Although stainless steel has greater hardness, cobalt base alloys have higher wear resistance and a longer life. Cobalt is non-magnetic, so to determine whether you have a cobalt base alloy vs a stainless including cobalt, simply place a magnet over the blade. This cobalt 4500 has a 4.5" blade, weighs 32.5g and has a regular size finger hole. The standard Joewell blade has a precision flat screw and the grip has a removable finger rest.