Thread: Japanese speakers/translater/people who know stuff about kamisori's assemble! :)

Indeed Jimmy. We fawn over Tamahagane because of the trappings and the cultural context. But in the end, it is just very pure steel that is indistinguishable from certain types of swedish steel. No mystical powers are invested in it, not fairy dust is sprinkled over it, and it was not drenched in blood during the apex of the full moon. It is just carbon steel, and will shave no better or worse than other blades with good heat treatment.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Indeed Jimmy. We fawn over Tamahagane because of the trappings and the cultural context. But in the end, it is just very pure steel that is indistinguishable from certain types of swedish steel. No mystical powers are invested in it, not fairy dust is sprinkled over it, and it was not drenched in blood during the apex of the full moon. It is just carbon steel, and will shave no better or worse than other blades with good heat treatment.

Absolutely agree.
I have 2 western tamahagane Iwasaki and 2 Swedish steel ones, no difference in how they shave. The HT is done superbly and the shaves are top top notch. The tamahagane is hardened more and should keep edge longer that is the only difference.