It is brass, and I agree that stainless would be a stronger choice.

It was a gift and based on the way it was designed to be used, and even if I were to use it in a combat type (Which it is not designed for.) situation, I would feel secure knowing that it will not close on my hand. This knife is of the old school with a fingernail groove in the stiff opening blade and is not designed for one-handed opening or closing, so I have to be paying attention when I close it.

I would never try to use the back of the blade for prying, which to my way of thinking is the only method that large unnecessary pressure would be put on the liner lock.

Like I said earlier, the shape of the handle, the sweep of the 3-1/16" blade make its use primarily for skinning, cutting on a block, or cutting away from you.

I'm gonna have to learn how to put pictures on my posts, because this little bugger is fairly unique in shape compared to what is out there now in folders.

Bountyhunter