've ever seen due to it's flat wedge shape. Most wood I cut in trail maintenance and for small camp fires comes in the form of dry, springy, uncooperative branches on dead trees low to the ground, and the short handled Fiskars X7 has always made me nervous for this kind of work. The Estwing has better geometry and balance for this type of wood cutting. - The Fiskars doesn't ride very well with my carry style. On the trail, I like to take my hatchet out and hang it from the sternum strap of my pack, both to counterbalance the pack as well as make the hatchet readily available for clearing trail debris. The spooky high balance of the X7 from which it draws it's incredible chopping efficiency causes it to basically flip upside down constantly when carried this way. The pronounced grip swell also prevents it from being smoothly drawn and placed from my universal hatchet and tomahawk holster (a loop of elastic cord threaded through large craft beads so the grip can "roll" through the loop without resistance). The Estwing carries much better, and also fits better in packs. Those are the main issues I've observed, not major but they favor the Estwing. The major drawback to the Estwing is that it's significantly heavier, and it's harder to find a nice straight one. Some may find it awkward to choke up on the handle for carving work but I don't find this to be an issue with my Estwing (the diamond profile of the smaller model might be worse). The larger Fiskars axes like the X10 and X15 are unbeatable camp axes though, it might not be possible to even buy more efficient wood processing axes at any price.
i love the estwing hammers and actually own one of the hammer / axe combos . i also own a true temper ( rocket ) hatchet that seems to be indestructible and have used it so much in the last 15 years that the rubber handle is getting quite worn . steel over plastic , any day of the year .
I also want to buy the Fiskar X7 in this video for it’s less maintenance against the elements for I mainly worry about the blade. I look amazon it shows me orange and black 50/50 and not like one in the video.
I grew up chopping wood. I've been chopping since middle school and before that I was using a hammer. The Fiskars is the superior product by far. I almost always buy USA but the Fiskars is one exception. And the part where the handle flanges out toward the hand actually generates additional torque toward the chop (BA in physics here). If you look at the edges there's also a difference: the Fiskars has a steep "v" cut edge where the Estwing has an edge similarto the top of the spade symbol ♤.
I’ve always used estwing hatchets and axes. But when I tried the fiskars, I sold them or gave away the estwings. They do not compare to the Fiskars. Fiskars X7, Silky Gomboy and a Mora knife is all you need in the backcountry.
I hear you but lifetime warrantees are a wash when it comes to tools like this. By the time you pay for shipping there and back it basically washes the warrantee out. I own both axes and yes the eastwing is more heavy duty...can't argue that but the Fiskers although light is a very good camp hatchet. It is easy to sharpen and it does everything I throw at it. One thing I like about the fiskers is the weight. Lifetime warrantees in most cases are a gimmick. Unless the product fails due to a qaulity or design flaw, companies will not warrant it. Read the fine print. With that said, I don't care what hatchet you use....if you abuse it and do things it wasn't designed to do it will not last. If I had to pick one....fiskers all the way.....price and weight are factors I look at.
Bought my Estwing 15~ years ago and put a more shallow grind on it with my belt sander and it has been a chopper and splitter since day one. Sharpened it with a stone maybe 2-3 times in that span. I have nothing but good to say about this guys, keep one in your trunk.
Yes I did, that’s why I said a not scientific test. Also, if it was only a stroke or two more, it wouldnt have been an obvious difference. About 10 more strokes shows that the X7 is a little better chopper.
I have both. My Fiskars is old and isn’t labeled X7. It’s a bit lighter than the X7 at 18.4 oz. Think the Fiskars is softer steel and will need resharpening sooner. What’s your experience?
Absolutely spot on conclusions. I have both also and concur with you. I have tied a leather lanyard to the Estwing handle and the flare keeps it in place. Here in the UK I picked up the X7 labelled as a Wilkinson Sword ( Fiskers bought the brand name) for £15 while the Estwing costs 3 times that but did have a leather sheath. Both are bomb proof. I use the Fiskers for chopping up old wood pallets for firewood so it gets very heavy use. The steel is very durable but easy to resharpen and takes a razor edge. The Estwing is used for bushcraft and again is durable and also takes a razor edge. The Estwing over here is a very popular carpentry tool for roughing out work and is a tool for life. I can personally recommend both.
