After many days of chopping and hammering the blade and handle of the Schrade Hatchet SCAXE2 still look like new ,no sign of damage, and blade still sharp. The carrying case was a little hard to open/closing and removing/replacing the hatchet was uncomfortable while mounted on a belt . For the fire starter I was unable to start a fire with it but with that said I have never attempted to start a fire by this method before so I don't know if it was my fuels or if it was me, as for the rod it did admit some sparks. The handle provided a good grip which allowed for controlled chops. So over all the Schrade Hatchet SCAXE2 is a good camping/hiking hatchet