Tamahagane: The High-Carbon Steel That Makes Knives Razor-Sharp

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated January 30, 2023

The secret behind Tamahagane steel: the high-carbon steel that makes knives razor-sharp!

Have you ever heard of tamahagane steel? It’s the type of steel used to make the famous Japanese Katana sword. 

But what’s tamahagane steel, and what is it used for?

Tamahagane is a type of steel used in traditional Japanese swords, and it’s renowned for its strength and quality. It’s made of iron sand and has a higher carbon content. These days it’s used to make strong steel for kitchen knives like the pankiri bread knife. 

In this blog post, let’s explore what tamahagane steel is and why it’s so special. 

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What is Tamahagane steel?

Tamahagane, or Wakou is a type of traditional Japanese steel used to make katanas and other weapons.

It is made by smelting iron sand in a clay furnace and then folding and hammering the steel to create a strong and durable blade.

Tamahagane steel (玉鋼) is a type of steel made from a traditional Japanese method of smelting iron sand. 

The word tama means ‘precious’ while hagane is the term for ‘steel,’ so it’s a precious steel because it’s premium quality and more expensive than other Japanese steel. 

Because of this, Tamahagane steel is sometimes called “jewel steel” in English.

It’s made by heating the iron sand in a clay furnace and then hammering it into shape.

Iron sand, also called satetsu is a special type of sand from the region of Shimane in Japan.

Akame satetsu and masa satetsu are the two most common kinds of iron sands. As a general rule, masa is of higher quality than akame.

The murage specifies how much of each ingredient goes into the mixture. The murage blends different sands together to achieve different effects.

It’s important to fold the steel many times (sometimes up to 16 times) to avoid weak points in the knife or sword’s blade. 

The iron sand is combined with charcoal to make strong carbon steel that can be used to forge blades.

Tamahagane steel has a silver or chrome color.

Typically, the carbon content of tamahagane steel ranges from 1.5% to 2.5%. 

To avoid making the blade brittle, it is crucial to get the carbon content just right. Unless there’s enough carbon, the knife won’t keep its edge. 

Traditional Japanese swordsmiths have mastered the art of forging blades from tamahagane steel, which requires a very specific concentration of carbon.

Tamahagane steel is highly sought after for its superior strength and durability. It’s used to make a variety of items, from swords to kitchen knives.

Unlike other Japanese steels like Damascus or VG-10, the Japanese government places strict limits on the manufacture of tamahagane steel. 

It is currently against the law to export unprocessed tamahagane steel.

Furthermore, production is limited to just three or four times a year, further increasing the metal’s already high price.

Therefore, buying a knife with a tamahagane steel blade can be costly, and these knives are hard to find on the market. 

What is the composition of Tamahagane steel?

Tamahagane steel is high-carbon steel consisting of iron and carbon in the range of 1–1.5%.

It also contains small amounts of other elements, such as phosphorus, sulfur, and manganese.

This combination results in a material that is extremely strong and durable, able to hold an edge for a long time.

It is also resistant to corrosion and easy to sharpen.

What knives are made of Tamahagane steel?

Commonly used in Japanese-style knives such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, and swords, Tamahagane steel provides superior edge retention, strength, and durability. 

This makes it an excellent choice for high-quality blades that are designed to last a lifetime.

A knife made of tamahagane steel can be used to slice through meat, seafood, vegetables, and bread.

However, these knives can be a bit brittle and prone to chipping, so avoid cutting through bones and cartilage.

Examples of knives made of tamahagane steel include the Aritsugu A-Type Deba knives, Yoshikane Shiro-ko Gyuto knives, and the Tanaka Suminagashi Tamamoku Yanagi knives. 

Each of these knives is handcrafted using traditional techniques to create a unique blade that is capable of withstanding use for many years.

The best Pankiri bread knife is also made of tamahagane steel and is a popular choice for those looking for a robust and reliable blade.

This knife has a very sharp edge that holds up well to continuous cutting, making it perfect for slicing through large loaves of bread or other dense items.

The Takamura R2 Gyuto knife is another example of a high-quality knife made of tamahagane steel.

This knife is crafted to be lightweight yet incredibly sharp and can easily handle the toughest cutting jobs. 

No matter what style or purpose you have in mind, there is sure to be a tamahagane steel knife that meets your needs. 

These knives are designed for superior performance and build compared to other materials, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and long-lasting blade.

Why is Tamahagane steel unique?

Tamahagane steel is known for its high carbon content, which makes it extremely hard and resistant to corrosion. 

The steel isn’t as brittle as you’d think, even though it has a higher-than-usual carbon content.

Japanese knife makers know the exact ratio of iron sand and charcoal to get the perfect blade. 

It’s also known for its ability to hold an edge, meaning it can be sharpened to a razor-like sharpness. It’s also very malleable, so it can be shaped into a variety of shapes and sizes.

Therefore, if you get a tamahagane knife like a pankiri, it will hold its edge for a long time, make super clean cuts.

This knife will last a lifetime with proper Japanese knife care and maintenance. 

Tamahagane steel is also known for its unique patterning. As the steel is hammered, it forms a unique pattern of lines and swirls. 

Why is Tamahagane steel important?

Tamahagane steel is important because it’s one of the strongest and most durable steels available.

It’s used to make some of the best swords, knives, and other tools in the world.

It’s also incredibly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. 

Tamahagane steel is also incredibly hard and can be sharpened to a razor’s edge. This makes it perfect for use in a variety of applications, from kitchen knives to swords. 

Tamahagane steel is also incredibly versatile, as it can be heat-treated to create a variety of different properties.

This makes it ideal for use in a variety of different applications, from jewelry to industrial tools. 