Matt Australia Read again my comments. Do you know what bushcraft means? I use it as a crafting hatchet so am not taking wild swings with it. The swell at the end of the handle is very pronounced so using a thick leather thong tied tightly is safer than using no lanyard at all. I have been using this for years now and if the leather ever looks worn it is replaced. The lanyard leather is leather boot lace so is very durable anyway treated with Australian saddle wax to keep it supple. I use genuine 550 paracord on the Fiskers. I am paranoid about safety and know the triangle of death so I am always safe. I don’t use a chainsaw ether, I rely on hand tools.
Matt Australia Hi again, by flare I mean the handle is much thicker at the bottom so when you tie the lanyard further up the handle it does not slide off the end. I have done a similar thing with the Downunder Outback knife which also did not have a lanyard hole. I like a lanyard on all my larger cutting tools it adds a little extra safety.
I have both and love them. I hardly get to use them because I beat on a $10 red curved hatchet I bought several years ago and it’s my go to all the time!🤣
I've had both over the years. The Fiskars axe far out lasts the Estwing simply because of the handles. The varnish on the Estwing started cracking on mine after two years. The rivets on the bottom after three. Ironically, the cracked varnish provided a better grip, but murder on gloves. The X7 seems to be bomb proof. The lighter handle seems to allow a little more omph with the strike. The X7 is much more weather proof also. Though, that might change in extremely cold weather. Estwing as a cherished pack axe is superb, Fiskars is the chuck in the back of your pick-up, and forget about it till you need it, axe.
The other nice thing about the hollow fiskars handle is that a person can utilize that space for additional survival items....fire starter, fishing, cordage....what ever you want.
I own both these. The fiskars cuts better costs more but the estwing is full tang which gives some piece of mind against breaking. The sheath on the estwing in my opinion i prefer though. They are both kinda the same cause the fiskars sheath is flimsy. In the end i prefer the fiskars but like the look of the estwing
I have the fiskars decent geometry really easy to sharpen it’s a little soft but for the price not a bad hatchet but it’s no gransfors wildlife hatchet but if I want a gransfors it’s gonna cost like 5 or six times the fiskars. The Estwing always seemed heavy being full tang steel but I guess it would be impossible to break that handle.
I bought a Gerber this year because it’s lighter and she can handle it better... i was blown away how effective it is... I was expecting more gimicky but it’s unbelievably functional... thought the steel is a bit soft though
thank you! great video! I was going to go with the sportsman's, but because of your video, I'll be getting the Fiskars X7! (better for my needs) thanks!
Thanks for the show and tell about the Fiskers and the Est-wing hatchet's really cool but i like the Est-wing more it's all metal And that's what i have and use and it dose me very we'll
I have both, estwing is the best for hard use. The fiskars I have in a truck kit it's light weight. I have seen some of the heads come loose but I think it was over working the hatchet honestly.
Looks alone I’m buying the estwing. The fiskars looks like a solar store axe, I’m sorry. Not saying it’s bad, I know they preform well but I don’t like the look at all and that’s important for me. Gotta love the tools you use
Does anyone estwing hatchet have 2 pins sticking out the bottom the handle? I thought it’s all solid metal not a hollow possible handle. I say this because I went to Lowe’s today and back off buying it. Is that normal? I am taking about the leather one. I see the blue one with the rubber grip covering the handle completely so I don’t know that is the same like the leather. Please help.
The X7 is my go-to camp hatchet, because it cuts like a light saber and is easy to sharpen in camp. The estwing is my dedicated hunting hatchet, I like the head geometry and the belly edge to help break down large game. Thanks for the great comparison!
I just bought the Estman camper axe which is the same as the estman on here but it has a rubber grip. If you look closely at the handle of the Sportsman on the inner curve there is a point where the angle of the curve becomes a bit sharper. Your pinky should rest some where around that point. This is where you’ll feel the most balance in your tool. The idea here is to use the weight of the axe to chop. But this additional angle allows you to break you wrist into the cut for additional force. Call this the fulcrum point. The straight handle of the X7 can do the same thing but does not posses the fulcrum point of the Sportsman. IMO you were not using the fulcrum properly. Any time you use a tool you should examine the shape and try to understand the idea behind the design and why someone would engineer it in such a fashion. The X7 does look nice and I will probably end up buying that one too. Nice video.
I don’t get excited over handles made from synthetic material If you properly sharpen the estwing it will out perform and will be around in 50 years Don’t forget proper maintenance
According to the brand it won't. It isn't the type of polymer that cracks or shatters. It would bend and deform as would the plastic of z.87 rated polymer safety glasses.
