This was given to my grandfather. I love this knife. It was the first of its kind I have made. the blade is pattern welded Steel also commonly known as damascus steel. I have been bit by the damascus bug many years ago and through many attempts of trial and error I have done it. I have had no teacher but a few books and websites and parents who put up with my banging and my mess for so long. this blade is made from crane cable. fire welded in my blacksmith forge into a steel bar then forged into a knife. the handle is beer bone with oak and burned and coated in olive oil.to prevent rust and give it the deep wet shine. The pattern in the steel is the variations in carbon content as the oxygen contacting the steel during the red hot forging temperatures burns the carbon from the surface of the steel. leaving an interesting pattern when acid etched. I tried to sell this knife but I couldn't part with it. So i gave it to my grandfather. I knew he could appreciate all the work over the years and the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into each blade. I have a special one for my wife. I will post later once it is finnished.