In a Hurry? Here's Our Top Choice:
Estwing E45A All Steel & Shock Reduction
If you're looking for something to handle light to medium wood splitting and other similar jobs, but don't want to break the bank, this is an excellent choice.
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Are you looking for a top quality splitting axe? Then look no further - Estwing has you covered with their American made duo of wood splitting axes.
Before deep diving into each of their axe offerings, we can take a quick look at where they are manufactured. Estwing makes all of the axes and other tools within the USA at their manufacturing plant in Rockford, IL.
They also made a ton of other quality tools like hatchets, pry bars, and all sorts of hammers. But, let's isolate and reviews their splitting axes.
Comparison Table
Which Estwing Model Should I Choose?
Though Estwing makes all types of axes and tools, there are only really two that fall into the splitting axe category. Click a link below to jump to each review.
Estwing E3-FF4 Splitting Axe
the E3-FF4 also has a nice point of contact for a small splitting axe with a 2 3/8 inch cutting edge. That makes it feel like its a much bigger axe than it really is.
Quick Look
Major Features
At 14 inches in length and 4 pounds it's on the smaller and lighter side, so it's best used for small splitting jobs. The Fireside Friend's size and weight make it great for both something to keep in your shed or cabin, or for taking with you on hiking and camping trips.
Review
The E3-FF4 axe often referred to as the Estwing Fireside Friend is one of the few modern day axes you'll find where both the head and handle and made as one solid piece. Even better, it's still manufactured in the USA with no hint of relocating to an overseas manufacturing facility.
By taking a closer look at the head shape it is easy to see why this little beast does its job so well. The wedge shape is quite noticeable.
If a USA made high-quality one piece steel splitting axe wasn't enough to get you excited, Estwing sweetens the deal with their grip. They wrap the handle of this blue beauty with a nylon shock reducing branded grip. Not only does it minimize the recoil of each swing on your joints, it makes it much less likely you'll lose control of the axe.
If you're lucky, you might even be able to get your hands on one of the special edition models that comes with a leather grip.
This is certainly one amazing workhorse for the money.
Estwing E45A Camper's Axe
What's a bit different with this axe than other splitting axes, It's actually suitable for a variety of wood cutting tasks, like splitting, felling, shaving, and even driving stakes.
Quick Look
Major Features
The E45A is a much more slender axe than the stubby 4 pound Fireside Friend. It's not your typical splitting axe, but it can still do the job of splitting logs just fine.
Review
At 26 inches in length is much more of a two-handed option. It also has a very ample cutting edge of four inches on the axe head.
Like all Estwing tools, the E45A is manufactured in their facility in Illinois, so you know you are getting top notch American quality.
Along with the axe itself, Estwing adds a shock reduction grip for the handle that your hands will appreciate. A leather blade sheath is also included.
If you're looking for something to handle light to medium wood splitting and other similar jobs, but don't want to break the bank, this is an excellent choice.
In Summary
With a smaller lineup than some of the other manufactures covered on this site, Estwing still offer a couple of great options. Whether you need a small one-hander or something to handle a whole heap of tasks, you'll get a quality product.
The one-piece steel construction is also a nice feature, especially if you've had problems with breaking wooden handles in the past. Neither the E3-FF4 or the E45A will let you down.
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