best samurai sword steel

offsetlover

offsetlover

Joined
Feb 26, 2007
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hey guys. im new to the sword forums so bare with me. my question is this.

what would be the best steel to use in a custom samurai sword?

thanks guys
 
L6, 5160, the 10 series carbon steels from 1050-1070 (Maybe 1085) are all popular choices.
 
Each smith has their own favorite or most familar with steel that they use. Since you're going custom it will depend on the smith what steel be be used, or as least narrowed down to a few. Ask the smith what they use or what they would recommend.
 
I think in a lot of respects you are asking the wrong question. Instead of asking what is the best steel perhaps you should be asking who you want to make your sword. Then you should be asking what steel they are best at making a sword with. For example Howard Clark is a wizard with L6 but Michael Bell prefers welding cable and Paul Champagne smelts his own ore. Asking one of these gentleman to do something not in their specialty may not yield optimal results.
 
Triton said:
I think in a lot of respects you are asking the wrong question. Instead of asking what is the best steel perhaps you should be asking who you want to make your sword. Then you should be asking what steel they are best at making a sword with. For example Howard Clark is a wizard with L6 but Michael Bell prefers welding cable and Paul Champagne smelts his own ore. Asking one of these gentleman to do something not in their specialty may not yield optimal results.
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I've been looking more towards Howard Clark, and going through Bugei Tradig company for all of the little details. Right now no one is really accepting custom orders, nor am i able to pay. Just trying to figure out what would be the best option(s). thanks fo the info guys
 
Is there any impact to the original poster's question with using different steels for outer surface and inner core? Some katana have had different types within a single blade.

I'm on shaky ground with the question, so don't read too much into it. I think the advice given heretofore is more important.
 
Watchful said:
Is there any impact to the original poster's question with using different steels for outer surface and inner core? Some katana have had different types within a single blade.
Click to expand...


There would be no difference if he went that path, however the core steel would be something softer. Since he is considering Howard Clark though it won't matter since Howard isn't doing that type of construction anymore.
 
im mainly waiting for 1. bugie trading co to start taking custom orders again, and 2. for the good $6000 at least it will cost. gonna be awhile. nvr to early to get recomendations. thanks for the help guys
 
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