Steel | Alloy | Carbon rate | Pros and cons | Flexibility | Resistance | Usage |
T10 Steel | Carbon / tungsten alloy | ~0.95-1.04% | Balanced, strong blade. | Medium | High | Cutting, decoration |
1045 Steel | Carbon steel | ~0.45% | Cheap, good for beginners, easy to sharpen. | High | Medium | Training, cutting, decorating |
1060 Steel | Carbon steel | ~0.60-0.08% | Good for everyone. Excellent value for money. | High | High | Cutting, decoration |
1095 Steel | Carbon steel | ~0.90-1.03% | Very sharp but fragile. | Low | Very High | Cutting, collection |
Manganese Steel | Carbon / manganese alloy | Variable | Beware of the manganese rate, which can make the blade very strong or very fragile. | Low to Medium | High | Cutting, decoration |
Damascus Steel | Two superposed carbon steels | Variable | Beautiful, strong, sharp, durable. | Variable | High | Cutting, collection |
Kobuse Steel | Hard steel on the outside, soft steel on the inside | Variable | Strong and flexible. Traditional forging. | High | High | Cutting, collection |
San-Mai Steel | Three layers: hard steel between two layers of soft steel | Variable | Durable cutting edge, the most resistant. | High | Very High | Cutting, collection |
MARU Steel Katana Sword ($100-400)
MARU Katana swords are made from a single steel. Low in cost and simple to forge, the MARU steel katana is nevertheless strong and sharp if the chosen steel is high quality.
- Unique steel with different carbon rate options.
- T10: High-quality, high-carbon content, suitable for cutting.
- 1045: Hard with good flexibility, suitable for beginners.
- 1060: Tough, finely sharpened steel, a good compromise between 1045 and 1095.
- 1095: Top of the range for this category, hard, sharp blade.
- Manganese: More for decorative use, affordable price.
Damascus Steel Katana Sword ($300-500)
Damascus steel blades are made from two steels to give the Katana greater strength and flexibility. These blades are composed of thousands of superimposed layers of these two steels.
- Damascus steel with two different types of steel.
- Complex forging, unique aesthetics with thousands of layers.
- Very well suited for cutting, often collected for its beauty.
- Hamon and magnificent patterns.
Kobuse Forged Katana Sword ($900+)
Composite blade with hard outer steel (Hagane) and soft inner steel (Shigane).
Suitable for experienced users, it offers a sharp outer edge and increased strength.
San-Mai Forged Katana Sword ($700+)
Forged in three parts, with soft steel on the inside and stiffer steel on the outside.
Offers unique sharpness and rigidity, suitable for cutting and taking blows.
Frequent use of T10 steel with Damascus steel and Hamon for a high-end look.
Similar to Edo period samurai katanas.
Tamahagane Steel Katana Sword ($700+)
Fusion of iron sand, charcoal and other materials in a clay furnace.
- High purity, exceptional toughness and strength.
- Classified according to carbon rate.
Each type of steel has its own pros and cons, and the choice will depend on your preferences in terms of performance, aesthetics, and budget. It’s also crucial before buying a katana sword to consider the maintenance required for each type of steel to ensure the durability of your katana sword. Do your research thoroughly and, if possible, consult an expert.