they are made by Iltis Ox actually
the difference is the price and the Iltis has a metal sleave around the handle below the head.i love my Stihl maul.bought it just before the price increase.i'd still buy one though.i just can't handle a fibeglass handle.nothing feels like good ol american hickory.same with gun stocks.i hate synthetic,i know it works good but just doesn't feel or look right.