ESTWING Rigger's Axe - 16" Half Hatchet with Milled Face & Shock Reduction Grip - E3-R

This axe is a great all-around size for light work; longer and more powerful than a typical hatchet, shorter and lighter than a chopping or splitting axe. Mine came semi-sharp, so be aware you may need to hone it a bit before you use it. The one-piece steel body with bonded rubber grip should last pretty much forever. Be aware that the upper part of the handle is very thick in the swinging plane, but narrow side-to-side; this cuts down on weight, and likely improves the shock absorption in the handle, but it does mean that the shaft can twist and bend more easily than a typical axe. So don't use it for a lot of prying or levering.So far I've split kindling, hacked off a few small branches, and chopped through a 4" log of green mesquite. (That's about my limit. I'd want a "real" axe to handle anything bigger.) The handle is long enough to easily switch between a one- or two-handed gripThe hammer on the back side is a useful addition. I used it to pound a few flooring nails when I couldn't find my claw hammer; seemed to work just fine. Have to be careful of the blade on the back swing, though,As a final note, this would make an excellent self-defense weapon or emergency rescue tool in a pinch. It's heavier and slower than most "tactical tomahawks", but it still swings pretty fast, especially in a hand-and-a-half grip with a little bit of choke up on the dominant hand.

I got this as a tractor ax I leave it on the tractor as I'm cutting the property and working on the property there's always something to cut clear around trees or brush I love the fact that it's got a straight blade for cutting brush curved blades tend to push the stuff out of the way if you're trying to trim the small stuff I've used it Chopping at stumps going into the dirt not hitting rocks of course and the blade stays sharp doesn't damage it I use the hammer side for breaking up pallets and wood and basic demo on stuff that needs to be smashed it's very well balanced when chopping a tree is it cuts extremely deep as you're going in just give a slight twist at impact and chips fly and it doesn't get stuck and one of the best things about it is the handle is the same exact size as an estwing hammer so it's not too big not too small is perfect for all-day use just like a framing hammer it has a nail puller which works and at the very base where the axe head meets the handle is perfect for pulling tent Stakes

I grew up with many roofers in the family and am quite familiar with its design. Although many (including myself) would argue that there is a proper tool for a proper job, I find this tool to be the one I pick up most. I received this axe within the last two weeks and have already put a fair amount of miles on it. I love it. The edged came plenty sharp and the construction seems extremely durable. I have used it for everything from a rough frame in, to shaving limbs for kindling. The edge seems to hold an edge well and the handle seems to allow for a solid grip even with wet hands. The one thing that I would like to note to new users is that a tool will only last as long as its user will allow it to. That said, even with cleaning the tool after use and oiling, I did notice some rust forming on the bit. After contacting the company, they were very quick to respond as well as helpful in finding a solution. For that reason, I have decided to give this product a five star review due its quality and the quick assistance from the company. This item is a definite go to for backyard, job site or camping duties. All around solid tool and a must have for any trade/outdoorsman.

Shinny, Sharpe, and Solid, nice tool to use when you need it.A++

In my experience, the Estwing Rigger’s Axe/Hatchet/Hammer is a surprisingly useful tool for a broad range of needed jobs. You almost have to use it to see how often this combination helps you do tasks in the outdoors. However, it oddly (to me) lacks a sheath. A Estwing sheath separately sold by Amazon cures that problem so the Rigger’s Axe can be safely carried between times you need this wonderful tool.

If you are expecting to do some actual framing with this beast, godspeed Thor, I pray you are worthy. If you are looking for a tool to dramatically increase your demolition efficiency, this is it. It's a wedge, and a flat bar that fits right into your pouches. I highly recommend using this as a secondary tool and not as your primary hammer.

Pros- Perfect if you are use to swinging a framing hammer. Decent weight for chopping and limbing trees. Waffled hammer works as it should.Cons- It’s not A-symmetrical. It is made to be used, not to be pretty.Didn’t come sharp, had to put an edge before using. Arrived with half the hatchet at a 20 degree and Scandi on the other.With all that being said... this still replaces my machetes when I need to clear a trail at the hunting lease. Proud to have it and would definitely buy again! Although you won’t need to because, Estwing will last a lifetime.

My wife got me this Rigger's Axe for Xmas. Has been on my "must have" list for awhile since I own other Estwing tools and have yet to be let down. This makes for an effective bonfire tool when you or friends show up with wood pallets to break down. I also use it as a camp tool for processing the already processed (meaning manageably sized) bundles of firewood, driving and pulling tent stakes and occasionally chopping up foodstuffs just for fun. Made in USA is a bonus feature. Since I am not putting it through consistent construction-type applications, I envision passing this down to my son given its all-steel construction and high utility factor.