The handle on this Dead Wood Hand Forged Damascus Full Tang Survival Knife has a natural black and gray wood grain finish with metal fixtures to hold the full tang steel blade in place within the handle and a circular brass decoration for a conventional look. The straight handle widens towards the base and is very comfortable to hold. The blade features true forged Damascus steel molting or banding pattern that can be gradual or tight for varied effects which serves a dual purpose of beauty as well as making the blade tougher and shatter resistant. There are 176 blade layers and the blade's temper is around 54 to 55.