With the stamp being dead on in the center and less than a 1/4 in gap between the blade and wedge I do not think it has been modified either. I did shave with it and it did a fine job. Once you get past the thought of being on someone's foot 100 years ago it does pretty well! She also lives up to the Bengall name, it took to the hones amazingly fast and I spent less than 1/2 hour to get her ready.