Make your own handle! The blade of the Damascus Steel Blank Santoku Chef Knife is a hand forged steel, with a steel quality of 1095 to 15N20 high carbon Japanese steel. 200 layers, and the heat treatment or hardness is 55-60 HRC Rockwell scale. This blank handle of this Damascus Steel Blank Santoku Chef Knife is full tang, with half Damascus steel blade and half high carbon steel tang. This knife has one of the best blades on the market, so make sure not to miss out! This knife is a must have for any chef or cooking enthusiast! ***Care and maintenance for your Damascus Steel Kitchen, Chef, or Cutlery blade: Before storing your knife, please coat it with vegetable oil or Vaseline to prevent rusting or drying of the forged steel. If you have just cleaned your knife, you should dry it immediately and then apply the vegetable oil or Vaseline. Other cooking oils can be substituted for vegetable oil, such as coconut oil. Specifications Overall Length: 12 Inches Blade Length: 7.5 Inches Handle Length: 4.5 Inches Blade Width: 1.5 Inches Blade Material: Japanese 1095 High Carbon, 15N20 Alloy Steel Bolstering: Solid Copper