By all means send it out to be honed. I have a Keen Cutter from Simmons Hdwr. It probably is marked made in Germany. That should put it from the 20's to the 30's (older members correct me if I'm wrong). They will hold a good edge and shave well. Mine's waiting to be honed by an expert - the best way to go. Just looked at the pics again, did it say made in USA? Still one of the better steels. Enjoy.