Msicard 240mm AEB-L Basic Gyuto

I am since many years a passive participant of KKF and noticed that Mr.. Sicard is a prominent maker who contributes a lot to the forum. Since quite a while I was playing with the idea to acquire a handmade knife by a "Western" maker. The unexpected and in my eyes foolish decision to put heavy tariffs on practical all goods from all foreign countries gave me pause until I saw that "US outlet" for his goods. When I saw that his gyuto in AEBL, a steel that I like, presumably without cladding, my decision was made. I did not expect the kourochi finish, though, at least I didn't interpret the photo as being that. It's not my first in that style but since long I have wondered why seemingly many KKF "experts" are favoring that finish beyond aesthetics. But I don't mind the finish as the rest of the knife has all the attributes you can expect from a well-made kitchen knife.