T10 compared with 1095

by Alan
(Auckland NZ)

QUESTION: I have just purchased a katana made of T10 steel, that has been clay tempered to a hardness of 58 - 60 HRC. I purchased this from a guy in New Zealand who goes under the name of Samuel 1957 @ Look Find Buy Store, and i was wondering if you have heard of him, or his swords. Aparently his swords are made in China, but the one i have has a signiture on the tsuba which according to the local Arts Museum is definatly Japanese. And is a manufactures signiture, which unfortunatly has no English translation. Is this a common practice to have the signiture on the Tsuba, instead of the Tang. Or is it the Tsuba makers signiture? Any information would be greatly apreciated.
Thanks Alan.

ANSWER: Hi Alan,

There was a discussion about T10 vs 1095 here on the SBG Sword Forum a little while ago that should shed some light on that question.

With regards to putting the signature on the tsuba, that is a modern thing - and definitely not common.

Hope this helps.

- Paul