This is a wonderful example of the BEST of Japanese folding knives! In our quest for the best quality for the money, we sometimes accept knife designs from the companies or individuals who make knives for us. This beautifully made Trapper was designed by the maker for A.G. Russell™. With the much prized square tang, it is not quite as I would have designed it. I have a personal preference for tangs that offer walk and talk without stopping in the middle. When we were offered a sample of this knife a little over a year ago, though, the design was so superb and the craftsmanship so good that I had to ignore my opinion of the square tang.