Many people these days like swords. It may be the martial ferocity of the weapon. Perhaps the skill to wield such a weapon is also a drawing point. It could also be how these weapons are presented in various media forms.

Another point of interest may be the various fighting forms and historical legacies that each type of sword carries. For instance, the first ever sword to be found was at 3300 BC from Turkey.

Another popular one is the samurai’s katana from Japan. This one is often considered an extension of the samurai’s soul. The history of its development is very interesting and laced with various implications throughout history.

Now though, we’ll be presenting yet another fascinating aspect of swords. This aspect is the thought on the various materials being used to create swords. Specifically, it will be the key differences between carbon steel and stainless steel.

“Stainless steel” as a material is very common in this day and age. People who buy certain items and even constructions companies often prefer stainless steel if it is available. This is because of the benefits that this has.

It is no different with swords.

Stainless steel has certain physical properties that are advantageous to the users. First and foremost is the improved resistance to corrosion. It is also highly resistant to both ends of the temperature spectrum. Whether high or low, its resistance means it can be used in various industries for different applications.

Perhaps the biggest reason for using stainless steel is the overall strength that it has. This is probably why it is used in construction. It promises a long life cycle, as well as a pleasant aesthetic that will be around for years.

For stainless steel swords, the alloy used has more than 10% chromium. Other alloys usually have carbon, iron, and other compounds. The inclusion of chromium adds additional rust protection for the sword.

Without chromium, the oxygen would most likely interact with the iron in the alloy. This interaction will trigger a chemical reaction known as oxidation. If left unchecked, it will eventually result in rusting.

The reason chromium prevents this though is that it creates a very thin layer over the iron. This means that it will not be able to react or interact with oxygen.

Another benefit of stainless steel in swords is that the chromium allows for easier sharpening of the blade.

Despite these benefits though, the stainless steel sword has certain drawbacks. The biggest drawback is that it can easily break. That is why it is ideal for certain short swords but not so much for long blades like katanas.