A method of balancing an ultrasonic instrument having an ultrasonically actuated blade is disclosed. The blade includes a body portion and a step portion extending from the body portion. The body portion comprises a first side, a second side, and a width defined between the first and second sides. The step portion includes a first surface, a second surface, and a cutting edge situated intermediate the first and second surfaces. The second surface extends between a first plane including the cutting edge and a second plane which is parallel to the first plane. The first and second surfaces are not parallel and are oriented such that there is an angle defined therebetween. The method comprises the steps of configuring at least a portion of the blade such that a relationship is substantially equal to zero.