Like all my other work hammers, I chose Estwing. First, it's an American production. Very high quality materials make them last a lifetime (my first was bought in 1981). This pickaxe is well balanced. It has a standard Estwing comfort grip that won't slip out of your hand when wet. I use it to split rocks and look for fossils. The pointed end is really sharp so be careful. I use it to scrape loose rocks out of mud or soft rock and loosen them easily. Buy a sheath or carry it in a bucket. It leaves a mark if you accidentally hit it.