| ext">Nobody wants to be played a fool. I know I | | | | due to forging and folding process, it allows for |
| don’t. When I started shopping for a | | | | the blade to be extremely strong yet flexible. This |
| samurai blade that was worthy of my | | | | type of steel is what traditional samurai swords |
| appreciation and my pockets, I had to consider | | | | are made of and it allows for great polishing and |
| the array of traps that any sword collector is | | | | distinctive hamon (the pattern on the edge of the |
| being lured in today. Stainless steel blades with an | | | | blade formed during clay tempering). These |
| authentic’ hamon and cheap fittings | | | | swords are usually priced above $1000. |
| predominate the market and can lure any | | | | Forging, Folding and Clay Tempering. |
| beginner into separating themselves with their | | | | Authentic samurai swords and such made in high |
| hard earned cash. | | | | quality forges undergo 3 processes — |
| If You Don’t Pay Attention to These | | | | forging, folding and clay tempering. Forging and |
| Details You Will be Cheated Out of Your Money | | | | folding allow make the blade extremely strong. |
| We need to discuss types of steel and | | | | Clay tempering is what allows for the differential |
| technologies of making. Stainless steel blades are | | | | hardness of the edge and the body. Expect low |
| brittle, due to the higher chromium and low | | | | price swords to only be forged. Medium priced |
| carbon content and added alloys. This type of | | | | swords must definitely be at least forged and clay |
| steel is only meant for iaito blades (dull edge, | | | | tempered, while high priced swords are folded as |
| can’t practice cutting and ZERO collectible | | | | well. The folding of steel is what makes the |
| value) or display purposes. Then we have Spring | | | | patterns on a samurai sword. The patterns, |
| Steel swords. Blades made from this steel can be | | | | including the hamon are what most swords are |
| quality if they are differentially forged (you will | | | | priced on. Even if your sword is not made by an |
| often see these technical details - HRC60 edge, | | | | authentic Japanese sword smith you should |
| HRC40 back). That means that the edge is harder | | | | always look blades that are at least spring steel, |
| than the body, which gives the samurai sword its | | | | forged and clay tempered, preferably hand |
| durability (softer steel is more flexible) but yet | | | | polished as well. Polishing reveals the hamon, and |
| permits it to retain cutting power (harder steel | | | | every cheap blade is actually machine polished and |
| allows for better cutting capabilities). Swords in | | | | the hamon is added by a machine as well, making |
| this category are medium priced from $200-900. | | | | it worthless. |
| Finally, you have the tamahagane steel, which is | | | | Good luck with your katana shopping. |
| actually softer than both other types of steel, but | | | | |