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The steel used in sword production is known as tamahagane (玉鋼:たまはがね), or "jewel steel" (tama – ball or jewel, hagane – steel). Tamahagane is produced from iron sand, a source of iron ore, and mainly used to make samurai swords, such as the katana, and some tools. Diagram of a tatara and bellows
The word tama means 'precious', and the word hagane means 'steel'. [1] Tamahagane is used to make Japanese swords, daggers, knives, and other kinds of tools. The carbon content of the majority of analyzed Japanese swords historically lies between a mass of 0.5–0.7%; however, the range extends up to 1.5%. [2] [3]
The 10xx series is the most popular choice for carbon steel used in knives as well as katanas. They can take and keep a very sharp edge. [59] 1095, a popular high-carbon steel for knives; it is harder but more brittle than lower-carbon steels such as 1055, 1060, 1070, and 1080.
Early swords were made of copper [citation needed], which bends easily. Bronze swords were stronger; by varying the amount of tin in the alloy, a smith could make various parts of the sword harder or tougher to suit the demands of combat service. The Roman gladius was an early example of swords forged from blooms of steel.
Japan was at war during the Sengoku period between 1467 and 1600, as feudal lords vied for supremacy. [8] Matchlock guns were used extensively and had a decisive role in warfare. In 1549, Oda Nobunaga ordered 500 matchlocks to be made for his armies. The benefits of firearms were still relatively questionable however compared with other weapons.
Shinai (Japanese Katana-like sword made of Bamboo strips, used in Kendo) Pugil stick (Heavily padded pole-like weapon) Foil (European fencing weapon) Federschwert (Steel sparring sword used in European martial arts) Foam Weapons, Boffers (Foam Weapons used in live action role playing, SCA, and the like)
There are accounts of good quality stainless steel Japanese swords, however, these are rare at best. [93] Some replica Japanese swords have been used in modern-day armed robberies. [94] As a part of marketing, modern ahistoric blade styles and material properties are often stated as traditional and genuine, promulgating disinformation.
The kanabō was also a mythical weapon, often used in tales by oni, who reputedly possessed superhuman strength. [7] [8] This is alluded to by the Japanese saying "like giving a kanabō to an oni " —meaning to give an extra advantage to someone who already has the advantage (i.e. the strong made stronger).