I used this for the first time the other day. I cut a bunch of small trees and branches down in the back yard at our new home. Other than getting into poison ivy, this was a very good experience. This thing cut off a limb that was about 4-5" thick. A chainsaw would have been easier, but this thing did awesome. I would rate it as the same as a good hatchet. Far exceeded my expectations. May even preorder one of their bigger machettes. Got it for about $50 shipped. I might even make a video if there isnt already one on youtube.