Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, U.S.A.! Also ideal for lobster and other shellfish; nuts, seeds and more! Handle- 7 ½ inches long Actually, a ½ scale version of a slate splitting mallet, used to make roofing slate over a hundred years ago. Constructed of solid Pennsylvania red oak and steel. (Cherry available) HIGH QUALITY! Non-toxic, washable (hand washing recommended). Sealed with a mineral oil stain. NOT for use as a hammer on nails or tacks!!! No two are exactly alike! ---*The Story of the Slate Splitting Mallet*--- The famous Peach Bottom slate was split using a special splitting chisel and wooden mallets, similar to those here (but larger). Slate is still split the same way today using the same basic tools. Splitting Mallets were made of hickory or oak. Iron rings were added to the mallet head to keep the wood from cracking and to add needed weight. The wooden mallet striking a metal chisel would provide a softer blow to thin and brittle roofing slate.