Council Tool 3.5 Lbs. Dayton Axe With 36" Straight Handle Head coated with red enamel andcutting edges in clear lacquer to deter rust. Forged steel head.Made in USA. Hand sharpened, tapered bit for cutting and splitting. 36 inch straight American hickory handle. Eye section is dried to below 10% moisture content to minimize shrinkage and help prevent loosening. ANSI Standards call for bit hardness of Rc 45-60, at least 0.5 inch back from the cutting edge. CouncilTool internal standards call for tempered bit hardness of Rc 48-55 and we target 1-1/4 inches from the cutting edge. The poll and eye walls are not hardened and remain in the as forged condition. Axe head is hydraulically seated onto handle and secured with a serrated aluminum wedge. The serrated shape improves bite and the aluminum choice of material is strong, lightweight and does not change size with moisture content. The interior detail of the eye is tapered and allows for a strong mechanical bond. Approximately 1/2 inch of the overall length of the handle is removed during assembly.