How does 1090 carbon steel compare to other carbon steel grades in katana production?
Updated Feb 2026
1090 carbon steel is a high-carbon steel with a carbon content of approximately 0.90 percent, placing it near the upper end of the carbon content range used in sword production. By comparison, 1045 carbon steel has a carbon content of approximately 0.45 percent, 1060 is at 0.60 percent, and 1095 is at 0.95 percent. Higher carbon content generally allows the steel to achieve greater hardness through heat treatment, but also increases the risk of brittleness if the tempering process is not executed correctly. At 0.90 percent carbon, 1090 occupies a position where it can achieve good edge hardness while remaining tough enough for a display collectible that will be handled and examined regularly. The steel's high carbon content is appropriate for the TWD katana's role as a featured display piece where material quality is part of what the replica communicates - a sword made from a serious steel material rather than a cheaper alternative.