This would be an all steel axe, excepting the grip cover. Quite a bit of thought went into this design. The idea was an axe that would help in boarding a ship during an attack in the Age of Sail. The "teeth" on the bottom of the axe would aid in grabbing the gunwale of the ship. They could also be used to pin or move a shield. The D guard would protect the hand in combat and when the axe is hooked on the gunwale. The D guard spikes are a secondary weapon and to keep the axe from sliding sideways while climbing. The butt spike is also a secondary weapon and climbing aid. I'm happy how it came out.