Estwing makes good quality tools. They are solid and look to be pretty indestructible. They are a bit heavy though due to the total steel construction.

What prices are you seeing that you think they are very expensive? I know it is a relative question but compared to others they are not high priced axes and they are not low priced. $30-50 for a tool that you know will last is not alot. You could spend half that on an axe but it would not be near the quality of the Estwing. Check out Granfors if you want to see expensive axes.

I have not used Estwing axes but I bought four different Estwing hammers (2 framing hammers, a leather handled claw hammer, and a tile mason's hammer) in 1970 when I built my first home. They are all still in use and I love them. And like Masiman above said, these are not that expensive and I know you can spend way more money for similar products. I believe that they are a good value.

I had an Estwing Camp Axe many years ago. My only complaint is that the steel on the blade was harder than the teeth of my file and I found it very difficult to sharpen. Might want to check into a diamond file.

You can buy Estwing tools from Amazon and get free shipping.

Here is a link that might be useful: Estwing at Amazon