Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet

Name: Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet
Price: 44.46 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 7.1 (82 reviews)

Curated from 82 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 30, 2025

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet

Brand: Estwing

Price: $44

Snoop Score:

7.1

Sentiment

9.0

Popularity

9.0

Technical

5.3

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Snoop's Take

The ESTWING Sportsman's Axe is a versatile 12" camping hatchet designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its forged steel construction ensures durability and longevity, while the genuine leather grip adds comfort during use. Consumer sentiment reflects a strong appreciation for the axe's performance and build quality. Many users have noted its ability to remain sharp and effective over time, with one user stating, "One of the best tools I’ve ever purchased. Holds an edge really well too." Additionally, the compact size makes it ideal for camping and bushcraft activities, with users praising its practicality and ease of use. Overall, the ESTWING Sportsman's Axe is highly recommended within its category, especially for those seeking a reliable and durable tool for outdoor adventures. Positive feedback about its construction and longevity further solidifies its reputation as a top choice for campers and hikers alike.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Axes & Hatchets

Estwing Campers Axe, can't go wrong.
Positive Feedback

The whole point of that hatchet is that it doesn’t need to be rehandled.
Negative Feedback

7.1

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet

Buy on Amazon for $44

Wood Splitting and Kindling

7 / 10

Camp Setup and Shelter

7 / 10

Survival and Emergency

4 / 10

Throwing and Recreation

9 / 10

See how this compares to all Axes & Hatchets

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Good all-around camping axe

“Estwing Campers Axe, can't go wrong.”➕

Durable and long-lasting construction

“my dad has a couple Estwing rock hammers that are in great condition after 30 years”➕

“It's like people who buy a truck and are afraid to scratch it.”➕

“The camp axe has a tubular handle inside the rubber.”➕

“Estwing axes good? Always liked the look of estwing axes after seeing them on how it’s made years ago as a kid now that I’m 18 with a credit card i remembered and wanna get one.”➕

Highly regarded for its durability

“Is there one clear choice over the other? Or even another option for around $30 that beats these 2?”➕

“Long estwing camp ax , you can build a cabin with one of those.”➕

“They're like dumper trucks.”➕

Indestructible construction

“Estwing! Cheap and basically indestructible.”➕

“I used to shit on Estwing because they’re ‘not real tools’, like an idiot.”➕

Good for bushcraft activities

“I have an estwing hatchet and I love it.”➕

Compact and convenient size

“It has lasted me ~10 years, is the same length as my pack so it doesn't hang down past the side when being carried, it doesn't tire you out as a hatchet or beat your hands up as bad and is only slightly more weight.”➕

Recommended for work purposes

“In that price range I’d go Estwing personally.”➕

Great for camping

“One of the best tools I’ve ever purchased. Holds an edge really well too.”➕

“Keeps an edge, great for camping.”➕

Sharp and well-built design

“Still a fantastic hatchet”➕

Good for splitting wood

“Heavy bugger but man does it split wood!”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Not ideal for splitting wood

“The whole point of that hatchet is that it doesn’t need to be rehandled.”➕

Not suitable for throwing due to weight distribution

“I also feel like that's why the board gets chewed up so fast.”➕

“Nobody throws the Estwing anymore.”➕

“The Estwing throws differently because the center of gravity is off compared to most wooden handled axes.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
LIANTRAL Camping Axe, Folding Survival Hatchet	$26	8.7	Details	Buy
Freelander Tactical Axe 2 Pack	$39	7.9	Details	Buy
Gerber Gear Pack Hatchet - 3.5" Steel Blade Axe	$36	7.5	Details	Buy
WLQiu Camping Axe and Survival Hatchet	$31	7.3	Details	Buy
SZCO WatchFire 10” Camping/Survival Hatchet	$15	7.3	Details	Buy
Husqvarna 9.4-Inch Hiking Hatchet	$76	7.2	Details	Buy
Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet	$44	7.1	Details	Buy
HX OUTDOORS Mercenarys Tactical Engineer Axe	$79	6.6	Details	Buy
KSEIBI Wood Axe, Small Outdoor Camp Hatchet	$16	6.5	Details	Buy
LIANTRAL Survival Camping Axe	$31	5.4	Details	Buy
Coleman Camp Axe	$10	5.4	Details	Buy
WEYLAND Survival Hatchet & Camping Axe	$29	4.8	Details	Buy
7th Science Gear Camping Axe - Survival Hatchet	$22	4.5	Details	Buy
Freelander Survival Axe with Hoe	$42	4.5	Details	Buy
Shinoske Camping Axe, Survival Hatchet, Folding Portable Tactical Axe	$21	4.4	Details	Buy
SOG Camp Axe - Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet	$54	4.1	Details	Buy
NIPURA Outdoor Camping Hatchet Axe	$21	3.9	Details	Buy
Hitdudu Camping Axe, Folding Portable Survival Hatchet	$25	2.0	Details	Buy
Hitdudu Camping Axe, Survival Chopping Hatchet with Sheath	$24	0.6	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion on full tang vs wood handle axes

