SeelenAs far as I know, the contracted manufacturer of at least most of the Al Mar bird folders (Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey) is Moki Knife Co. I carry their Blakiston's Fish Owl daily (the name is better in Japanese, trust me.) It's a very similar knife, about the same size as the Falcon. It's also AUS-8, and the attention to detail is very impressive for its price point: about $80-90, with nylon belt sheath. Not sure the Eagle is worth the premium, but I'm itching to find out. Here's some shots of the Owl, so you can see how finely fitted the knife is. The Al Mar knives are, as far as I know, at least equally well-assembled.
As to the blade performance, it won't retain a razor edge like a powdered steel, but they're thin enough that they cut nicely long after when you'd think they'd be finished. My little Lansky pocket sharpener is more than enough to restore the edge in a pinch, but it doesn't need regular attention like a Swiss Army knife. I've never had it chip or fold after a couple years' medium use (cutting cardboard, cord, yardwork,occassional food prep when hiking.)
Is there a particular reason that steel would be used on a blade like this? I had assumed it would be VG-10 for a thinner blade like this, something very sharp and decently strong, but not so strong as a tool steel.
Anyways, if anybody knows that rationale behind the steel choice, I'm interested in why they went that route. It seems to be a good steel, I've purchased a RAT with the same as a gift. That blade wasn't quite so elegant in design... however, it was also 1/4th the price. What justifies this one being so high?
Side question, what is the false edge specifically for? My assumption would be that it makes it better for piercing due to the thinner spine. I can always just Google it, but I'm being lazy and since I'm already asking a question, I figured why not?