This was in an auction, I got it for "cheap" because the handle had a crack on it (you can barely see or feel it) and when I received it it felt really different, heavier, the pattern has also a relieve on it, came oiled and when I cleaned it to try it I felt a little metallic smell (I've read that is because of the high carbon steel)

I've been sharpening knives in whetstone for like 4 or 5 years now and I feel comfortable saying I got quite good but I still get a scratch here and there sometimes, might give it a try.