>>1601161>The loose handle of the froe is loose so it can reduce impact and wear on the user's hand.This is for reducing impact and wear on the handle itself as well. Oddly enough, this feature is itself being lost in modern froes. I think perhaps it is knowledge that is being lost. Now there are more an more froes being made with fixed blades. I've also seen normal handled knives being advertised as a "froe" because they have an overly thick blade. Yet, they do not have the L-shape needed for an actual froe. The only things you should be beating with a baton are froes and gouges. Though, there are ship rigging knives and glazier's tools that are designed specifically to be batoned through rope and lead/paint/sealant respectively.
