Now you can own an exact replica of this original classic for a very reasonable price. But make no mistake, our R1 Military Classic is not just a showpiece. The blade is expertly crafted from VG-1 San Mai III stainless steel and is 3/16" thick. Each one is flawlessly ground, hand fitted, polished and then honed until it will cut at the slightest touch. For strength and beauty, the double guard has been meticulously fashioned from a single piece of highly rust resistant 300 series stainless steel (instead of brass or nickel silver that can tarnish). It sports an extremely buffed and polished surface that will continue to gleam despite the ravages of time and weather. The handle is made from solid black linen Micarta. This is extremely costly, but nothing else looks or lasts like Micarta! Each one is contoured and shaped until perfect then permanently mated to the heavy blade tang with attractive colored fiber spacers. The final assembly is then buffed and polished to a fine luster. The R1 is delivered with a heavy duty brown leather sheath complete with Norton Fine India stone and pouch. This rugged sheath is built for hard service and is designed to fit virtually any belt including a G.I. pistol Belt!