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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 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 swords of the medieval Chinese Tang dynasty (many of which are preserved in Japanese museums) are made with this lamination technique of a harder steel core wrapped in a softer steel jacket. Jacketed lamination techniques, as well as repeated hammering and folding techniques, date to at least the ancient Chinese Han dynasty of 202 BC to 220 AD.
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.
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.
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 "L6 Bainaite" series is produced based on L6 steel, by means of a heat treatment process resulting in blades exhibiting Bainite/Martensite microstructures, a process pioneered by Howard Clark of Omimi [3] and adopted by Hanwei from c. 2012. [4] Chen in 1987 founded Taiwan Chengfeng Trading Co., Ltd. for the importing of custom made swords.
Some steel iaitō are also constructed and can weigh around 900–950 g (32–34 oz) for a 74 cm (29 in) blade. [citation needed] Some imitation Japanese swords are made in countries other than Japan. They may even be made of folded steel, much like a real katana, but with a blunt edge.