I've had the X7 for years now and have had zero issues. I think it comes down to preference. I'm sure I'd like the Estwing too for the tasks I use the X7 for.
Huge Fiskars fan, X7 is fantastic. Also can recommend the splitting axe, splitting maul (iso), and chopping axe. And the weed puller lol. Great products.
B Mobile
Saw recently the episode "Aircraft Crashes" -- 2nd pilot chopped the window of a burning aircraft cockpit and the head of the axe flew off a wooden handle --- put a lot on my mind.
11:20 I have the longer X11 17" Fiskars axe like you showed, I wrapped the handle with a tennis racquet replacement grip and it's amazing. Night and day comfort and control.
My dad gave me the estwing 3 years ago when I left for natural resources college (Fish and Wildlife tech. and Forestry Tech.). The estwing is absolutely bombproof, however I find however it corrodes very easily but is deadly for butchering up game animals. The fiskars (series) is what the college supplies for most camps and is awesome when it comes to wood splitting and processing. Both are awesome pieces of kit!
You think the school furnished the X7 because it is cheaper?
To me it seems to really depend on what is included in your camping/survival kit, If you have a beefy Kabar becker then it would probably be better if you use the X7 since you can get more controlled precise chops with your knife. If you are rocking something that's more bushcraft orientated like a mora then it's probably best you have the Estwing just so you can have a precise chopper but still have splitting and felling capability.
I have had an Estwing for 45 years. So, I think I know which I would choose.
@@Rustyshackleford85 Not more? Fool
@@thomasschafer7268 only a fool calls another man a fool!
Exactly!
@@thomasschafer7268
Saw recently the episode "Aircraft Crashes" -- 2nd pilot chopped the window of a burning aircraft cockpit and the head of the axe flew off a wooden handle --- put a lot on my mind. ))))
The Estwing is heavy, not sharp off the shelf. The Fiskars has a lifetime warranty, is light, razor sharp and the handle feels perfect ergonomically. It's possible to use the wrong tool for 45 years. Times have changed.
I have the Estwing. Works great for my hunting needs.
Love my estwing my dad gave me his from like 20 some years ago about 2 ish years ago for on of my boy scout summer camps it had some nicks and was missing a couple of the leather scales so made wood inserts and painted the handle in epoxy and then after the epoxy dried I paracord rapped the metal with paracord by just pretty much coiling it vary tight for about 2-3 layers of paracord then took it to my sharping stone and gave it quite acute angle it has been holding a very good edge so far the edge I put on it is very good for feather sticking and amateur carving
Just looking at the geometry, I'm going to assume that one is a chopper and the other is a splitter.
The Fiskars does both better in my opinion
@@dirtysouthbushcraftandmma9784 its not great for bushcrafty woodwork stuff, that's the difference. It's designed to cut through wood and that's what it does very well, but it's not terribly precise.
I swear by Fiskars for firewood etc. It's idiotproof.
If I have a choice I choose American made whenever possible. An extra $10 won’t break the bank and it supports American workers. That’s just my preference.
I agree, but I wouldn't feel bad about giving a few dollars to Finland.
Neither are from China, so I'd consider each.
I wouldnt be too worried about Fiskars considering they own Gerber and Gerber still makes knives in Oregon... Fiskars also has a few offices in the US they employ a couple thousand Americans and they mostly specialize in the tools that are across the Gerber/ Fiskars line like most of the hatchets and axes.
Common Nuance that’s good to know. I have a few Gerber knives and fir the money they are well worth the buck.
If I don't like the way it performs as well, I could careless. I'm not going to use something that doesn't work as well just because of where it's made
What if I’m not American? I could care less where something is made!
I beleive the Estwing was designed to be used as a hunting hatchet, that can be used to dress larger game ( elk etc.) wheras the fiskars was.designed more as a pure chopping,splitting tool.
Matt Australia How do you repair a cracked or broken handle on the fiskars?
@@Matthew_Australia or claim under Fiskars replacement policy. Which is super good
@@Matthew_Australia Thanks for the info. I was thinking that you would have to fill the handle with some kind of epoxy.
@@Matthew_Australia I have to decide between these two in the video and the Silky Ono. I want it as a light, reliable bushcraft/survival hatchet.
I would rather have full tang axe in the wilderness. If no full tang, I cannot mail the axe in to get replacement in the wild. 🤣 Even if at the house, how annoying to have to spend money and time to ship your axe to get replacement? Very.
Estwing full tang axe is what I'd choose.