Finally, Tamahagane steel is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry and use.

All in all, Tamahagane steel is an incredibly important material that has a wide range of uses and benefits. 

For knives, this type of Japanese steel will ensure your blades are super-sharp and hold their edge well.

What is the history of Tamahagane steel?

Tamahagane steel has been around for centuries.

It was first invented in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185 AD) by swordsmiths who used a process known as tamahagane-tetsu. 

This process involved heating iron sand in a clay furnace and then hammering the resulting metal into a usable form.

The swordsmiths then added carbon to the metal to create a harder, more durable steel.

The famous Katana sword was made using Tamahagane, and almost every samurai had a sword made of this precious steel. 

Since then, tamahagane steel has been used in a variety of applications, from swords and knives to tools and armor. 

During the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), the process of making tamahagane steel was refined and improved, and it became a popular material for swords and other weapons.

In the 19th century, tamahagane steel was used to make some of the first Japanese-made firearms.

In modern times, tamahagane steel is still used in many applications, such as kitchen knives, swords, and tools. 

It is also used in some high-end jewelry, such as wedding rings.

The process of making tamahagane steel has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, and it is still considered to be one of the best materials for making durable and long-lasting tools and weapons.

Tamahagane vs modern Japanese steel

Tamahagane is a traditional Japanese steel that is made from iron sand. It is a high-carbon steel that is heated and folded multiple times to create a homogenous steel that is both strong and flexible. 

Modern steel, on the other hand, is made from a variety of alloys and is produced in a variety of ways.

This makes it much more versatile than tamahagane, allowing for a wide range of properties and applications.

Examples of some of these modern steels include stainless steel, VG-10 and AUS-8.

Each of these steels has its own unique properties that make it well-suited for specific applications, especially sharp knives like the gyuto and santoku.

In comparison to modern steel, Tamahagane has a higher carbon content and is stronger and more durable. 

However, it is also more difficult to work with as the folding process needs to be done manually.

This means that tamahagane is reserved for higher-end knives that require more attention to detail.

Overall, both modern steel and tamahagane are excellent choices for making high-quality knives.

Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider what type of knife you plan on using before deciding which type to buy.

Read my full guide on all the different types of Japanese knives and their uses

Tamahagane vs Damascus steel

Tamahagane is a high-carbon steel that is heated and folded multiple times to create a homogenous steel that is both strong and flexible. 

Damascus steel is a type of pattern-welded steel that has been used for centuries to make knives, swords, and other weapons.

Damascus steel is created by folding multiple layers of steel together and then hammering them into a blade.

This process creates a unique pattern within the steel that gives it a distinctive look.

It also provides excellent strength and durability, making it ideal for blades that need to last through tough usage.

Damascus steel knives are generally less expensive than those made of tamahagane due to their availability.

However, they are more aesthetically pleasing and can provide a unique look to any blade.

In comparison to tamahagane, Damascus steel does not have the same level of strength or durability.

It is also more prone to corrosion due to the folding process, which can lead to rust and wear if not properly cared for.

Tamahagane vs 1095 High Carbon Steel

1095 high carbon steel is another popular choice for knife blades.

This type of steel is created by combining iron and carbon, which results in a hard and durable material that can hold an edge for a long time.

1095 high-carbon steel is less expensive than tamahagane and is more widely available. It also has excellent strength and wear resistance, making it ideal for tough cutting tasks.

However, 1095 high-carbon steel is not as easy to sharpen as tamahagane, and it can be more prone to corrosion if not properly cared for.

Additionally, it is not as strong or durable as tamahagane and can be less forgiving on the user if not used properly.

FAQs

Is Katana made of Tamahagane steel?

A katana is a Japanese sword that is traditionally made from Tamahagane steel.

The Tamahagane steel is created by a process of smelting iron sand and charcoal together in a clay furnace. 

The resulting steel is then folded and hammered to create a blade that is both strong and flexible.

The katana is a symbol of the samurai and is often seen as a symbol of honor and loyalty.

The katana is also known for its sharpness and is often used in martial arts.

Is a Samurai sword made of Tamahagane steel?

A samurai sword is also usually made from Tamahagane steel and forged by master bladesmiths. 

The samurai sword is a symbol of the samurai and is often seen as a symbol of honor and loyalty.

The samurai sword is also known for its sharpness and is often used in martial arts.

What are the pros and cons of Tamahagane steel?

• The pros of Tamahagane steel include its strength, durability, and ability to hold an edge. It is also resistant to corrosion and can be easily sharpened. 

• The cons of Tamahagane steel include its high cost and the fact that it is difficult to work with.

The main advantages of tamahagane steel are that it is extremely strong and durable, able to hold an edge for a long time.

It is also aesthetically pleasing, with its unique folding process providing interesting patterns and textures.

In addition, tamahagane is a very reliable material that is resistant to corrosion and easy to sharpen.

The main disadvantages of tamahagane steel are its high cost and limited availability.

It is also difficult to work with, requiring a skilled craftsman to fold and forge the steel properly.

Conclusion

Tamahagane steel is a unique and special type of steel made from iron sand that has been used in Japan for centuries. 

It is known for its strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for swords and other weapons. It is also used in some modern knives and tools. 

High-quality kitchen knives made of Tamahagane steel are quite expensive, but these are not only very sharp, but they also hold their edge well, and you can use them to cut through almost any food!

If you’re looking for a unique and special steel, Tamahagane is definitely worth considering.

So, if you’re looking for steel that’s strong, durable, and unique, Tamahagane is the way to go!

Next, learn about Aogami vs shirogami (The difference between white and blue steel explained)

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.