Any Japanese history buffs who truly know if theses swords were constructed from Damascus steel as an outer coating for their katanas- I have found that they did have a softer grade of steel in the center for flexibility and durability. I just bid on one on ebay but am not sure if this could truly be a durable mix for practical use. I appreciate your help on this-
No, the term Damascus refers more to the folding process that creates a way "grain" pattern on the steel. The master japanese swordsmiths used several different techniques to create their weapons, some involved using different types of steel being wrapped around each other. The highest quality being used for the cutting edge. They commonly used tamahagane or iron sand which is fairly rare and expensive.
The quality of the sword in many respects depends more on the processes used in manufacture such a clay tempering than whether the steel is damascus.
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