high carbon steel. You know, the knives you must take care of. Stainless wears well(440a, 440 b, 402az) what ever. High carbon steel.. I pick them up at yard sales and fle markets, the stains make them worthless but they are fine tools.. Stainless is for those who use their knife once a year, during hunting season.. P.S. Never store a good knive in a leather sheath... let them breath and keep them waxed or oiled. IMHO!