More resembles an "ayda khatti" or heavy Italian billhook. Personally I think that the curvature of the handle, when combined with the small heel and jutting toe of the blade, overly limits the range of utility of the piece. A straighter handle would still hit plenty hard but would give better clearance. Just my thoughts though. I'm excited for KA-BAR regardless and think they're on the ball in terms of being market leaders tapping into the developing interest in tools of this general family.