Hi Bob, here is a little more info on the steel I am using. 1144 (Stressproof-equivalent) steelCarbon around 0.40%Rockwell Hardness all depends on what scale B95 / C17When I said a slight temper the cutting edges are heated to remove any brittleness, I would rather have a bent or smashed point than abroken point. any guarantee? that is a rock and a hard place question.. Its a pickyou are slamming it into the ground, you are prying rocks with it..Yes I will guarantee it, if you don,t abuse it. Pretty hard not to abusea pick. I take my pick every now and then an take the grinder to it. Ivan ps: do you live in AZ? what areas do you MD, allways enjoyed your writings.