After the mod to the handle I took it out for a run. Much easier to chop with than I expected! My technique was a little rusty but I had no issues swinging it for 15 minutes or so. I don't know if it's the centrifugal force or the curve of the blade but it swings very nice. You definitely know when you hit the sweet spot, it goes from 1.5" deep bite to around 2.5" deep. It absolutely blows my CAK away. It seems to chop in a similar fashion to an axe. Anyone that is on the fence about getting one, DO IT! The quality on this Ganga Ram is the best that I have seen on a kukri. The blade is so flat and flawless that it one might assume that it was made by stock removal method. Very, very well made. The only thing I would change if I were to buy another would be to get a Chiruwa Ganga Ram.... This is my first chopper with the stick tang and while I know it's plenty tough, the though of the handle loosening makes me sweat. All around, I would say its a steal of a deal, even buying it full price.