![]() ![]() The high carbon content of 52100, about 0.98 to 1.10%, results in a very hard sword blade and can retain a sharp edge. It is flexible and resists heavy shocks, making it ideal for medieval swords, rapiers, kukris, big Bowie knives, and others where a larger flexible blade is needed. The 5160 spring steel is basically a 1060 medium-carbon steel with added chromium, strengthening the steel blade and making it more resistant to corrosion. Spring steels also don’t need frequent maintenance. They are sometimes referred to as spring steels as they can retain their original shape after bending or twisting. The most common types of alloy steels for swords are 51. They can either make steel swords more resistant to wear and corrosion or improve their toughness, hardness, and strength. Some of these elements are silicon, manganese, and chromium. Alloy SteelsĪlloying elements other than carbon can produce qualities not possible in plain carbon steel blades. Many swords, machetes, and kukris have high-carbon steel blades. When heat treated, it can be more resistant to chipping. However, a higher carbon content makes a steel sword more brittle and unforgiving when wielded improperly. The best-known high-carbon steel is 1095, which consists of 0.95% carbon. However, they do not have added elements to make them corrosion-resistant and can stain and rust easily if not cared for. The high carbon content gives the steel its strength and hardness, so high-carbon steel blades retain sharper cutting edges. However, it is less resistant to corrosion than lower-carbon steel. With proper heat treatment, it makes a decent choice for steel swords. Many consider it the perfect compromise between hardness and flexibility. 1060Ĭomposed of 0.60% carbon, the 1060 medium carbon steel is harder than the 1045 and can take a sharper edge. Still, it is inexpensive and makes a good training sword for beginners. However, it is relatively soft and will dull quickly. It is also more resistant to rust and corrosion compared to higher-carbon steel. The 1045 medium carbon steel, with about 0.45% carbon content, would be suitable for sword blades when properly heat treated. Opinion varies, but half a percent is hardly high by definition. Some marketing folks refer to steel blades with more than 0.50% carbon content as high-carbon steel. ![]() On the other hand, medium carbon steel, especially those with at least 0.50% carbon content can be quenched and tempered. Low-carbon steel is not suitable for sword blades as it cannot be hardened properly. Generally, a high-carbon steel blade is much tougher and more elastic than low or medium-carbon steel. When heat treated, high-carbon steel swords have good hardness and wear resistance. Low-carbon steel has less than 0.30% carbon, while high-carbon steel contains carbon usually greater than 0.80%. The carbon content of steel changes its properties. Here are the most common steel types you’ll encounter in sword blades: 1. Hence, 1xxx stands for carbon steels, 5xxx for chromium alloy steels, and 92xx for silicon-manganese alloy steels. The first digit represents the primary element in the alloy, while the last two digits indicate the carbon content. In selecting steel swords, you may encounter 1095, 1045, 5160, and such.Įach steel type is usually represented by a 4-digit code. Some also consist of other elements like chromium, silicon, and manganese to improve the properties of steel blades. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, which hardens the softer metal. As a rule of thumb, the higher the carbon content, the harder the steel will be and the better the steel sword will perform. Iron with carbon as its primary alloy is often referred to as carbon steel, which most sword blades are made from. ![]() On the other hand, steel is a combination of iron and carbon, which makes the soft metal resistant to wear and bending. Pure iron is relatively soft, wears quickly, does not hold an edge well, and has little resistance to bending. We’ve compiled a guide on choosing the best steel swords, from the type of steel and its alloys to their construction and uses. However, steel isn’t all created equal-different types of steel have characteristic properties that contribute to the qualities of sword blades. Steel swords have a long history and have evolved in response to changing demands on the weapon. ![]()
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