I personally feel that the blade is a little light for its length, so it doesn't chop (if you need to) as well as other blades. The one I had was difficult to sharpen, seemed to be as hard as a file. Don't remember who made it, I traded it away many years ago. I didn't like the round shape of the stacked leather handle, so filed it to an oval shape, and shortened the top portion of the cross guard. For a knife of that size I much prefer my Cold Steel Recon Scout...