The first thing a person looks for, usually, when buying a new sword is the sharpness of it. But what about the hardness of the blade? There are several different types of swords and several different strengths of metals that go into those swords. It’s important to understand how those strengths and weaknesses are intertwined with the durability and lasting of the edge of the blade. Otherwise, even a sharp sword can go dull without the right type of blade.

There are several different types of metals that go into sword making. There’s the quality or type of steel that’s going into it and the less commonly known of materials. Such as having alloy steel that may be used along with cobalt or titanium alloys. So keeping in mind to know what exactly a sword’s made of is the first step in finding the quality of the sword. Beyond that what exactly the Rockwell C scale or the HRC is on the steel. The harder it is the better for an edge, but the more brittle it turns into.

That’s not to say that a harder steel will definitely keep the edge longer. However, it’s good to note that it’ll take a sharper edge in comparison to softer steel levels. To really know what type of sword will be best in regards to keeping its edge it is vital to look at the way the blade is tempered. Or in other words how it’s formed and made. There are several different forms.

There’s the standard form of quenching, heating and shaping. Its most commonly used and performs well, however over quenching of a sword makes it too brittle and any edge put onto it can shatter the sword. Another form’s a modern induction hardening, which quick heats the top or surface of the metal without touching the metal underneath it. Leaving it more resilient to wear with a tough metal underneath it.

So if the strength of the steel of the blade affects the edge of the sword, it is most certainly a factor when looking into any new blade. The strength of the steel is definitely important to knowing how well the edge will hold up. A brittle or soft blade won’t hold an edge any more than it could hold up to a strong strike.