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	B002DQ5QO4
Brand Name	Estwing
Colour	Blue
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (620)
Global Trade Identification Number	00732233469209, 00743153114056, 00743153712368
Grip Type	Textured Vinyl
Handle Material	Steel Handle,Steel
Head Material	Alloy Steel
Head Style	Flat
Item Weight	1.81 kg
Manufacturer	Estwing
Manufacturer Part Number	B3-4LB
Model Number	B34LB
Number of Items	1
Style Name	German
UPC	732233469216 636123624610 633643953893 732233469209 636123635678 743153114056 034139620419 743153712368 732233458661 013523036715 640024942445 709730206774

Estwing B3-4LB 4-Pound Drilling/Crack Hammer 11.5-Inch Handle & Shock Reduction Grip

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