Some will say that they will never be in the wild but a few years later some will go camping hundreds of miles from home, bring their axe, it breaks and that'd be huge annoyance. Get the Estwing and you don't have to worry.
Definitely should have mentioned that the Fiskers is made in Finland, if someone didn't know they would probably assume its make in China.
Estwing USA
Yes, that should've been mentioned. That fact helped me decide to pay a little more for my Fiskars machete over a MIC one.
I heard the fiskers are now made in china not sure though.
Estwing 🇺🇸 Made. 👍
@@SmithWesson90 their axes are still made in Finland, unfortunately most of their other tools are made in Chine now.
Go Finland !
I don't know why but the sound of wood being chopped at 2:23 to 3:00 is quite hypnotic. Anyways great video as always!
I have the x7 and it works well. I like to put a small survival kit in the handle in a large zip lock freezer bag
Don't forget a few buds of weed.
You nailed it with one being a chopper and the other being a cutter. I inherited an eastwing and was amazed at how sharp I could make it. It broke the skin in my palm the full with of the blade. Sharp as a knife. I did buy it's bigger brother.
Estwing all day, no competition when you're done chopping it's fun to throw.
I use the Fiskars X10S and i can complete recommend the axe. Great Video! Thank you
Leather is nice for sure, but i made a kydex sheath with some leather accents, and no worries about upkeep or longevity
I have the old estwing that had the original leather sheath. Absolutely love the thing
X7 is one of the best hatchets period regardless of price. The wedge shaped head just works better than the skinny cheeked profiles used by most companies these days. Chops great without ever getting hung up and obviously is a great splitter.
it's the main brand sold by my local bunnings. I picked up the x7 and the logsplitter as they were mind numbingly cheap. got home and checked reviews. . . turns out budget or not, fiskars is one of the most reliable brands out atm. most of my camping blades are now fiskars and not once have they even come close to letting me down. fucker holds its sharpness waaaaaaaaaay longer than any hatchet ive had previously. can't recommend the brand enough.
I have several Fiskars garden tools with the polymer and rubber grips that have all turned gummy and sticky after about 3-4 years. I have an Estwing framing hammer and masonry pick with the leather handles that are still in excellent shape after 40 years.
I love the Estwing, feels better in my hand!
You just have a small hand then if you can do any comfortable choking up on that cold skinny narrow top portion of the handle.
@@dirtysouthbushcraftandmma9784 Correction, my hands are Larger than most! The only gripe I have with the Estwing is the neck and how skinny it is. But pros and cons, I am just accustomed to handling something heavier and with a bigger head in my hand. Mine came with a leather sheet and I much prefer the vintage feel and look of the Estwing. For the money, the Fiskars feels cheap, but the Fiskars is fine too, a lot of people like it for the price. Plus I support AMERICAN MADE ALL THE WAY!!!!!
@@adnanmaharaj324 I think I’m going to get me an Estwing too
Here's the test for those two hatchets which one is easier to haft a new handle if the original handle breaks
The real test is after afew sharpenings - also the full tang estwing will last for ever but the plastic of the X7 may crack,or the head loosen over the years( I love my Estwing tools).
Awesome fiskars x7 ... love mine .. had it last Christmas .. it’s fantastic axe ... cheers Chris & Sam
We sell those same hatchets at the store I work at. I was wondering the other day how good those things are and if they are pieces of junk or not. This video popped up in my recommended, and for the price we were selling them at, I am impressed.
The X7 is very easy to sharpen
A very simple bevel
I wanted my Estwing Sportsmans axe to be my preferred hachet and I thought it would be when I got it, but it just does not perform as well for me as my Fiskar's, in chopping and splitting. Not as comfortable either. Just heavier and a better hammer. (obviously)
I have the estwing and love it all except for splitting because it tends to stick often. If the swedge were to start an inch or two closer to the edge it truly would be the perfect hatchet in my opinion. I don't have the fiskars as I just prefer the vintage, clean lines of the estwing but I can see how it would outperform the estwing in splitting. Great review as always!👍
Great detailed overview
I have both and right off the shelf, the Fiskars seems sharper, but the steel seems a bit softer than the Estwing. It may be due to the style of head or for what I generally use it for; not precision tasks. The Estwing feels more "solid" as it's full metal, but I do like the flaired out handle on the Fiskars. Overall I use the Fiskars more for chopping and the Estwing for the detailed type work. But with some practice, I've gotten proficient with the Fiskars doing some detailed tasks.
