Thanks to its shape and the materials used the iltis ax europa is ideal for chopping and delimbing work the high quality hickory handle is shatter proof and vibration damping a 3 way safety wedge provides optimum protection and guarantees a secure hold simple finish eye catching and functional from the tip of the blade to the handle hardened no post hardening is necessary in case of appropriate re sharpening reduced risk of splintering the thin and resilient shaft absorbs bending