The present invention provides a write element for use in magnetic data recording system such as a computer disk drive. The write head utilizes the advantageous properties of high magnetic moments while overcoming the corrosion problems engendered by such materials. The write element includes a magnetic yoke constructed of first and second magnetic poles joined to one another at a back gap. While the majority of the poles are constructed of a high magnetic moment material a layer of relatively low magnetic moment material is provided on the first pole at the back gap portion of the first pole. The relatively low magnetic moment material prevents corrosion of the first pole during subsequent manufacturing of the write head. An electrically conductive coil passes through the magnetic yoke and is insulated there from. By passing an electrical current through the electrical coil, a magnetic flux is generated in the yoke. This magnetic flux then generates a magnetic fringing field in at a write gap of the yoke. The fringing field imparts magnetic data onto a recording medium passing thereby.