“Thoughts on the estwing sportsman hatchet? I hear a lot of good things about it, and its served me well in the field, but I’m hearing that its bad to buy a full tang axe/hatchet and better to get a wood handle.”➕

Discussion on preference for wood handles over fiberglass

“I've heard good things about the Fiskars axe and hatchet, but how does the fiberglass compare to wood? Every axe and hatchet I've ever used has been wood, and the fiberglass makes me a little reluctant.”➕

“There's a lifetime warranty on the axes. If the handle breaks, they'll replace the axe.”➕

Discussion on the weight and utility of hatchets

“Backpacking? Neither; they're heavy.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Discussion on alternative axes

“Can I just rant a bit about how amazing a cheap hatchet is? I bought one of [these things](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/garant-hatchet-1-25-lbs/1000402811) on a whim, and reprofiled the edge using the rag trick, sharpened, and stropped it.”➕

“Yea contrary to popular belief you don't need a Gransfors to bushcraft.”➕

Discussion about custom handles on Estwing axes

“I had the thought of one with a stacked leather handle just like the camp hatchet but totally unsure of the handles “bones””➕

Discussion about axe throwing leagues and preferences

“I thought it seemed not so friendly for true throwing leagues, but I just joined having just all backyard throwing experience so I didn't know if it was normal or not.”➕

“It's not an excuse, but it's all I got.”➕

Discussion about handle restoration techniques

“Looks like some of the stacked leather handle is missing and has been replaced with wrapped wire.”➕

“Estwing is a town over from me in Rockford, IL. You should clean up the steel and contact them and see if they’d be interested in re-wrapping the handle with the leather rings.”➕

Experiences using hatchets for firewood

“We burned every inch of that tree that night and then we went to bed.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion of various axe options

“Good camping axe Anyone has any tips for a good all-around axe for camping?”➕

“Great for splitting... works for chopping.”➕

“Most categories have a number of options, and the "best" one will depend on a number of factors about what your intentions are, your budget, etc.”➕

“Seconded. Won’t break the bank either.”➕

Comparison with other axe brands

“this an axe you can get as a young man and give to your grandson.”➕

Discussion about alternative axes

“If it’s just for splitting, check out the “estwing fireside friend””➕

“Everyone worries about the plastic but I’ve put my Fiskars through the wringer. Lifetime warranty to boot.”➕

Discussion about sharpening techniques

“Rag trick?”➕

Recommendations for sharpening techniques

“Don't go near that with a grinder. A double cut bastard file will get that back in working shape.”➕

“I love my sharpening puck. It put a wicked edge on it.”➕

“Just don't polish the cutting bevel. Leave the bevel rough.”➕

Discussion on starter axes and hatchets

“Thinking about getting a silky pocket boy but just need something to compliment it.”➕

“The Fiskars X7 is well made, dirt cheap, and very popular.”➕

“Usually for bushcrafting I rather go for thinner geometries because I dont split big enough logs that I would require a thicker axe head and I can split with a thinner one just fine.”➕

Comparisons with Fiskars axes

“sometimes excess amounts of money isn’t needed and sometimes cheaper stuff from a reputable brand like fiskars is just as good.”➕

“Thing is fantastic! And I don’t notice the extra weight on my pack.”➕

“I didn't think I'd go for the fiberglass at first, but it's nice.”➕

Discussion on Fiskars axes

“Once you know your way around your choppers you can look for something higher quality that can be passed down the generations but you don't wanna learn on something expensive.”➕

“I've been fairly abusive with them but they have held up well.”➕

Discussion of other axe options

“Those are hobby axes that grow more beautiful with use and age.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion about axe quality perception

“Are they decent axes? Do they cut well? Is the steel decent?”➕

Concerns about fiberglass handles and durability

“Fiskars often have problems with hardening, it's like lottery, axe blade can be chipped after chopping of oak.”➕

Discussion on the suitability of fiberglass axes for heavy use

“less vibration and less weight in the fibreglass.”➕

Preference for saws over hatchets for firewood

“Saws are faster, easier, and safer for cutting wood to length than a hatchet”➕

“Glad to see this was the top comment.”➕

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet

Curated from 82 real Reddit conversations

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet

Snoop's Take

Estwing Sportsman's Axe - 12" Camping Hatchet

Wood Splitting and Kindling

Camp Setup and Shelter

Survival and Emergency

Throwing and Recreation

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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