I used my Rat Mastiff all winter long once a week at my Aunt's house to split frozen logs from outside for the fireplace with no problems, and it's thinner than the Recon Scout. And I pounded it through plenty of frozen knots as well, no damage whatsoever, even the edge was fine. Some knots were so tough I pounded with all my strength and couldn't go through them. I got my knife stuck and had to baton it from the other direction to knock it loose. I think the only reason they covered it under the warranty was they knew it had been reported to the knife community and everyone was watching. Still, he had to do a lot of arguing to get it. They don't fully stand behind their products, so they must not trust them not to fail.