Sharpness out of the box seems pretty good, but a final sharpening helps a lot. It's a nice sturdy, but thin, blade. The finish on the blade and bolster are excellent, although this one had a little "fogginess" where the blade reached the bolster. I'm hesitant to polish it because I don't want to erase the damascus pattern. I rounded the spine, because that square edge is uncomfortable. As for durability, I guess we'll see. I'm making two of these as gifts, so I won't know first-hand how they hold up, but I'll ask every once in a while. Or I might just have to make one for myself.
Oh yeah, you can get this kind of blade lots of places. I got the blade at woodcraft, although you can buy them a few other places, including amazon. This blade cost $20, so the total cost for someone with a well equipped shop is maybe $30 in materials.
For about twice ths cost, you can get blades with no logo, with or without bolsters, from Jantz
http://www.knifemaking.com/category-s/45.htm. I imagine many of the "custom" vg-10 damascus kitchen knives being sold here and there are these. Everyone is chasing that "Shun" look, because that's what the customers want.
If you don't need VG-10, and Aus-8 is acceptable, you can get hammered finish blades too.
http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=2_486&osCsid=tvah9bfhm5o1vq17subunh1h47.
I'm sure a lot of people calling themselves bladesmiths are just selling knives made from these kits. I see nothing wrong with selling knives made from these kits as long as the maker is honest about it, and doesn't claim to have forged the blades themselves.