Why was Tamahagane replaced by imported steel? The history of imported steel in Japan.

I previously explained that Tamahagane which is a Japanese traditional steel is the best steel.

But CHIYOZURU Korehide, who has been admired as the great master of the plane and a legendary blacksmith in the 19th century, left a will that said “Don’t use Tamahagane. Use imported steels” for his disciples.


It is certain that knives made of Tamahagane are very sharp. However, Tamahagane requires a very strict temperature control, so it is difficult to maintain a stable supply.

Before the opening of Japan, craftsmen could spend a lot of time perfecting a high quality knife. But after the opening of Japan in 19th century, they required to maintain a stable supply. without any loss, under the policy of increasing wealth and military power. So. Tamahagane was replaced by imported steel from Europe.

Were Japanese knives made of imported steel less sharp? –No, they weren’t. Japanese blacksmiths researched about the nature of imported steels, learned their features in practice, and eventually adjusted the steel to Japanese knives very well. It was the beginning of the second golden age of Japanese knives, after the Tamahagane age.

I will explain more about the imported steel next time.

(Written by Iida Tool )

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