Is folded steel stronger than single-steel blades?

Folding improves the steel by distributing carbon evenly and removing slag inclusions. The layered composition also resists crack propagation. Rather than being simply stronger, folded steel offers a more refined and consistent structure.

Do display katanas need the same maintenance as other swords?

Yes. Display katanas are made from carbon steel and require regular oiling to prevent oxidation. Even swords only on display should be oiled every few weeks, as environmental humidity can cause surface rust.

Does handmade affect the price?

Handmade is our standard construction method, so it does not add a premium. Prices vary based on steel type, design complexity, and fittings quality. The handmade construction is consistent across all price points.

Is a real hamon only found on T10 blades?

In this collection, yes - real hamon appears specifically on T10 steel blades that have undergone differential hardening using clay application before quenching. The clay insulates the spine, allowing it to cool slowly and remain relatively soft, while the exposed edge cools rapidly and hardens. The boundary between these two zones becomes the hamon. Blades made from 1045 carbon steel or high-manganese steel are typically through-hardened, which produces a uniform hardness but no visible temper line. Folded and Damascus pieces may show surface patterns from their construction method, but those are not hamon - they are forge-welding artifacts, which is a meaningful distinction for serious collectors.

What type of steel is the hardest?

Updated Sep 2021

The hardest type of steel is generally considered to be tool steel, specifically those classified as high-speed tool steels. These steels are designed to have exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance, making them ideal for cutting tools, drills, and other applications where maintaining sharpness and durability under high temperatures is crucial.

Some common examples of high-speed tool steels include:

M2 steel: This is a widely used high-speed tool steel with excellent toughness, wear resistance, and heat resistance. It contains a combination of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, and carbon.
T1 steel: Another popular high-speed tool steel, T1 steel offers excellent hardness and heat resistance. It consists of tungsten, chromium, vanadium, and carbon.
M42 steel: Known for its high wear resistance, M42 steel contains a combination of cobalt, molybdenum, and high levels of tungsten, along with other elements such as chromium and vanadium.

It's important to note that while these tool steels are exceptionally hard, there are other measures of steel performance, such as toughness, corrosion resistance, and other specialized properties, that may be more important in certain applications. The choice of steel will depend on the specific requirements of the intended use.