Robert Larson 615-1220 Large Carpenters Mallet

Solid, but nothing special. For the price, I'm not returning it, but the bottom of the head of the mallet is not square with the top or the striking faces, i.e., cut at a very pronounced angle (right to left, not front to back). Additionally, the bevels cut at the edges are uneven, and do not match. However, the handle fits into the head straight, and the striking faces are square, so I consider these deficiencies to be cosmetic, and they will not affect the tool's performance. The grain in the handle is perpendicular, rather than parallel to the direction of the head. I would not use this handle in an ax or hatchet, but it should be ok on the mallet. Overall, as others have said, it is what it is, an unfinished mallet that will work fine. I am currently soaking the head in BLO, and we'll see how it looks later once I'm done "tweaking" it. It should be fine. That said, if I had found a similar mallet locally at near the same price, or a little more, I think I would have purchased locally. If I had several to choose from, I would have selected a better example than what was shipped to me.For the first time, Amazon disappointed me in their packaging. They shipped promptly, and I received the items quickly, but the mallet and a honing stone were shipped loose with a pair of shop glasses. There was only minimal packing material, and I consider it sheer luck that the stone and the glasses were not damaged or broken.

FIRST YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN UNFINISHED MALLET. I KNEW THIS AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND AM VERY PLEASED TO OBTAIN A NEW MALLET OF THIS CALLIBER AT THIS PRICE. LOOKS LIKE ABOUT HALF PRICE. SO I DON'T MIND AT ALL THE LITTLE EXTRA TLC IT REQUIRES TO PUT IN USE.

Nice piece overall but the handle could use more finesse, had sharp splintery edges that should not have ever existed where your hand should be placed. If you do not mind splinters or having to sand this down then I say give it a shot.

Nice solid wood mallette. Handle is tight. I wanted to break down, but decided to leave it be since it was so tight. Smooth finish. No splinters.

Very good construction. Solid wood, probably maple is very durable. It's a great value. Works great with your chisels, which is why I purchased it. You can't go wrong.

This is an excellent woodworking bench mallet. It's well made and sturdy. Probably the last mallet I'll ever need to buy.

It is what it is; an unfinished mallet at a low price. Buddy of mine has one of these, works fine. I wound up going with Dilegno Supply's Back Channel Mallet; they soak it for a month or so in BLO, so it weighs significantly more. The cash difference is less than the cost of the oil for me, so I went that way.

Cocktailians, here is the perfect ice crusher, paired with a lewis bag or a clean dish towel filled with ice. Then, in the words of David Wondrich, "whack it like your boss's Rolex is in there."