Handmade swords are known for their exceptional strength and flexibility. We carry high quality handmade samurai swords that are forged by licensed swordsmiths. These blades are manufactured with the best quality steel, and tempered using the traditional techniques.
Early swords found in Japan were actually made by foreigners such as the Chinese. However, it was the Japanese who refined the process of using steel compounds and forging techniques that create the distinctive design of traditional Japanese samurai swords. It was in fact the poor quality of iron ore that prompted the Japanese swordsmiths to develop a technique that would remove the defects found in the raw steel.
At first, blades were constructed from only one type of steel, usually maru or non-laminated. Later, swordsmiths began to employ different types of steel to isolate as many useful qualities as possible. Tougher steel was used for the cutting edge, and softer, more flexible steel for the main section of the blade. Today there are three types of steel that most Japanese swordsmiths use: 420 J2 stainless steel, high carbon steel, and folded tamahagane steel. Tamahagane is the main type of steel traditionally used in forging handmade samurai swords. The word "folded" does not refer to the components of the steel but rather to the way it was forged.
The folding process improves the strength and flexibility of the blade. The swordsmith will have to hammer the steel again and again to eliminate any impurities. You might hear some people say that a real handmade samurai sword is folded over a million times, but in the traditional forging process, steel billets were rarely folded more than 15 times. That amount is already enough to create 32,768 layers. Folding produces the complex blade patterns unique to Japanese swords and allows for a high shine when buffed.
Stainless steel swords are generally intended to be displayed and not used for fighting in the dojo (or anywhere else). While attractive, these blades are not suitable for actual combat because their molecular structure is not as solid or hard as higher levels of steel found in a fully functional katana sword. The high chromium content in stainless steel weakens the internal makeup of the blade compared to high carbon steel.
High carbon steel is inherently stronger than stainless steel and can be used for battle. Some handmade samurai swords are forged from 5160 carbon spring steel, which is sometimes used for leaf springs in American trucks. Higher end swords may be made with the AISI 10xx series or welded cable steel. 1095 steel in particular is preferred by martial artists due to its cutting ability and resistance to shock. Authentic hamon (temper line) can be brought out in any high carbon steel unlike stainless steel, but the blade needs to be clay tempered first.
A folded tamahagane steel blade is the most ideal for fighting due to its flexibility and strength. Tamahagane translates as "jewel steel" and provides the best aesthetics and performance. It also contains impurities which give it an organic and intricate grain. Tamahagane represents the traditional art of Japanese sword making and a handmade samurai sword is not considered authentic if it is not made from this type of steel; thus, a folded tamahagane blade also makes a great collector's item.
