ASSAB-K120C Powder Steel and Functional Sword Sets

by Dan
(US)

QUESTION: ASSAB-K120C powder steel blade... Saw that on netlinks replica swords. I was wondering if you knew the specs of this type compared to say high carbon spring steel... Or Did I just misread some aspect of the blade materials.

Also, I found some relatively cheap wakizashi blades... and katana... but when it came to completely fulfilling the set of 3 Katana, wakizashi, tanto... It was hard to find any tanto blades. Alright so I did find some but they were over $500... which is almost as much as both my katana and wakizashi.

Well, I'm not saying do the research for me. Just saying how it's quite hard to own a full set (being the katana, wakizashi, and tanto). Well I mean I could go out and buy a cheap one that's made from some stainless steal. But then it's degrading to the Katana and wakizashi I own. :-(

Wondering if you had any pointers.

Thank you so much.

ANSWER: The Swedish Powdered Steel is much hyped by Hanwei (or at least, very proudly and prominently displayed by them), but while it is quite pure and attractive, with a nice and even carbon content - it isn't really a super steel or anything...

Is it worth the money? From Hanwei's perspective, yes - it saves them time! ;-) And yes, it is good quality, but nothing so revolutionary...

As to sword sets, the only recommendation is to get the Practical Plus Katana, Wakizashi and Tanto at this stage. Quite a few other companies make a Katana and Wakizashi, others a Katana and Tanto, but only Hanwei make a full set at the time of writing this reply.

Though there are rumours of Cheness Cutlery making a tanto, which would be a nice full set indeed, so stay tuned! :-)

Kind Regards,

- Paul