My experience mainly with Sheffield, Thiers, Solingen, Japan and Eskilstuna: with quality steel from any country it's the honer's skill that counts most. But for me vintage Swedish and Japanese White Paper 1 seem to have a head start. Maybe it's my honing style, what do I know? Have never tried Tamagahane. The only American steel has been with two older Torrey's which produced amazing edges. So much to do and so little time :D