The channeled ivory "flutes", the downplayed use of brass as highlighting against the dark wood and "antiqued" guard, the curve of the guard enhanced by shaping the face as well as the back side--that's just a very appealing package to me. Blade-to-handle ratio is improved visually by the blade-guard-spacer progression. Useful, tastefully subtle handle contouring. A richly understated piece. :thumbup: