Tamahagane

[1] Tamahagane is used to make Japanese swords, daggers, knives, and other kinds of tools.

The carbon content of the majority of analyzed Japanese swords historically lies between a mass of 0.5–0.7%; however, the range extends up to 1.5%.

[2][3] Tamahagane is made of an iron sand (satetsu) found in Shimane, Japan.

The best steel is on the edges of the resulting metal block; in this area, the oxidation process is stronger.

The quality of tamahagane is determined by its color: bright silver pieces are very good for making blades.