Spent $40 on a rock hammer and it just saved my whole trip

Was out near Sedona trying to get a good basalt sample. My old hammer head flew off on the first swing. The new Estwing let me get clean pieces without shattering them. What's your go-to field tool under $50?

2 comments

2 Comments

rayc8912h ago

Get a good basalt sample" is the key part. I read that a proper hammer makes all the difference for clean fractures. My cheap one always crushes the material. A solid tool under 50 bucks is totally worth it.

jordan3051h ago

My Estwing cost 45 bucks and I've had it for eight years. It's got a few dents but the head is still solid. I was trying to get a decent piece of chert last fall and my buddy's cheap hammer just pulverized it. Like rayc89 said, the right tool gives you that clean break. I won't go into the field without mine now.