This knife features a German-made stainless carbon alloy which resists stains and corrosion, exhibits toughness and durability, retains its edge, and is easy to re-sharpen to a razor-like edge. This knife line is one-piece, hot-drop hammer forged, which produces the strongest blade from heel to tip. The blades are heat treated and cooled to achieve a Rockwell of 57-58. The three-step, 15° Elite edge is hand stropped on a cloth wheel, creating the sharpest possible cutting surface on an edged tool. Handcrafted in the historic cutlery capital of Solingen, Germany.