Question 1

What kind of paint does Estwing put on their hammers?

Accepted Answer

The paint is a proprietary blue color.  Estwing calls the color Ultraviolet"  
The color has nothing to do with protecting the hammer from ultraviolet rays, it is just the color name. 
With use some of the blue areas that are struck will chip away. This does no harm to the hammer. 
After the blue paint is applied, a lacquer coating is also applied over the blue paint and allowed to dry, releasing its solvents before leaving the factory in the USA.  
A freshly made hammer may smell strongly of solvent anyway.  Most of us will never notice this as the hammers are left in the factory for at least a few weeks.

Question 2

Are either of the 2 lb hammers made in the USA?

Accepted Answer

I think the fiberglass handle is more comfortable. Over time my drywall hammer grip hardened. Now its uncomfortable.

Question 3

How does shock reduction compare to other brands antivibe? aka stanley/proto/mac tools

Accepted Answer

I know of no comparison available. The Estwing shock reduction handles reduce vibration and impact by 50%. Estwing is not making claims over other manufacturers, just their own testing of the hammers.
See if you can find similar statements for the other brands.
Contact each of the manufacturers through sales or an internet search and get their statements as to what shock and vibration reductions the have achieved.
You may also be able to find this information on the product listing on Amazon or by checking the manufactures website.
It's unlikely that there has been a tool comparison test but check your favorite tool/hardware magazines for such a comparison.

Question 4

Has anyone compared this and the fiberglass handled model?

Accepted Answer

Both types are well made. The 2 and 3 pound steel handle hammers are not quite as well balanced as the fiberglass models, I have both and use both types. 
My favorite for extended use is the 2 pound hammer with the fiberglass handle made in Taiwan. 
If you use the hammers to fight bears as I do, I have found that they can bite through the fiberglass handle with the possible loss of the hammer head. 
The all steel USA hammers do not have this problem.  
Cheers.

ASIN	B00002N5NI
ASIN	B00002N5NI
Best Sellers Rank	#8,328 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #1 in Sledgehammers
Brand Name	Estwing
Color	Multi
Country of Publication	China
Country of origin	China
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,230)
Customer reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,230)
Date First Available	7 August 2012
Department	Unisex-Adult
Global Trade Identification Number	00034139620211
Grip Type	Tire (Pilling)
Handle Material	Vinyl
Head Material	Alloy Steel
Head Style	Flat
Included Components	Drilling Hammer
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness	28L x 6.8W x 3.3Th centimeters
Item Type Name	Drilling Hammer
Item model number	B33LB
Manufacturer	Estwing
Manufacturer	Estwing
Manufacturer Part Number	B33LB
Model Number	B33LB
Number of Items	1
Product Dimensions	28 x 6.77 x 3.32 cm; 1.55 kg
Style Name	Hammer
UPC	788809912068 013440006457 636123626386 809393889502 809199911018 709730203957 034139620211 732233458654 728639307160 633643953909 732233469193 714637831509 100058656508
Unit Count	1 Count

BL353 Drilling/Crack Hammer - 3-Pound Sledge with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - B3-3LB

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