(Newswire.net — November 27, 2018) — When it comes to picking the best steel for katana, there are different types of steel to choose from. All these materials vary in the degree of hardness, flexibility, and durability. Read on to find out which Samurai sword you can add to your collection.
Best Steel for Katana
Stainless Steel – Prone to Shatter
Stainless steel is a convenient material for small knives, but for swords-not so much. Stainless Katanas are prone to breaking. If that happens when cutting through an object, the broken piece can hurt the user or anyone else nearby. Stainless steel is not recommended for a Katana sword.
Carbon Katana – Durable and Sturdy
There are different variations of carbon steel for katana depending on the degree of saturation of the Carbon content. For a robust Katana, the Carbon has to be between 1045 and 1095. The prefix 10 states the material is steel, the second two digits is the percentage of carbon content.
- 1045 Carbon Steel: This type of Steel has 45 % Carbon content. It is on the softer side of the Carbon spectrum, making it highly flexible and durable. But such a sword would need regular sharpening.
- 1060 Carbon Steel: 60 % Carbon is an ideal balance. Here you have got flexibility, toughness, and long lasting sharpness.
- 1095 Carbon Steel: This is the highest percentage of Carbon you can have in a Steel sword. 1095 Carbon is superbly tough and hard and can maintain its sharp edge for long. What lacks on its menu is flexibility.
Spring Katana – Flexible
Spring Steel blades are incredibly flexible, springing back to their original shape after bending at sharp angles. This is because they’re also made of silicone. A spring Katana sword contains small amounts of silicone added to 1060 Carbon.
- 5160 Spring Steel: 5160 spring steel falls on the lower side of the chromium spectrum. The presence of silicon, however, makes it a genuinely suitable sword material.
- 9260 Spring Steel: This is also known as Silicon Manganese. It has higher amounts of silicon compared to 5160 spring steel. With 9260 spring, you get a highly flexible and decorative sword.
Tool Steel Katana- Tough and Sharp
Tool steel swords are also made with carbon and silicon, but not high enough to make them as flexible.
T-10 Tool: T-10 tool contains more carbon content and trace amounts of silicon. The silicon in it makes it resistant to corrosion and scratch apart from being extra tough.
L6 Bainite: This combines carbon, chromium, manganese, nickel, and vanadium. This type of Katana blade is known as the toughest samurai sword in the market. On top of the toughness, you get extra flexibility and durability.
Damascus Katana – Heavy and Tough
This is 1045 carbon that has been folded over several times during the forging of the blade. Traditional Japanese swordsmiths used this method to increase a sword’s strength. Although they are tough, Damascus Katana swords will need regular sharpening.
So, What is the Best Steel for Katana Swords?
The best Steel for Katana is one that allows for flexibility, durability, and toughness. Consider if you want a sword that will stay sharper for longer, or if you want a more durable sword. The best option for you comes down to if you will use it for decor or as an item for a fundraiser.