I took it on a rock climbing trip with our Rock Hunters Club last weekend. It was the hammer of choice. All other hunters found a reason to borrow it. He broke many stones and struck large chisels. It takes a strong hand to swing it. This is probably too hard for most women and some men. I broke my 2 wooden stick hammers last year and had no intention of it happening again. This was one of my best purchases in recent years.