I have used both.
Both do well for what they are made for.
Love seeing your children playing in the background.
have been looking at the Fiskar it is nice and lite but looking I see a split starting on top ?????
I’ve used the fiskars and I love it
Have both. Got the Fiskars a few months ago on sale for $20. Same as the one in the video. Not the all black version that's also around. All black doesn't have the cushion grip. Picked up the Estwing locally a couple days ago. Last one in stock. Have always wanted one. Also grabbed the larger Campers Ax at a different store. Again, last one in stock. Been using Estwing hammers for years. Mainly the 22oz framing but every hammer I've ever had from Estwing has served exceptionally well. Real tools made to last.
Both are great products, The Estwing is going to be completely bullet proof 🤠
No. The estwing handles de-laminate in not that long of use. Especially if it gets wet. Not cool.
@@jimmylarge1148 My friend, I grew up in South East and South Central Alaska
I'm 56yrs old, I have my dad's Estwing camp axe in the tool box of my pick up, and a smaller version under my back seat. My dad's axe has a bit of patina on it, but it's still rock solid.
Oh and by the way, it's got to be at least 45yrs. Old🤠
@@herbsmith6871 that’s awesome. My handle fell apart from my kid leaving it outside in the rain for like three days.
@@herbsmith6871 and by the way I’m not hating on them. They look sweet. That’s just my experience.
I've had the Estwing for years. The weight and shape of the head can be really frustrating when trying to do those heavier tasks. I appreciate the comments about the hollow handle on the X7! That is the primary reason I haven't bought one. I've been suspicious of it's ability to hold up.
can't be re-handled, and they can and do break, regardless of what fiskars fanboys say.
Imaigine liking plastic garbage over a traditional tool that's worked forever
Ok hipster, people who actually work, love "plastic garbage" because of its durability, zero maintenance, and how long it last, can't say the same about "leather handles" that you hipsters eat up.
Used an X7 on a 2 month excursion. Able to split 6-10 inch logs. Wrapped the neck with cord to help protect overstrikes. No complaints.
Have those and many others of both brands 3 eastwings and 4 fiskers. Tennessee
By far the best gear review channel. Thank you.
I have an estwing ax that warped and chipped when I was cutting oak at my house. I was bummed. I just bought an X7 yesterday for my backpack. We'll see...
I own both.
The Fiskars is a wood splitter.
The Estwing is a chopper.
Both are tough.
My Estwing has the old
blue- grey rubber handle,
like on the old Estwing
framing hammer.
One tough tool.
- Both get it done.
I just added the Estwing to my fire gear.
Estwing looks cool, but every time I've seen one in store, upon closer inspection, they just looked really poorly-made. I always want one, but the quality issues I see stop me from purchasing. On the other hand, I've have a Fiskars X27 splitting axe and it's a beast. At first glance, it looks cheap, because of all the plastic stuff, but it's built well. I'm looking into getting a smaller hatchet, so will probably get X7 tonight from Amazon.
By the way, I did get the X7 -- absolutely love it. Been using it to cut up stringy wood that fails to get split. That said... I also got myself an Estwing Welding Chipping Hammer (E3-WC) and it's freakin' awesome.
Fiskars is lightweight and has a good feel. Estwing is heavier but more rugged. The blade on my Fiskars takes a roll and a chip at times. I am not a fan of the plastic snap on sheath for the Fiskars. Could do to have a leather snap option. Less weight in my pack and the reality that it is not intended for felling trees makes me select the Fiskars for the pack; the Estwing for the main camp.
I got the Estwing! If by any crazy chance it comes into contact with fire! Plastic vs Steel is not fair!
Funny that the Estwing establishement is .5 miles from me. Love their products
Old video but this interests me. I've admired the Fiskars/Gerber axes for some time, especially the larger models, but something about using the X7 as a pack/survival hatchet never sat well with me. Lately I've been comparing it to the 14" Estwing hatchet (the larger one with the blue synthetic grip) and I think the Estwings are better for this specific role for numerous reasons:
- My pack hatchet will inevitably serve the role of a dual purpose wilderness/urban survival tool. This means I may need it's hammering capability to do things such as break glass or bend metal. With the Fiskars, any overstrike against hard or sharp materials may damage the haft. There's a factory warning against using the tool as a hammer (though it seems to hold up just fine for wooden wedges) and it's hammer poll geometry is small and poor overall. You also have the pronounced grip swell that makes it awkward to hold the axe in reverse to use the hammer. In general I find it useful to have a good hammer on hand.
