The blade is exceptional for the price point. Pretty much perfect. Blade is straight and edge was perfectly centered, as well as sharp. The grind plunge is done well, as well as even on either side. Small fullers on either side are also even. I was a little unsure about the stainless fittings in the original description, but the finishing process (looks like a very minor tumble burr process) creates a finish that looks like mild steel. There is no “stainless glow”, rather the medium grey of mild steel. Prehaps they are using a ferritic stainless? The openings in the guard even have file marks in them. I don’t know if these were made using a laser, stamping, or other modern manufacturing method, but the finish left is “as filed”, as it should be. This shows up in the pics. Quite a nice touch and punching way above its price point. The outside edges of the basket have also been contoured. Wire wrapping is done evenly and seems to be pretty secure. If I were to be unjustifiably nitpicky (which one might for an Albion), I would say that looking down the flat, outdoors in the sun, searching for any flaw whatsoever, there are perhaps 3-4 tiny dwell marks per side, near the spine, that can be seen, but not felt. This is not an undulating rippling, but just portions where the grinder stopped for 1/100th of a second. And this is looking for the absolute smallest of inconsequential details. I won’t even say flaws, as its not noticeable unless you are looking for reflections down the flat (they are about impossible to pick up even with a camera; see if you can find them). That would be a Reddit tier basement dwelling complaint. This arm has insane quality for a sword of this price-point, or easily double its price. Granted, it is a flat bevel with minimal distal taper, but it must be said that the grinder operator had a great day making mine. I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase. Note: Please excuse the poor pics.