Name: Katana Certificate of Authenticity
Brand: Katana Empire
Price: 5.0 USD
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Katana Blade Comparison

Choosing the right katana blade

Understand the differences between steels to better guide your purchase : use, composition, cutting ability, prestige.

Important: All our katanas are made in the Japanese tradition, with a full tang build and a sharpened blade. Depending on the type of steel, the balance between durability, cutting ability, and prestige can vary: that’s what we explain below.

Tip: use the categories to show only the blades you’re interested in.

Manganese steel

Category : DecorationCare : simple

Composition

Alloy steel rich in manganese (toughness, wear resistance).

Use

Decoration, artistic poses, demonstrations without impact.

Manganese steel is appreciated for getting an aesthetic and durable katana without investing a large budget. Its good surface durability and resistance to oxidation make it an ideal piece to display or handle during introductions. The metal remains intentionally more flexible than a performance steel, allowing it to absorb small everyday bumps while keeping a nice appearance.

In summary : perfect for decoration and discovering the Japanese sword : beautiful, accessible, and sufficiently resistant for non-intensive use.

1060 steel

Categories : Decoration, CuttingBalance of rigidity / flexibility

Composition

Carbon steel ~0.60% C.

Use

Real training, cuts on light targets (tatami, thin bamboo).

1060 offers a very good compromise to move from aesthetics to practice. Its carbon content gives it good edge retention and correct rigidity, while remaining fairly forgiving if the path isn’t perfect. Depending on the forging method, you may even notice a slight temper line (hamon), a sign of a differential treatment that adds character to the blade.

In summary : robust and reassuring for starting light cutting and regular training, without yet seeking maximum performance.

T10 steel

Categories : Cutting, PrestigeLong-lasting edge → excellent cutting

Composition

High-carbon steel (~1.0% C) with tungsten (wear resistance).

Use

Serious practice, denser targets, consistent performance.

T10 is aimed at performance : its high carbon content and the addition of tungsten give it excellent edge retention and marked wear resistance. When it is differentially hardened, the hamon, that traditional temper line, appears. Concretely, the spine of the blade keeps a bit of flexibility, while the edge becomes very hard : this combination promotes clean, repeatable cuts while protecting the blade against stress.

In summary : a reference steel for demanding cutting, combining efficiency, edge durability, and the aesthetics of the hamon.

Damascus steel

Category : DecorationUnique wavy patterns

Composition

Folded multi-layer steel, patterns revealed (wave, rain, wood).

Use

Collection, demonstrations, occasional light cutting.

Damascus appeals through its swirling patterns obtained via folded steel layers and revealed with acid. Each blade is unique, almost like a fingerprint. Its durability is correct, but its primary interest remains visual presence and symbolism. It is chosen for the pleasure of the eyes and the prestige of a piece marked by the art of forging.

In summary : a character blade designed above all for collection and aesthetics, with secondary cutting ability.

San-Mai steel (3 layers)

San-Mai steel (3 layers)

Categories : Cutting, PrestigeBalance of performance / flexibility

Composition

Hard core (cutting) + softer sides (shock absorption).

Use

Expert practice, high efficiency, beautiful traditional finish.

San-Mai construction brings a real practical benefit : the very hard central core ensures a high-performing edge, while the two outer layers, softer, absorb stress. Depending on the forge, the temper line (hamon) may be visible and highlight the transition between hardness levels. This classic Japanese blade architecture produces balanced, safe, and durable blades for regular and advanced practice.

In summary : a high level of craftsmanship to reconcile cutting efficiency, reliability, and traditional aesthetics.

Tamahagane steel

Categories : Cutting, PrestigeTraditional tatara forging

Composition

Steel produced from iron sand (tatara furnaces), sorted and refined by hand.

Use

Master pieces, collection and ceremonial; capable of very fine cutting depending on the forge.

Tamahagane embodies pure tradition : born from an ancestral process, it features a lively grain and a natural hamon that tells the story of the smith’s work. The material is selected and purified by hand, then assembled meticulously. Beyond possible performance, what is sought here is authenticity, history, and the master’s signature : each blade is a unique piece with a strong character.

In summary : the quintessence of the traditional katana : prestige, beauty, and artisanal know-how at the highest level.

Katana steel comparison table

	Durability	Sharpness	Prestige
Manganese	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆
1060	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
T10	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
Damascus	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
San-Mai	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★
Tamahagane	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★

Manganese

Durability

★★☆☆☆

Sharpness

★★☆☆☆

Prestige

★★☆☆☆

1060

Durability

★★★☆☆

Sharpness

★★★☆☆

Prestige

★★★☆☆

T10

Durability

★★★★☆

Sharpness

★★★★☆

Prestige

★★★★☆

Damascus

Durability

★★★☆☆

Sharpness

★★☆☆☆

Prestige

★★★★★

San-Mai

Durability

★★★★★

Sharpness

★★★★★

Prestige

★★★★★

Tamahagane

Durability

★★★★★

Sharpness

★★★★★

Prestige

★★★★★

For cutting-focused use: T10, San-Mai, and Tamahagane offer high performance and very good edge retention.

For decoration: Manganese and Damascus are preferred for their visual appeal and accessibility.

To get started: 1060 steel is an excellent compromise between durability, feel, and budget.