- Along the lines of urban survival there is also the possibility of needing the tool to cut through things like auto bodies or other sheet metal, or even chip through brick or concrete like the soldier who did this to escape a building under fire and is used as a testimonial by RMJ tomahawks. Doing something like this with the Fiskars would essentially ruin the tool, because you would have to completely regrind the scandi-like bevel to get it's performance back, and the wear-resistant stainless used would make the task doubly difficult. The relatively thin bit geometry of the Estwing and soft 1055 steel would be significantly easier to repair, as well as facilitate better performance against sheet metal and hard materials.
- My survival hatchet obviously serves as a potential weapon option, and the Estwing is the clear winner here with it's long, wide, thin bit and low point of balance, making for a flesh slicing and skull biting weapon nearly the equal of purpose-built combat tomahawks. The steel haft will happily absorb the blow of a machete.
- The Estwing is a safer hatchet because the geometry resists deflection. The Fiskars is the most deflection-prone design I've ever seen due to it's flat wedge shape. Most wood I cut in trail maintenance and for small camp fires comes in the form of dry, springy, uncooperative branches on dead trees low to the ground, and the short handled Fiskars X7 has always made me nervous for this kind of work. The Estwing has better geometry and balance for this type of wood cutting.
- The Fiskars doesn't ride very well with my carry style. On the trail, I like to take my hatchet out and hang it from the sternum strap of my pack, both to counterbalance the pack as well as make the hatchet readily available for clearing trail debris. The spooky high balance of the X7 from which it draws it's incredible chopping efficiency causes it to basically flip upside down constantly when carried this way. The pronounced grip swell also prevents it from being smoothly drawn and placed from my universal hatchet and tomahawk holster (a loop of elastic cord threaded through large craft beads so the grip can "roll" through the loop without resistance). The Estwing carries much better, and also fits better in packs.
Those are the main issues I've observed, not major but they favor the Estwing. The major drawback to the Estwing is that it's significantly heavier, and it's harder to find a nice straight one. Some may find it awkward to choke up on the handle for carving work but I don't find this to be an issue with my Estwing (the diamond profile of the smaller model might be worse). The larger Fiskars axes like the X10 and X15 are unbeatable camp axes though, it might not be possible to even buy more efficient wood processing axes at any price.
i love the estwing hammers and actually own one of the hammer / axe combos . i also own a true temper ( rocket ) hatchet that seems to be indestructible and have used it so much in the last 15 years that the rubber handle is getting quite worn . steel over plastic , any day of the year .
Very interesting experiment. I bought the Fiskars several years ago based on your review. I have not been disappointed.
Definitely like the x7 more. I had one of their larger axes in the past and it held up for many years
The Eastwing is an axe, but the weight is distributed through the handle. Might be better for green wood.
I also want to buy the Fiskar X7 in this video for it’s less maintenance against the elements for I mainly worry about the blade. I look amazon it shows me orange and black 50/50 and not like one in the video.
He's just got electrical tape around the handle lol
I grew up chopping wood. I've been chopping since middle school and before that I was using a hammer. The Fiskars is the superior product by far. I almost always buy USA but the Fiskars is one exception. And the part where the handle flanges out toward the hand actually generates additional torque toward the chop (BA in physics here). If you look at the edges there's also a difference: the Fiskars has a steep "v" cut edge where the Estwing has an edge similarto the top of the spade symbol ♤.
love the X7, . I have found that tennis racquet grip is best for hatchets but will need to replace more frequent. Great review Aaron!
I’ve always used estwing hatchets and axes. But when I tried the fiskars, I sold them or gave away the estwings. They do not compare to the Fiskars. Fiskars X7, Silky Gomboy and a Mora knife is all you need in the backcountry.
completely agree.. exactly what i have,, X7, gomboy240, and companion spark
I'm not picky as long as it's not a wooden handle. I just happen to buy the eating first, and have had no reason for another hatchet since. I love it.
Fiskars gives a lifetime warranty. Estwing don't need a warranty.
