Purpose of sleeve on sledge hammer handle

Question

What is the intended purpose of the wedge-shaped sleeve on this sledgehammer handle near the head?

POWERFIST 12 lb Sledge Hammer

Answer 1

It is so the part in question takes the brunt of over strikes where the handle in that spot will take damage over time.

It is in essence a handle protector.

I have seen handles that were nearly chipped away slowly over the years where the head was about ready to fall off.

Answer 2

Jack is absolutely right. I spent much of the 80s as a kid splitting fir and pine for my family's home heating needs with a maul and wedges. As an 85 lb. stringbean I missed often. As a carpenter I've used sledges countless times, and while I have pretty good marksmanship these days, misses still happen.

All that is to point out that such sleeves have a secondary purpose: They reduce recoil forces on the operator's hands and wrists. They can act as both an impact blunter and a vibration dampener. This dramatically reduces felt shock in joints and bones. Older folks who know how to work with their bodies understand.