In addition to having your knife performance tuned before it ships, you will received a coupon for complimentary re-sharpening of your knife (a $12-$50 value). That is the District Cutlery difference.

Aogami carbon steel (aka blue steel) hand forged by master blacksmith Takeo Murata. Kurouchi finish.

Full tang riveted pakkawood handle 

Japanese chef knives are brittle and are designed for cutting soft tissue foods. High Carbon steel chef knives can rust if not kept dry.