A retainer which is made of a steel material having a carbon content of 0.25 wt % and has a nitride layer on its surface formed by subjecting it to a nitriding treatment after it has been formed into a predetermined shape, characterized in that the nitride layer has a hardness of Hv 650 or more and a thickness in the range of 3 to 15 μm. The retainer exhibits sliding characteristics and a wear resistance which are superior to a conventional retainer.
