Crash axes were originally developed for emergency use for escaping from downed aircraft. Their use has now been extended to SWAT, fire and emergency services, as well as being a 'door opener' for the military units operating searches and seizures in urban areas.
TOPS IDT has an extra heavy tactical head, by itself it weighs one pound, made of 3/8" thick 1095 tempered carbon steel. The head is attached to a special handle configuration, which improves the momentum of the chop or down stroke.
The handle is made of a chrome moly alloy, (4130) considered basically stronger and lighter than steel. Chrome moly is like steel on steroids. This is a tubular handle that exhibits strength, toughness, and ductility.
To ensure a very secure grip on the handle, TOPS has provided a large 8" grip area on the handle, made from ‘EEZER FOAM’, manufactures through a patented proprietary process, unmatched for quality and durability. The smooth surface finish is non-slip under adverse conditions and is a high density shock absorber and insulator, with good abrasion resistance.