I bought my Fiskars X3 billhook last autumn as I had around six ton of Hazel to clear and I wanted to keep everything that was above 1" thick for the campfires, I was initially going to buy a traditional wooden handled billhook, but once I picked up the X3 it was no competition, it only weighs 420gr and the handle is nearly as long as the blade making it very versatile, it's not as pretty as the wooden handled ones, nor at first glance does it look particularly sturdy but after several months of intense work I can't fault it. It might be a bit light for hedge laying, but as an all rounder I can't fault it, I'd certainly recommend it to beginners also.