It takes an attention to detail that only a master smith has to do it properly, and the failure rate is two to three times higher than a simple differentially hardened blade.Ĭheness Cutlery in the early days abandoned their laminated line because of this failure rate. Like with folding, but even worse, low to mid priced swords that are laminated are quite simply unsuitable for use. Modern steel HAS no impurities to speak of, so there are no impurities to even out.īut the biggest problem is that the vast majority of folded steel blades today are mass produced by apprentice sword smiths who really could not care less if it has bad welds, air pockets, overly large grain sizes or carbon differentials. The first problem with folded steel swords is that the process is effectively redundant. In fact, more often than not - it RUINS what would could otherwise be a truly functional sword. As all real Nihonto are.įor the sake of preserving this traditional craft, modern Japanese made Shinken (Japanese made Katana) are still made using Tamahagane, even though modern steel would produce a better result as it has virtually NO impurities.Īnd this is where most beginners go wrong, they fail to understand that - as far as functionality is concerned - folding a blade does NOTHING to improve its durability, cutting power or anything else even remotely useful. The hada (folded steel) on this antique Nihonto is subtle. The end result was not only practical, but also quite beautiful, and was not lost on the Viking appreciation of aesthetics. Steel in this period was filled with impurities so they would minimize the chances of an impurity causing a catastrophic blade failure by twisting bars of steel together and hammering them out, then folding and repeating to evenly distribute the inherent impurities and minimize weak points. Pattern welding was first developed by the Celts and later the Vikings out of necessity. Pattern welded and folded swords are similar but different techniques and produce quite different looking patterns in the steel. So straight off the mark, the term is misleading and should really be referring to folded steel. How it was achieved is still not fully understood, but the fact is that true Damascus steel stopped being produced around 1750 - and the term itself was resurrected in the 1970s by blade-makers at the Knifemakers Guild show to refer to pattern welded and/or folded knives, which had the same kind of "flowing water" seen in the original Damascus steel swords. Swords made from this "ancient supersteel" were both flexible yet very hard, and a study in 2006 found they contained nanowires and nanotubes ( click here for a detailed article on Wootz Steel). Wootz steel had some very unusual properties and its manufacturing secrets have been lost in the mists of time (the last true Damascus Steel was made in the mid 18th century). While it a marketing term applied to Katana, the term itself comes from the city of Damascus in Syria and refers more properly to Wootz steel - which was produced in India and exported to the middle East. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Ultra Durable 'Beater' Katana under $400.Affordable Traditional Blades with 'Hamon'.We offer a large variety of Damascus steel antique swords for sale. If you are looking for a Damascus steel sword, look no further than Frontier Blades. These designs highlight an assortment of medieval, samurai, and katana Damascus swords. Damascus Medieval, Samurai, & Katana Swordsĭamascus steel swords come in a variety of designs. Despite being heavy in weight and large in size, These swords are highly portable as well, as they come with leather sheaths. They can be used for piercing cuts, long range strikes, and putting on displays. Damascus Steel Antique Swords Usesĭamascus steel antique swords can be used for a variety of tasks. These swords span a wide variety, including two handed longswords, great swords, and one handed swords. The Damascus steel antique swords are historic swords highlighting Medieval and Japanese styles. Damascus steel blades are built to last, as they are full tang blades - meaning the blade runs through the entire length of the handle. These swords are made with hand forged Damascus steel blades, developed using excessive heat treatments and robust construction. Damascus steel antique swords are highly durable and reliable handmade swords.
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