Good review. Thanks.
I actually did the same initially with a comparison to my kikuichimonji TKC and now that Dave will be putting a new edge on both the Martell and my TKC, it will serve for a very good comparison. The edge variable will be eliminated.
Strange that you mention the applies. They are one of my go-to tests also. I cut two large slabs off each side of the core, lay them flat and pull and push cut parallel to the cutting board (not down into it).
k.