For most knives, "normal use" means slicing things. Some companies might exclude high impact chopping, and I've read posts where batoning was classified as abuse. Others say batoning is OK so long as you're not beating the spine with a steel hammer. Most companies would classify prying or torquing (trying to use your knife as a screwdriver) as abuse. If a company is satisfied that they've got your money and unconcerned about return business or word-of-mouth, then just about any damage will be called the result of abuse.

However, I've seen pictures of Bussekin knives used to shatter ceramic toilets and being thrust through refrigerator doors. They stand behind their products, so no worries here.

I've got a pair of BRKT Forresters and a pair of Claxs -- those are some solid heavy choppers, similar to a WWII Smatchet.