Unrivaled smoothness, this is one of the best Irish's that I've had. A little pricey given the Knappogue 14 is unique and excellent in its own right for 30 bucks cheaper. The 16 is so good you'll have to exercise restraint to make it last... try the Knap 12, then 14, then 16 to get the true elevation or variation of Knappogue's esteemed line of Irish's.