Sure it's the budget model made from 440C, would I have preferred D2, 14C or RPM9? Yes, but there was a day when 440C was top dog! 440C is not bad, it's easy to sharpen, there are just far better steels these days! This knife is awesome! I really like the size, shape, and ergos. The front flipper and blade hole work perfectly! It's a full size knife which I really like!