What is Tamahagane for Japanese Katana

"Tamahagane"" (玉鋼) is a type of steel that contains a carbon content of about 0.3 to 1.5%. It is commonly used in the manufacture of swords. The raw materials, such as iron sand and iron ore, are melted in a low-temperature furnace known as a ""tatara"" to extract the steel mass. It is said that approximately 5.6 kg of Tamahagane is required to create one Japanese sword.

This type of steel is highly valued in the crafting of Japanese swords due to its unique properties. The carbon content within this range gives the steel a balance of hardness and flexibility, making it ideal for sword making. The process of melting the raw materials in a tatara helps to remove impurities, resulting in a high-quality steel that contributes to the sharpness and durability of the sword.