Are one-piece steel handles like Estwing better than wood or composite?

It's a tradeoff that specialist communities argue about constantly. One-piece forged steel (Estwing) is essentially unbreakable and never needs a re-handle, which is why r/Axecraft commenters call them 'doomsday axes,' but the steel transmits more shock to the wrist and the head is generally not as hard as a hand-forged carbon-steel head. Composite handles (Fiskars) absorb shock well and are very durable, while traditional hickory handles feel best in the hand but can break on an overstrike.