Steel Comparison Table
| Steel Type | Composition | Carbon Content | Main Advantages | Flexibility | Durability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T10 Clay-Tempered | Carbon & Tungsten Alloy | ~1.0% | Superior edge retention, visible hamon, balance of strength & flexibility | Medium | High | Cutting, advanced practice |
| 1060 Spring Steel | High Carbon Steel | ~0.6% | Impact resistance, easy to maintain, good for frequent use | High | Medium-High | Dojo training, light cutting |
| 1095 High Carbon | Carbon Steel | ~0.95–1.0% | Very sharp edge, excellent for clean cuts, can be brittle | Low | Very High | Precision cutting, collection |
| Blue Steel #2 (Aogami) | Carbon Steel with Chromium & Tungsten | ~1.1% | Japanese premium steel, exceptional sharpness, fine grain | Medium | Very High | Traditional forging, collectors |
| Stainless Damascus | Layered Stainless Steels | Variable | Rust resistance, unique pattern, minimal maintenance | Variable | High | Display, occasional cutting |
| Kobuse | Hard carbon steel jacket & soft steel core | Variable | Traditional samurai method, durable & sharp | High | High | Advanced cutting, heirloom quality |
| San-Mai | Hard steel core + softer side layers | Variable | Excellent edge with flexible body, traditional aesthetics | High | Very High | Heavy cutting, traditional practice |
T10 Clay-Tempered — €400–€700
This premium carbon and tungsten alloy is clay-tempered for a visible hamon and outstanding edge retention. It offers the perfect balance between hardness and flexibility, making it ideal for serious practitioners and collectors. A T10 clay-tempered katana is a reliable cutting tool that also carries the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.
1060 Spring Steel — €200–€350
Favored for its shock resistance and forgiving flexibility, 1060 spring steel is perfect for frequent dojo training. It withstands repeated impacts without deforming, making it a popular choice for beginners and intermediate users.
1095 High Carbon Steel — €350–€600
Known for producing razor-sharp edges and clean cuts, 1095 is a high-performance steel best suited to experienced users. Its hardness allows for exceptional sharpness but requires precise cutting technique to avoid damage.
Blue Steel #2 (Aogami) — €700–€1,200
A legendary Japanese steel, Aogami offers exceptional sharpness, durability, and edge stability thanks to its fine grain and alloy composition. Katanas forged from Blue Steel are rare and highly sought after by serious collectors.
Stainless Damascus — €300–€500
Layered stainless steels create stunning Damascus patterns while providing rust resistance and low maintenance. Perfect for display and occasional cutting, these blades combine aesthetics with practicality.
Kobuse — €900+
A traditional Japanese composite method encasing a soft core in a hard steel shell. This results in a blade that can hold a razor edge while remaining flexible enough to absorb heavy impacts.
San-Mai — €700+
Triple-layer forging with a hard steel core and softer sides ensures a blade that’s both incredibly sharp and impact-resistant. Often paired with folded steel for visual beauty, San-Mai katanas are built for demanding cutting practice.