A METALURGICAL ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT WEAPONS: Understanding Steel Composition for Real and Replica Swords It wasn't until I came across the following information on various steel types that I realized how little I knew about real swords, especially Japanese swords. It has also helped me identify in seconds how touch a modern-made replica (or "wall-hanger") is going to be. So don't get cheated by the sales pitch and the snazzy descriptions in sales catalogs. Know your steel! I often recommend this web site to employees of the Official Highlander Store. Some of them have kindly responded that they had learned more in three minutes reading this web site than in their first three months at the Official Highlander Store! My heartfelt thanks, ladies! But special thanks to Christopher Lau, who provided a great portion of the following information. Christopher is Japanese Sword polisher, and hence his web site! Christopher is also a skilled practitioner of Iaido - the Art of Cutting. Metallurgy Reports Elements in Steel Grades of Steel High-Carbon Steel vs. Stainless Steel in Swords Damascus Steel: Past and Present Damascus Steel: A Brief History Battleworthiness of Replica Swords Sales Ploys & Misleading Descriptions 420C vs. 440C Stainless Steel Crucible Steel High Carbon Spring Steel Modern Steels for Japanese-Style Swords Metallurgy Links      Materials A-Z - Knife manufacturer Spyderco has an excellent list of materials often found in knives.      Steel Production & Properties - Also from knifemaker Spyderco, this is a basic overview of how knifes are made in the forging process.

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