Comments on: Tamahagane, the original steel used by the Japanese swordsmiths

By: Making Real Tamahagane in a low-furnace Tatara : a Tutorial

Making Real Tamahagane in a low-furnace Tatara : a Tutorial — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:14:05 +0000

[...] tamahagane that has been produced was of an excellent quality. No slag, very little wholes and big [...]

By: Steve B

Steve B — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:12:28 +0000

can you help me to understand the following
1. the metal folding process
2. how many folders are optimal
3. do more folder equal a better cutting edge
4.do more folds equal a higher embrittlement
5. what is the optimum steel grade to use as a starting point

By: codenameV

codenameV — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:47:25 +0000

hey terry,

have you ever heard of the San Mai III technique of sword forging? It is where a high carbon steel is laminated between two pieces of lower carbon steel,, to allow for an amazing edge, as well as flexibility.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:24:12 +0000

Hi Terry,

It depends if you want a ‘new’ one forged to yoru specs or if you are looking for an ‘antique’ one. For a new one you can count on 7000 usd for a low class..an antique one you can sometimes find for 3000-4000 usd..

Dave

By: Terry S.

Terry S. — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:08:17 +0000

Since living on Okinawa 1959 to 1962 I have been in love with the katana and Tanto. I am now able to purchase the “real Mcoy”. I hope! I recently saw a show on the Military Channel on the making of the swords from Tamahagane. Can you tell me if there is any way I might have a chance to purchase one and estimated price. This is why I say ” hope”. I have no idea of the price range. Thank you, Terry

By: Takaoka

Takaoka — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:25:09 +0000

In addition,the appreciation of Japanese sword was developed from strength inspection of non-destruction.It is big defference compared to Damascus sword. And wave pattern on sword surface is made not only by forging but also by quenching.
And also beautful wave pattern is controlled by raw material.So tamahagane is made by ancient steel making “tatara” which H.M. deal with.

By: Miyamoto

Miyamoto — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:02:42 +0000

The authentic hard and high strength steels are made by this maker in Japan.
I hear that basic steels of Japan Industrial Standard is related to these steels.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:45:39 +0000

Is this the secret of japanese steel strength?
I wanna know more.

By: Dick

Dick — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:56:31 +0000

This land of tatara is often related to japanese myth or Shinto.
The oldest japanese myth litareture “Kojiki” said that Imperial treasure sword “Ame-no-murakumo”(another name “Kusanagi”) was gotton by the iron and steel God “Susanoo” in this area.
And also Yasugi’s tatara was called “Yasukuni” tatara before the end of WW2.
Many soldiers with this steel sword died by this war, and it is thought that their souls exist in Yasukuni Shrine.

By: katana　girl

katana　girl — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:01:25 +0000

Japan Steel also means the raw steel of samurai sword in Japan.
It is also called “tamahagane” which is made from chacoal and iron sand
by ancient blast furnace “tatara”.
One of a famous high-tech steel maker “Hitachi Metals” only makes it for japanese sword smith.But the way of steel making is real ancient one.
The ancient tatara is located in yasugi izumo shimane Japan where is the land of ancient japanese myth and Princess Mononoke.