The Splitting Maul by Gransfors Bruk has been hand forged in Sweden from the finest steel and then carefully hardened and tempered to Rockwell 57 for the best combination and hardness and toughness. The Splitting Maul is designed for splitting apart large chunks of wood, "rounds". Relative to splitting axes, the Maul's head is heavier and the poll is oversized and designed for pounding on a splitting wedge. The head weighs 5 1/2 lbs and has a 2 1/2" wide face. The 31" long hickory handle has circular grooves at the grip to prevent slippage. Also, a steel collar near the head protects the handle for those rare times when you miss the target. The maul comes with a split grain leather sheath to protect the edge when not in use. Expertly forged in Sweden.