Traditional katanas - a question

[Moonw]

Were the traditional katanas "springy" - not the hard edge, but the spines - or were they simply soft? IOW would they take a set if a "bad enough cut" was made, hit hard enough from a side...or were they closer to the forgiveness of what we see today in spring steels (unhardened)?

Hope my question makes sense.

Ok, maybe I should just used the proper term...and ask about the toughness of the traditional blades.

 

[Schmoopy]

Yes, the sword will take a set if beaten hard enough, and will need to be straightened out manually.

 

[Moonw]

Thanks.