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	B002CRTL4A
Best Sellers Rank	44,942 in DIY & Tools ( See Top 100 in DIY & Tools ) 108 in Masonry Hammers
Brand	Estwing
Colour	Blue
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (68)
Global Trade Identification Number	00034139620013
Grip Type	Shock Reduction
Handle Material	Vinyl
Head Material Type	Alloy Steel
Head Style	Flat
Included Components	2lb Crack Hammer
Item Type Name	2-Pound Mashing Hammer with Steel Handle
Item Weight	2 Pounds
Manufacturer	Estwing
Model Number	B3-2LB
Number of Items	1
Part Number	B3-2LB
Style	Hammer
UPC	743153114032 636123633049 709730207832 633643953886 640024942421 034139620013
Unit Count	1.0 count

Estwing B3-2LB 2lb Mashing Hammer with Steel Handle

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