Folding steel is one of the core processes in forging a traditional Japanese katana. Several people might argue that the fold also makes the katana strong and sharp.
But the truth is not that simple. Folding improves the steel, but it cannot be the sole reason the katana is such an incredible sword.
Why Is Steel Folded?
In ancient Japan, the steel used to make the katanas, the tamahagane, had impurities. It also had varied carbon content, the formation of which could compromise the steel’s strength. To rectify this, swordsmiths would fold the steel.
It was reheated, beaten, and folded crosswise numerous times, in some cases more than sixteen times. This assisted in blending the carbon evenly and eliminating impurities that weaken the steel and make it homogeneous.
Myth: Folding alone creates a significant blade.
Still, some people consider that folding is initial to the extremum sharpness and high strength of katanas. This isn’t true.
That said, though folding aids the steel, it is only one step in a series. The type of steel, the forging method, and, more importantly, the skills of the forger or sword smith come in handy.
Reality: What Folding Does
The key purpose of folding is to refine the sort and smoothen the carbon profile of the steel. It strengthens the blade and allows it to maintain an edge for an extended period.
Folding also forms attractive patterns on the Japanese sword (made by https://www.truekatana.com/ known as hada. These patterns indicate quality but do not tell anything about the sword’s functionality.
Modern Times and Myths
Today, steel is much purer than it was in historical times, so it is unnecessary to fold it as it used to be. But it continues because such an approach is in the history of katana. It is a fact that some of the stories regarding katanas being folded so many times are more than purely fictional.
Such stories belong to the folklore and legend surrounding the katana, while the reality is much plainer. Folding was mainly done simply because they wanted to enhance the steel quality they used during that period.
FAQs
Does folding the steel make the katana sharper?
Folding reduces the imperfection of the steel, which is not the cause of the katana’s sharpness. The edge is made extremely sharp through a process of heating followed by rapid cooling, forming a hard edge on the outside while leaving the core relatively soft.
Is folding required on modern steel anymore?
What technically was done in the past is not required now as far as the production of steel is concerned, as it has become purer through the new production processes. Although modern bladesmiths use industrial methods to make swords, Japanese swordsmiths retain the traditional method of folding steel to keep the katana genuine to its original form.
Is it possible to produce a katana without a fold?
Yes, producing a katana for sale by https://www.truekatana.com/ is quite possible. However, traditional folding is applied to preserve the continuity of the tradition and the history of the katana.
Does folding turn the katana into an invulnerable blade?
No, folding does enhance the strength and flexibility of the blade and the katana; however, it is not immortal. Even if one is not using the sword in combat, it still requires cleaning and other proper care.
Conclusion
Steel is folded to be used in constructing a katana, but the folding of the steel is not the secret that makes the sword so amazing. It assists in making the steel tougher in addition to much more uniform.
This practice has been retained up to the present and helps to maintain the history of the katana while debunking some myths.
