The KURO series is a heavy ironclad knife that feels substantial in the hand while the walnut handle is smooth and warm. The White #2 Carbon edge with soft black iron cladding provides a distinctive look as the final layer of iron has an oxide coating to help prevent rust. Heavy and solid, these knives are heavy duty workhorses. Hand engraved with the Kikuichi chrysanthemum logo. 3 iron, oxide-coated layer hand-forged blade with white #2 carbon steel, double bevel with 50:50 angle ratio, 62 Rockwell hardness, octagonal Wa handle. CAUTION: All Carbon steel blades will patina through regular use and may rust if left wet. This is not a defect, it is a product of the material that comes with carbon steel's ability to take a finer edge, which is why it is preferred by many chefs. This is NOT a stainless steel.