Choosing the Steel of Your Katana | Complete Guide

There are many types of steel and forging methods used to create a katana. This is one of the biggest factors that affect the price, performance, and aesthetics of the blade.

In this guide, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each steel type — so you can confidently choose the right one, whether you're looking to practice cutting or simply admire a beautiful sword.

Maru Steel Katanas ($200–$400)

A Maru blade is made using a single type of steel, forged all the way through. This is the simplest and most cost-effective forging method, which is why most entry-level katanas use it.

The quality of a Maru katana depends largely on the carbon content of the steel — typically between 0.4% and 1% carbon. More carbon means a harder, sharper edge… but also a bit more fragility.

Here are the most common steels used in Maru-forged katanas:

🔹 T10 Steel

The highest-grade steel used in Maru blades. With slightly over 1% carbon, T10 offers a very sharp, durable edge and a good level of flexibility. It’s ideal for people with a moderate budget who want a katana that’s actually made for real cutting practice.

🔹 1045 Steel

A softer steel, but with good flexibility. It's a solid option for beginners or for decorative use. Affordable and traditional, but not made for intense cutting practice.

🔹 1095 Steel

This steel is harder than 1045 or 1060, and creates a very sharp edge — perfect for clean cuts. But with that hardness comes fragility: if your technique isn’t perfect, the blade may chip or crack more easily.

🔹 Manganese Steel

Not as well known, but manganese steel offers great value for the price. It’s often used in decorative katanas with unique blades and eye-catching scabbards.

A closer look:

By adjusting the manganese content, the steel can become strong and flexible at the same time. That’s exactly what we want in a katana. While it’s not the most traditional material, it’s perfect for beginners or collectors who want something affordable, stylish, and still capable of light cutting.

Laminated Steel Katanas ($300–$500)

Also known as Damascus steel, this type of katana is forged using two or more types of steel — usually a hard steel for sharpness and a softer steel for flexibility.

The result? A blade with thousands of visible layers, created by repeatedly folding and welding the steels together. This not only improves performance but also gives the blade a unique, rippled pattern that makes every piece one of a kind.

🔹 Why Choose Damascus Steel?

⚔️ Better balance between strength and flexibility
🌊 Visually stunning patterns (no two are exactly alike)
🧑🏫 Higher-end craftsmanship than basic Maru blades
🥋 Great for both cutting and collection/display

Forging Damascus steel takes more time and skill, which explains the higher price. But for many katana fans, it’s well worth it.

Some of our Damascus models even feature a real clay-tempered hamon on top of the layered structure — combining tradition, beauty, and cutting power.

Damascus steel katanas are perfect for people who want a sword that looks amazing but also performs well. Whether for cutting or as part of your decor, this is a great step up from entry-level blades.

Kobuse-Forged Katana ($900+)

Now we’re entering the world of composite forging, with blades made the traditional Japanese way — using multiple types of steel for different parts of the blade.

The Kobuse method uses:

A hard steel outer layer (hagane) for sharpness
A soft steel core (shigane) for flexibility and shock absorption

This combination creates a katana that is:

Razor-sharp on the outside
Durable and resistant to breakage on the inside
Built for serious cutting practice over the long term

🔹 Why Choose a Kobuse Katana?

🛡️ Excellent durability under stress
⚔️ Stays sharp longer than most basic blades
🎓 Ideal for experienced practitioners or collectors
🧬 Based on real samurai-era forging techniques

A katana forged using Kobuse is often considered a lifetime sword — it combines tradition with performance, and each one is a true work of craftsmanship.

If you want a sword that can take a beating and still perform beautifully for years, Kobuse is one of the best forging methods you can choose.

San-Mai Forged Katana ($700+)

The San-Mai forge technique is another traditional Japanese method, this time using three layers of steel:

A soft steel core on the inside
Two harder steel layers on the outside

This setup creates a katana with a razor-sharp, rigid cutting edge, while still keeping a flexible core to absorb shock — making it extremely durable, yet very effective for cutting.

🔹 What Makes San-Mai Special?

⚔️ Excellent cutting performance with less risk of cracking
🔄 Layered construction often includes Damascus steel for a unique look
🧬 Often used with T10 or 1060 carbon steel for a high-performance mix
🔥 Can feature clay-tempered hamon for added tradition and beauty

What Does It Feel Like?

San-Mai forged blades are often compared to the swords used by samurai in the Edo period.
They have that ideal mix of:

Sharpness
Rigidity
Flexibility
Longevity

Our San-Mai katanas are fully hand-forged, and come with detailed specifications on the blade's construction — perfect for serious practitioners or collectors.

Whether you're cutting tatami, bamboo, or just want a katana with real soul and heritage, San-Mai is a powerful choice.