y does 1095 steel on a katana weight about a pound less for the same amount than 1045? the 1095 is better right? but then why is 1045 steel more comenly used for practical use than 1095, even though i no its cheaper to use 1045 for tami mats. so is 1095 steel the better investment for buying and minor tami mat use?
Peter Gunn Gave a good answer... Jason mentioned Stainless steel. Stainless steel should be avoided at all cost. Stainless steel is responsible for some really nasty injuries. It has a bad habit of shattering. It is a terrible steel for swords.
the grade of the sword is one aspect but there's more to it. the quality of the sword itself is a much more important factor a good quality 1045 grade blade can often be much better than a medium quality 1060 or 1095 blade. the quality of the work is much more important than the grade of the steel
1045 is a medium carbon steel is used when greater strength and hardness is desired than in the as rolled condition. Extreme size accuracy, straightness and concentricity combine to minimize wear in high speed applications. 1095 is a high carbon steel, but does not hold as sharp an edge. 1095 high carbon steel is harder and more durable than 440C stainless steel, but will rust much more easily. Stainless steel is more brittle than both 5160 and 1095 carbon steel, but is still very useful due to its resistance to rust and corrosion.
Steel grades generally tell you how much carbon is in the steel. The higher the number the more carbon. Aside from quality of manufacture, the better swords tend to be 1060 or more. Few quality swords are made from 1045. Which DOES NOtT hold an edge better (quite the reverse). Swords made of these different steels weigh about the same. That is, if you made two identical looking swords - one of 1095 the other of 1045, they would weigh the same. 1045 is only more commonly used because cheaper swords tend to be made from it. Edit: No real swords are made from stainless steel.
