Estwing Manufacturing
100 Years of a Genuine American Icon
1920s - The Founding
Ernest Estwing patents his legendary one-piece, solid steel hammer design, and begins operations in Rockford, Illinois.
1930s - Legendary Leather
Company growth slows due to the Great Depression, but Estwing still introduces its iconic leather handle, still loved to this day.
1940s - Expansion
During WWII, Estwing produces tools essential to the war effort and after the end of the war announces plans to expand manufacturing.
1950s - Blue Vinyl
Estwing begins manufacturing blue vinyl grips alongside its iconic leather handles. These are molded, not glued, increasing durability.
1960s - The Moon Mission
Estwing’s geology pick, still a benchmark for the industry, becomes famous when Neil Armstrong uses it training for the moon mission.
1970s - More Styles
The company grows its line of hammer styles and weights, with most featuring the blue nylon vinyl grip preferred by tradesmen.
1980s - Shock Reduction Grip
Estwing introduces its game-changing Shock Reduction Grip, enhancing the comfort and durability of its popular vinyl grip.
1990s - Euro Market
Estwing begins manufacturing German pattern hammers for the European market, after expanding their in the late 80's.
2000s - Hello, Smithsonian
An Estwing hammer is added to the Smithsonian’s Industry & Manufacturing collection at the National Museum of American History in 2005.
2010s - Special Editions
Black Eagle and Special Edition Outdoor Tools hit the market, including two brand new designs – the Tomahawk and the Double Bit Axes.
2020s - 100 Years!
In 2023, Estwing celebrates 100 years of making the first and finest one-piece, all steel tools.
Estwing Manufacturing
100 Years of a Genuine American Icon
1920s - The Founding
Ernest Estwing patents his legendary one-piece, solid steel hammer design, and begins operations in Rockford, Illinois.
1930s - Legendary Leather
Company growth slows due to the Great Depression, but Estwing still introduces its iconic leather handle, still loved to this day.
1940s - Expansion
During WWII, Estwing produces tools essential to the war effort and after the end of the war announces plans to expand manufacturing.
1950s - Blue Vinyl
Estwing begins manufacturing blue vinyl grips alongside its iconic leather handles. These are molded, not glued, increasing durability.
1960s - The Moon Mission
Estwing’s geology pick, still a benchmark for the industry, becomes famous when Neil Armstrong uses it training for the moon mission.
1970s - More Styles
The company grows its line of hammer styles and weights, with most featuring the blue nylon vinyl grip preferred by tradesmen.
1980s - Shock Reduction Grip
Estwing introduces its game-changing Shock Reduction Grip, enhancing the comfort and durability of its popular vinyl grip.
1990s - Euro Market
Estwing begins manufacturing German pattern hammers for the European market, after expanding their in the late 80's.
2000s - Hello, Smithsonian
An Estwing hammer is added to the Smithsonian’s Industry & Manufacturing collection at the National Museum of American History in 2005.
2010s - Special Editions
Black Eagle and Special Edition Outdoor Tools hit the market, including two brand new designs – the Tomahawk and the Double Bit Axes.
2020s - 100 Years!
In 2023, Estwing celebrates 100 years of making the first and finest one-piece, all steel tools.