The knives of Great Eastern Cutlery are works of art, ready for the shadow box or the front pocket. The Northfield and Tidioute lines are 1095 carbon steel that will take and hold a fine edge suiting their workhorse frames. The Great Eastern Cutlery branded knives are 440C stainless steel. Some 420C has been used for Special Factory Orders by people wanting a little lower price point knife; so please confirm the tang is marked with Cyclops Steel Works to insure you have the superior 440C steel if you are paying for it.