I wouldn't use one of these as a froe any more than I'd use a drawknife
as a froe.  These are available from a variety of sources under a
variety of names.  One of the most common names is "wrecking knife."  I
have something similar.   A Japanese American co-worker had one that had
belonged to his father, a carpenter.  It came in a wooden sheath like a
samurai sword.  Heavy blade, sharpened one side, the tip slightly skewed
and just as sharp.  Great for cleaning out a mortise, can function as a
drawknife.  It's a great tool.  But I ain't never going to pound on the
back of the blade. 

Mike in Woodland