You will lose an estwing before you break it
Absofuckinloutly
I hear you but lifetime warrantees are a wash when it comes to tools like this. By the time you pay for shipping there and back it basically washes the warrantee out. I own both axes and yes the eastwing is more heavy duty...can't argue that but the Fiskers although light is a very good camp hatchet. It is easy to sharpen and it does everything I throw at it. One thing I like about the fiskers is the weight. Lifetime warrantees in most cases are a gimmick. Unless the product fails due to a qaulity or design flaw, companies will not warrant it. Read the fine print. With that said, I don't care what hatchet you use....if you abuse it and do things it wasn't designed to do it will not last. If I had to pick one....fiskers all the way.....price and weight are factors I look at.
Lol
Bought my Estwing 15~ years ago and put a more shallow grind on it with my belt sander and it has been a chopper and splitter since day one. Sharpened it with a stone maybe 2-3 times in that span. I have nothing but good to say about this guys, keep one in your trunk.
I don’t enjoy using the fiskars, feels weird, but it does work surprisingly well. I’ll stick with my estwing thanks.
Did you consider that testing the Estwing AFTER you tested the Fiscars would affect the number of stokes it would take? (5:29)
Yes I did, that’s why I said a not scientific test. Also, if it was only a stroke or two more, it wouldnt have been an obvious difference. About 10 more strokes shows that the X7 is a little better chopper.
I have both. My Fiskars is old and isn’t labeled X7. It’s a bit lighter than the X7 at 18.4 oz. Think the Fiskars is softer steel and will need resharpening sooner. What’s your experience?
Yes with the standard V grind butt put a slight convex on it and the edge retention is very similar
Great! Thanks..
Absolutely spot on conclusions. I have both also and concur with you. I have tied a leather lanyard to the Estwing handle and the flare keeps it in place. Here in the UK I picked up the X7 labelled as a Wilkinson Sword ( Fiskers bought the brand name) for £15 while the Estwing costs 3 times that but did have a leather sheath. Both are bomb proof. I use the Fiskers for chopping up old wood pallets for firewood so it gets very heavy use. The steel is very durable but easy to resharpen and takes a razor edge. The Estwing is used for bushcraft and again is durable and also takes a razor edge. The Estwing over here is a very popular carpentry tool for roughing out work and is a tool for life. I can personally recommend both.
Matt Australia Read again my comments. Do you know what bushcraft means? I use it as a crafting hatchet so am not taking wild swings with it. The swell at the end of the handle is very pronounced so using a thick leather thong tied tightly is safer than using no lanyard at all. I have been using this for years now and if the leather ever looks worn it is replaced. The lanyard leather is leather boot lace so is very durable anyway treated with Australian saddle wax to keep it supple. I use genuine 550 paracord on the Fiskers. I am paranoid about safety and know the triangle of death so I am always safe. I don’t use a chainsaw ether, I rely on hand tools.
Matt Australia Hi again, by flare I mean the handle is much thicker at the bottom so when you tie the lanyard further up the handle it does not slide off the end. I have done a similar thing with the Downunder Outback knife which also did not have a lanyard hole. I like a lanyard on all my larger cutting tools it adds a little extra safety.
How come the picture on the handle shows not to use the hatchet to chop
I have both and love them. I hardly get to use them because I beat on a $10 red curved hatchet I bought several years ago and it’s my go to all the time!🤣
I found with the estwing when chopping wood it works better if you swing more parallel to the wood
I've had both over the years. The Fiskars axe far out lasts the Estwing simply because of the handles. The varnish on the Estwing started cracking on mine after two years. The rivets on the bottom after three. Ironically, the cracked varnish provided a better grip, but murder on gloves. The X7 seems to be bomb proof. The lighter handle seems to allow a little more omph with the strike. The X7 is much more weather proof also. Though, that might change in extremely cold weather. Estwing as a cherished pack axe is superb, Fiskars is the chuck in the back of your pick-up, and forget about it till you need it, axe.
this is a really comprehensive review. i appreciate you doing a comparison between the two
Another great review. Looks like both are great tools. Would love to see them up against one of the Cold Steel versions.
Please review the X11 vs. Estwing ax.
Yes it is coming in a month or so
@@gideonstactical Cute baby :) I can tell you are and will be a great dad.
The estwing with the blue grip is great. Those things last literally forever.
The other nice thing about the hollow fiskars handle is that a person can utilize that space for additional survival items....fire starter, fishing, cordage....what ever you want.
I own both these. The fiskars cuts better costs more but the estwing is full tang which gives some piece of mind against breaking. The sheath on the estwing in my opinion i prefer though. They are both kinda the same cause the fiskars sheath is flimsy. In the end i prefer the fiskars but like the look of the estwing
I have the fiskars decent geometry really easy to sharpen it’s a little soft but for the price not a bad hatchet but it’s no gransfors wildlife hatchet but if I want a gransfors it’s gonna cost like 5 or six times the fiskars. The Estwing always seemed heavy being full tang steel but I guess it would be impossible to break that handle.
