What high-carbon steel grades are available in the metal katana collection?
Updated Feb 2026
Metal katana in this collection are available across the full range of high-carbon steel grades used in serious Japanese sword collecting. 1045 carbon steel is the most widely available grade, providing reliable heat treatment and blade hardness at accessible price points - 1045 katana represent the solid foundation of the metal katana category. 1060 carbon steel offers enhanced hardness and surface quality for a step up in blade character. T10 carbon steel is the premium grade available with clay tempering that creates a visible hamon along the blade length - the most traditional construction indicator in Japanese sword-making. Damascus steel katana feature fold-forged layered blade patterning that creates visually individual pieces where no two blades are exactly alike. Manganese Steel is used in color blade treatment configurations where its exceptional surface hardness allows vivid blade treatments to adhere with maximum clarity.