Estwing Fireside Friend 14" Wood Splitting Axe Maul - Perfect for Home Firewood Preparation

newbie: Husband liked the look and feel of product. Thanks

United States on Nov 01, 2023

Joe K: Works much better than my small hatchet, good for making kindling.

United States on Oct 29, 2023

Jman: I've had mine for years. It's great for splitting wood for use in the pit or smoker. I usually split pecan and it works pretty well for most pieces. Great maul to have while camping. Best of all it is made in the USA or US steel and is super high quality. US steel is three times stronger than steel made in China so spend a little extra and get steel that's three times better while promoting US companies. Plus this thing just looks awesome!

United States on Oct 26, 2023

Subnet: Originally I wanted to get the 4lb long handle hammer for rocks but I just couldn't justify the price. So I got the short handle 4lb and this to compare - this one is awesome! I took the other one back. This has a long handle with extended grip, it's weighted well, and when you need a strong hatchet - there it is! A total win-win for rockhounds and campers!

Canada on Oct 19, 2023

MFCriz: I bought the blue handle 4lb and think this should be in everyone’s shed.
Great size and weight. Split some cedar and was effortless.
I can’t wait to try it up camping.
Made in USA is the icing.

United States on Oct 14, 2023

Scott in CA: Size does matter, and at 4 pounds these are a serious tool, and not your average hatchet.

I have many Estwing products, and love the Estwing quality! I have been using their hammers in the mid 1980's, and have never had an issue with any of them! Still have my old ones.

The 4 pound splitting ax is fantastic. Where a hatchet can be challenging splitting wood, the shear weight of this one makes ALL the difference. I have one next to my fireplace, and bought a second one for camping. They just do a fantastic job.

Highly recommended.

Canada on Jun 21, 2023

Robert S.: I purchased the standard blue Fireside Friend model and glad I did for the additional grip and comfort of the shock-reduction hanlde over the leather ring alternative. The 4 lb. weight is perfect for camping and can be used with one or two hands. While it would be nice if the handle was about two inches longer, this tool works fine as is and fits nicely in my camping tool bag with my Husqvarna hatchet.

My only nit and why I deducted one star was the poor edge on this tool as sold. The quality of the materials and fit was very good, but the sharpness of the bit was disappointing, event for a splitting maul. I noticed this when I was getting bounce-back or rebound when splitting greener wood. On closer examination I discovered that not only the cutting edge was dull, but it was poorly ground with one side not matching the angle of the other. After about an hour of finishing with a file and sharpening stone, I finally achieved the sharpness I expected and it performed much better.

If you have dry, seasoned wood, I would expect about 4-6 inches to be about the maximum diameter for this tool to split safely. I split about a dozen 4 inch logs cut from trees downed this...

United States on Jun 12, 2023

Jamie: Work well. Feel good in hand. Cut well when using proper swing. Even on hard wood, but avoid if there seems to contain big wooden knot.

Canada on Apr 03, 2023

Douglas: Took me a little over two hours to hand split a face cord of large pieces of hickory, in order that they could be used more efficiently in my offset smoker. Amazed at how well it worked.

Canada on Oct 02, 2022

Dave: A lot depends on the species of wood, grain structure and how wet or dry the wood is that you wish to split.

Smaller logs and reasonably dry and knot free pieces split quite easily, often with just one leisurely stroke.
Knots or extremely old, hard wood takes a more vigorous swing but it still works better than multiple swings with a light hatchet. The wedge shape of the head does most of the work for you.

The paint will chip, scuff and wear off where it contacts the wood, no avoiding this on anything cutting tools that go through wood, be it hatchets, axes or knives. After a while it will look used, but not abused.

Canada on Jun 09, 2021