I bought a Gerber this year because it’s lighter and she can handle it better... i was blown away how effective it is... I was expecting more gimicky but it’s unbelievably functional... thought the steel is a bit soft though
I'm surprised you never mentioned the steel. I always thought the Fiskar steel was pretty soft.
the estwing sportsman with the leather handle is so regal.
Could you do the Estwing Tomahawk? I’m curious about your take on it
Well done Video Question Do you know if the X7 would be good starter axe for Spoon Carving? Thanks
I suggest that the weight of the head affects the power of the strike as much as the shape.
thank you! great video! I was going to go with the sportsman's, but because of your video, I'll be getting the Fiskars X7! (better for my needs) thanks!
Thanks for the show and tell about the Fiskers and the Est-wing hatchet's really cool but i like the Est-wing more it's all metal
And that's what i have and use and it dose me very we'll
I have both, estwing is the best for hard use. The fiskars I have in a truck kit it's light weight. I have seen some of the heads come loose but I think it was over working the hatchet honestly.
Looks alone I’m buying the estwing. The fiskars looks like a solar store axe, I’m sorry. Not saying it’s bad, I know they preform well but I don’t like the look at all and that’s important for me. Gotta love the tools you use
X wing?
Does anyone estwing hatchet have 2 pins sticking out the bottom the handle? I thought it’s all solid metal not a hollow possible handle. I say this because I went to Lowe’s today and back off buying it. Is that normal? I am taking about the leather one. I see the blue one with the rubber grip covering the handle completely so I don’t know that is the same like the leather. Please help.
Is the East wing made out of carbon or stainless steel I can't find an answer to this anywhere
The X7 is my go-to camp hatchet, because it cuts like a light saber and is easy to sharpen in camp. The estwing is my dedicated hunting hatchet, I like the head geometry and the belly edge to help break down large game. Thanks for the great comparison!
You can't add metal to the estwing to make it as slabby and wedge-like as the plastic crapper
Make a video on best way to sharpen the fiskers
I like both of them.
the plus for Fiskars in my eyes is the orange which makes it easy to find
What about Fiskars Norden Axe? Better steel and nicer handle.
I have the X7 it's a good splitter but I want the Estwing.
I just bought the Estman camper axe which is the same as the estman on here but it has a rubber grip.
If you look closely at the handle of the Sportsman on the inner curve there is a point where the angle of the curve becomes a bit sharper. Your pinky should rest some where around that point. This is where you’ll feel the most balance in your tool. The idea here is to use the weight of the axe to chop. But this additional angle allows you to break you wrist into the cut for additional force. Call this the fulcrum point. The straight handle of the X7 can do the same thing but does not posses the fulcrum point of the Sportsman. IMO you were not using the fulcrum properly. Any time you use a tool you should examine the shape and try to understand the idea behind the design and why someone would engineer it in such a fashion. The X7 does look nice and I will probably end up buying that one too. Nice video.
Fiskars hatchet has horrible edge retention. Maybe it is not heat treated. Or maybe not heat-treatable at all. I will try to test it in future.
Convex the edge a little and you will see a big difference
I don’t get excited over handles made from synthetic material
If you properly sharpen the estwing it will out perform and will be around in 50 years
Don’t forget proper maintenance
Estwing is better. I have had it for 30 years, my son will have it after that. Cover the handle with electrical splicing tape.
Why electric tape on the handle? 🤔
Extra grip
My estwing came with a leather sheath, and cost $39 at Ace Hardware bout 10 years ago.
My used-never-used one, model one?, is costing me around $55.00.
I have 4 Fiskars. I would not change to any other one....that's just me, I love then. They never let me down.
$120 for the estwing in Australia, saving for a second one, worth it
YIKES! Wow...I can drive on down to my local home improvement store and pick one up for under $40 USD. Shipping charges, damn!
Wow.. It's made in my town it's 35$ here good to know.. Ill probably go with the estwing to keep my money local
What are the chances that the polymer will break that holds the Fisker axe head, in your opinion?
According to the brand it won't. It isn't the type of polymer that cracks or shatters. It would bend and deform as would the plastic of z.87 rated polymer safety glasses.
@@WattWerxPEVThanks for the feedback.