The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel was designed off of the Spetznaz soldiers design as a shovel and a fighting weapon. The head and socket are forged from carbon steel and heat treated for maximum strength. The outside edges of the shovel are sharpened to utility/axe edge and can be easily sharpened to obtain razor sharpness. If you are looking for the ultimate in utility and fighting weapons, the Special Forces Shovel is for you.