Pro-Shot’s 1 Piece Micro Polished Stainless Cleaning Rods are less hard than barrel steel” and go through multiple steps of finishing to provide you the best tool for cleaning. First” they heat treat the steal” this adds to the strength and durability of the cleaning rod. Next” they center-less grind and Micro-Polish/Burnish the rod. Their Exclusive and Proprietary manufacturing process of micro polishing/burnishing cleaning rods along with center-less grinding and polishing” provide for a super smooth and mirror-like jeweled finish. These extras manufacturing steps provide a hardened dense jeweled mirror like finish” so they do not pick up and carry abrasive grit” dirt” & fouling.