Fine blade was first to pierce further (6)
I believe the answer is:
toledo
'fine blade' is the definition.
'toledo' can be an answer for 'blade' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'fine' bit.
'was first to pierce further' is the wordplay.
'was first' becomes 'led' (to lead is to go first).
'to pierce' is an insertion indicator (some letters pierce a hole in others).
'further' becomes 'too' (I've seen this in another clue).
'led' inserted within 'too' is 'TOLEDO'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for toledo that I've seen before include "Spanish city known for swordmaking" , "Spanish city famous for weapons" , "Spanish city famous for manufacture of steel blades" , "Span. sword-making city" , "Spanish city, famous for steel and swords" .)