This beautiful blade is custom-made from high quality 1095 steel with a hardened (baked-on) black powder coating to provide additional corrosion resistance. This gives it a very handsome and unique look while also protecting it from rust. 1095 is a high carbon steel (not a stainless steel) and is commonly used in heavy duty tools. It can carry an extremely sharp edge. 1095 makes great steel for heavy duty choppers and survival knives because of its extreme durability and resistance to chipping, easy sharpening and edge retention. It is much tougher than premium stainless steels. Because it is a high carbon steel, it is very important to keep it clean and oiled. Take extra care to store a knife made of 1095 out of its sheath (this is a good idea for all knives) and keep a thin layer of lubricant on the exposed steel (non-black powder coated portions). This knife blank is custom designed by us and 100% hand-forged.