We buy the heads forged in Ohio and the handles from a mill in Tennessee that still selects for straight grain, then hang and wedge them here. Every one gets a wooden wedge and two steel wedges, sanded, and rubbed with boiled linseed oil before it goes out. The 6 pound head is the one most people actually want for oak and hickory rounds. If you are splitting mostly pine or you are under 150 pounds, call the store and we will send you the 4 pound instead at 12 dollars less. Handles are replaceable and we stock them, which is the entire point of buying a tool like this instead of a fiberglass one from a big box. Head comes sharp enough to work but not shaving sharp, which is correct for a maul.