What Everyone Misunderstands about Katana #Shorts

I'm sure you’ve probably heard of someone explaining that “The katana has been folded over a thousand times” and that’s why it’s strong. There are two major misunderstandings about this.

First, the purpose of fold forging is to remove impurities and air bubbles and to adjust the carbon content. Therefore, it doesn’t mean that the steel is getting stronger. There was actually an experiment done about this and it was proven that from the third fold, the strength of the steel does not change. This process was required simply because there was not much quality steel in Japan back in the days, and the people needed to create it themselves.

Second, about “folded over 1,000 times.” No, the steel of the katana has only been folded less than 20 times. What’s 1,000 is the number of layers created by the folding. These layers can be seen on the surface of the katana, called Jigane.

As an Iaido trainee I love katana very much, but I do agree with the opinions that say they are sometimes overrated.

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*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects

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[moistysquers]

The "The steel of this katana has been folded a thousand times and has been blessed by the monks to make it stronger than mountains" vs the "This longsword was made with iron found in a bog"

[LetsaskShogo]

I'm sure you’ve probably heard of someone explaining that “The katana has been folded over a thousand times” and that’s why it’s strong. There are two major misunderstandings about this.

First, the purpose of fold forging is to remove impurities and air bubbles and to adjust the carbon content. Therefore, it doesn’t mean that the steel is getting stronger. There was actually an experiment done about this and it was proven that from the third fold, the strength of the steel does not change. This process was required simply because there was not much quality steel in Japan back in the days, and the people needed to create it themselves.

Second, about “folded over 1, 000 times.” No, the steel of the katana has only been folded less than 20 times. What’s 1, 000 is the number of layers created by the folding. These layers can be seen on the surface of the katana, called Jigane.

As an Iaido trainee I love katana very much, but I do agree with the opinions that say they are sometimes overrated.

If you’d like to learn more about Japanese traditional culture, Kyoto, and social problems in Japan, please check out my channel & subscribe!

*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects

[dedmemez]

Other anime: Katana that can cut through anything

Meanwhile Berserk: A LARGE HUNK OF IRON

[Mita_Art]

One fold = 2 layers, next = 4, then 8, then 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 and then 1024. That's about 10 folds.

[kevinkarthik]

hand me a normal sword: meh

hand me a katana: proceeds to pretend to be an anime character that makes 10 slashes in one second

[liltoothless]

Thanks so much for explaining this! As well as so many other myths, it's really education and helpful to the proper culture of Japan and I'm really interested in other topics as well! Keep it up!

[visinshavingvisions]

"your steel was found in a bog, the longsword is the height of technology!"

[leon_blackpaw]

It reminds me of Dr Stone with how they made katanas and talk about how traditional katana needs to have the metal folded more than 10 times and they only performed 2 folds cause of a rush of time to prepare enough katanas as well as its strength being mostly similar to a regular katana. Also the reason why the metal are folded to remove impurities. Didnt know it also removes access air bubbles as well as the "folded over thousand times"was the amounts of layers and not just an arbitrary number.

[vocalvortexstudios]

I always assumed it was an exaggeration meant to convey how much effort and dedication the swordsmith put into the blade, not to be taken literally

[johnebert]

Yes! Thank you!

Finally someone popular *AND* knowledgeable.

The folding process was done by almost every forging tradition worldwide. Those who did not were rare and most definitely the exception, not the rule.

That said, make no mistake that what Japanese smiths did with the generally low quality steel they had is truly admirable.

[Sleepybear]

This dude literally destroys nerds who take too much pride in explaining things and keeping all kinds of information.
Edit: this comment has 69 likes now, nice

[Sixon]

Meanwhile on where i came from, people still calls a Katana "Samurai"

[IllNacs]

Some Damascus steel does get stronger from more folding, but that’s if you start with high quality steel in the first place.

[Ragnarra]

At least your honest I appreciate clearing up misunderstanding and you being clear and straight to the point.

[CyanideSlushie]

It went from super mythologized and over rated to bashed and underrated to compensate. It’s a perfectly serviceable sidearm that excelled at it’s purpose with a huge variation in quality like any other weapon.

[SwitchyWitch_]

When someone who tries to think they're cool by coming up with katana stuff I often reply to specifically the "folded 1000 times" thing with "Oh, so you used low quality steel?"

[joedad]

If the katana really was a "miracle sword", then every other military would use swords that were extremely similar if not the same.

[redblade]

Traditionally forged katanas are fragile and a bit on the side of needing high maintenance, though oiling is but as often as other blades.

[MamoruHasukage]

I'm so glad that you have a fair view point about katana. It's refreshing to see love that is tempered with facts

[PenneySounds]

The Katana isn't the ultimate sword, as it's often treated in popular culture.

The reason it deserves respect is the ingenuity of technique it took to make a useful sword out of very poor steel