This mini pick arrived earlier this week, and I used it and a shovel this morning for the coarse initial preparation of two planting beds and to trench for planting pachysandra rhizomes.  This tool comes in very handy where a regular pick is overkill.  It's very well balanced, has good design and structural integrity, and gets the job done fast. Just the right weight to do rapid, major damage without killing your arm.  Have I seen better finishes on hickory tool handles?  Sure, but I didn't buy it to look at.  This is a sturdy, well-designed, and extremely effective tool for which I can envision a variety of uses.  I detest spending good money on cheap, crappy tools regardless of where they're made.  I'm extremely happy with this tool.