Though not well known in the United States, this blade is well- known and highly regarded in Europe where the top manufacturers leave off making their own, snap these up and stamp them as theirs. The blade is hardy, durable and distinctly lighter than the general run. The balance is a thing of beauty, a breath from the past with a lightness and direct ability like the best of the old French blades, (thought not so brittle) and a suppleness and give at the end like the Italian blades that havenât been made for twenty years. Not made in large quantity, care is lavished on them and they are finished by hand forging.