Fiskars gives a lifetime warranty. Estwing don't need a warranty.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 agree with your assesment on the two. I own both. The Fiskars hatchet will split a surprisingly large piece of wood and the Estwing struggles a bit unless you use other techniques. The way I look at it is; the Estwing is a more all around tool that does not particularly do anything really well but the Fiskars is a splitting machine. If I am family camping and bringing our own wood to split I will bring the Fiskars every time but if I am collecting wood in the woods or building anything or making anything I prefer the Estwing (the model I have is I think the Campers Hatchet). Family camping the X7, every thing else including hunting the Estwing. Also to note; To get as much chopping out of the Estwing you really have to go with some seriously near horizontal strikes on wood and you can really eat up wood that way if you need to chop something. The geometry of the blade requires it and going straight into it doesnt do much but leveling out the head when you strike can produce some pretty good chunks. They are both great choices and you can use both with success. I generally prefer the construction of these hatchets and axes over wood handled axes just because of durabiliy, yes in a truly SHTF scenario you can fashion a replacement handle out of wood on a wood handled axe but Ive put my Fiskars / Estwing and even the much crappier Stansport hatchets through hell and the worst I get is chipping.

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

I have used both. Both do well for what they are made for. Love seeing your children playing in the background.

this is a really comprehensive review. i appreciate you doing a comparison between the two

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.

By far the best gear review channel. Thank you.

Estwing all day, no competition when you're done chopping it's fun to throw.

Very interesting experiment. I bought the Fiskars several years ago based on your review. I have not been disappointed.

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 have the Estwing. Works great for my hunting needs.

I have the old estwing that had the original leather sheath. Absolutely love the thing

Another great review. Looks like both are great tools. Would love to see them up against one of the Cold Steel versions.

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 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 use the Fiskars X10S and i can complete recommend the axe. Great Video! Thank you

love the X7, . I have found that tennis racquet grip is best for hatchets but will need to replace more frequent. Great review Aaron!

Awesome fiskars x7 ... love mine .. had it last Christmas .. it’s fantastic axe ... cheers Chris & Sam

Definitely should have mentioned that the Fiskers is made in Finland, if someone didn't know they would probably assume its make in China.

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.

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.

Thanks for the comparison; you are thorough and calm :)

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 ♤.

Funny that the Estwing establishement is .5 miles from me. Love their products

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!

The X7 is very easy to sharpen A very simple bevel

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.

Just looking at the geometry, I'm going to assume that one is a chopper and the other is a splitter.

I love the Estwing, feels better in my hand!

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 used the fiskars and I love it

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).

I got the Estwing! If by any crazy chance it comes into contact with fire! Plastic vs Steel is not fair!

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

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.

Good video, thanks for the review, I honestly think another aspect of testing should be leaving them both out in the elements for a period of time.

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

Have those and many others of both brands 3 eastwings and 4 fiskers. Tennessee

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 .

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

Here's the test for those two hatchets which one is easier to haft a new handle if the original handle breaks

I just added the Estwing to my fire gear.

They both are nice:) I have the older estwing with leather sheath and love it.

Great vid quality 👍 great vid in general 👌

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.

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.

Great vid on two great tools! I saw it in your vid but you didn’t comment on it... the Fiskars has a much nicer handle to choke up on and grip near the head. I was surprised the weight between the two was so close. I would have believed the solid steel Estwing would have been close to double the weight of the mostly polymer Fiskars. I love both of these brands. Hard to go wrong with either 👍

Well done Video Question Do you know if the X7 would be good starter axe for Spoon Carving? Thanks

I own the Fiskars X7 and the X17 for camping!

The estwing with the blue grip is great. Those things last literally forever.

the plus for Fiskars in my eyes is the orange which makes it easy to find

The Fiskars looks more like a Wedge so Great for Splitting. The both Great , Thank You 🙏

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.

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.

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.

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'm surprised you never mentioned the steel. I always thought the Fiskar steel was pretty soft.

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 don’t enjoy using the fiskars, feels weird, but it does work surprisingly well. I’ll stick with my estwing thanks.

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 found with the estwing when chopping wood it works better if you swing more parallel to the wood

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.

Great impartial review.

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...

The Eastwing is an axe, but the weight is distributed through the handle. Might be better for green wood.

I liked the Estwing a lot more when it came with the leather sheath, even though that part was made in Mexico, and I'm lucky enough to have one. A nylon sheath may make me pass on it if I were in the market today. I always found the handle a little slick too. I keep an X-7 in my car. With the polymer handle I don't have to worry about temperature fluctuations and I don't care that it's rattling around with other tools.

I suggest that the weight of the head affects the power of the strike as much as the shape.

I've watched many hatchet videos, and I chose Estwing Carpenter's Hatchet. Among all those videos, there were many about Fiskars. But I chose Estwing over Fiskars because Estwing is one piece, and you'd never break it, while in some videos, Fiskars hatchets/axes broke.

I I own a fisker and so does my wife and a good friend of mine. We love them they're great hatchets.. I even have a harbor freight $6 hatchet it does okay. But the fiskars where it's at

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.

I have 4 Fiskars. I would not change to any other one....that's just me, I love then. They never let me down.

have been looking at the Fiskar it is nice and lite but looking I see a split starting on top ?????

I own a Estwing love the handle.

Fiskars X7 over the Estwing, in all ways. Having used both, but the X7 outperformed the Estwing quite a bit. And not in the least in comfort of using the tool. The handle ergonomics, also way less shock to the hand/wrist.

the estwing sportsman with the leather handle is so regal.

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 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.

My dad gave me my GREAT Grandfathers estwing hammer. Making me the 4th generation tradesman to use this tool. The only reason it’s not my work hammer is for fear of losing it. I have one for work that my dad bought me new and a 2 year old son who will get them both one day good Lord willing. So it’s Estwing for me boys!

Both are great products, The Estwing is going to be completely bullet proof 🤠

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.

Like wise I’ve had my Estwing for over 30 plus years due to me being a joiner / carpenter and it’s still going strong almost as good as new incredible axe and at around £60 not really budget.

Nice video fun and informative thank you

When you sped up the chopping it sounded like a woodpecker!

Definitely like the x7 more. I had one of their larger axes in the past and it held up for many years

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.

Had my Estwing for years, I have never had any reason to complain about its performance when used for the sorts of camping tasks that a hatchet was designed for.

I bought an estwing at the free-market. Looked like someone had been pounding metal tent stakes with it for 40 years. The poll was peened so I took a file to the mushroomed part of the back of the hatchet head. That reduced the weight of the head and gave it better balance in my hand. Then I took the file to the back edge of the handle and I shaped it into a scraper and I use it like a draw-knife to skin the bark off poles and anything that needs scraping. That took a couple more ounces off the hatchet and improved the balance even more. The thinner blade is easy to sharpen for a long service life. The plastic one? Too thick to sharpen many times and longevity, who knows? For me, its Estwing all day.

I like both of them.

The Estwing is made of much higher quality materials. Especially the grip and full tang handle. The Fiskars looks like a gardening tool...nothing I would wanna be carrying around.

"Not an exact science," pulls out calipers haha. Great vid.

Fiskars everyday of the week. Light, efficient, super sharp, excellent Finnish craftsmanship.