the handle was treated with danish oil,left in it for 24 hours to soak in ,the blade was a stainles steel .now ive worked in the butchery business for years and i can tell all that stainless does rust unless its a marine grade steel,its a trade off realy stainless doesnt make for a good blade,difficult to sharpen properly ,carbon steel rusts so theres just enough carbon steel in the blade to make it a good blade.as ive allready said this knife wasnt looked after,it was a £60 custon knife and a bargain for that price. personally i dont care if i ever make a knife for sale again,that knife too