I own almost every model of lockpicks that Estwing makes (both leather and rubber handles). They are used to remove large (up to 700 pounds) boulders buried in mountains as well as tons of soil/clay/roots to create natural landscapes. Every pickaxe has its place, but this 13-ounce, rubber-handled model is so convenient and indestructible that it should be considered by anyone looking to have a new best friend for decades (unless you're using it to pick hours digging boulders - then expect about 6 months to turn it into a 1/4" bullet, still impressive).