I heat with wood and needed another replacement handle for my axe, so I decided to look at this instead. After using a 36" handle I wondered how I would like the shorter length, but I knew that I'd be happy with the Estwing design as I've used their hammers for many years. I've now had it for a few days and am using it to split wood into kindling. I am amazed at how nice this axe is, the quality of the materials and build, and how comfortable and well balanced it feels. The steel looks beautiful, the finish is perfect. It really makes the chore much easier than with my old wood-handled axe. Money well spent- and reinvested in the USA (except for the Haitian-assembled sheath).