>>422668>...I know the hatchet/batoning debate goes on and on...Actually I'm all for batoning, but it's for camping only. For prepping purposes any hatchet is better than a knife.
If they are available for you I would recommend Hultafors Agdor hatchets. I believe there are 600g and 800g versions, not very expensive.
Estwings are made of relatively soft steel. Once dull, a hatchet becomes very dangerous to use. If you're into prepping you probably realize what it means to have any injury once the services like 911 no longer work.
The handle shape doesn't give you much control over where the blade goes. If used with one hand for fine work, there's only the tiny steel tang and the head to hold on.
The constant need of sharpening and safety issues caused by the dullness and handle shape/material make Estwing a bad survival hatchet. However, if you use Estwing all the time and you're proficient with it, you probably shouldn't select a different hatchet for your prep kit.
IMO handle strenght is more or less irrelevant question. In case of emergency you must always aim carefully and never use full force. You simply can't afford to blunt the edge or hurt yourself. With a hickory handle you get better accuracy plus a proper two hand grip.
Not something you would do in survival situation, but this video demonstrates something that can't be done with Estwing:
>Carving a spoon blank with an Axe demonstrationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v73WKk3-2mA 