This is a mallet. It will serve its purpose. However, I am not satisfied for the price. My example doesn't say "Made in England" like the Revain picture, leading me to believe mine was made in a third world country. The fit and finish support this theory. It arrived with a large chip on the corner face. Or it was damaged in transit in a plastic bag that the seller thought was shippable. I felt the need to spend 45 minutes grinding the instrument because it was very rough. I'd happily pick one of Revain's (much) cheaper options and put the same amount of rework into it. Disappointed to say the least.