Fantastic knife. One of the sharpest out of the box I have ever received, if not the sharpest. Great balance, and the handle is comfortable for extended use. The grind works well for feather-sticks, carving, chopping (there's enough forward weight to do it fairly well, although it's not an axe or machete, of course), and even food prep. The Elmax steel is tough and will last forever. Another great knife to pass along to my son one day!