What is San Mai
San Mai is a traditional upmarket Japanese blade-making technique.
in many ways, it is similar to Damascus steel, as both are well known for their incredible levels of durability and exceptional cutting power. However, the San Mai steel production process is completely different, and it results in achieving a unique set of attributes not inherent to other varieties of steel types. San Mai Steel aims to achieve specific goals in its composition and construction process.
Its name means “three parts”, which describes the makeup of these blades. A layer of softer, more malleable steel is forge-welded onto either side of a harder steel core, which results in the structural integrity of a blade without sacrificing its ability to hold an edge. The blade is therefore composed of a primary, inner layer and two secondary, outer layers.
Another important aspect is the type of steel that is used for these layers. Very often the inner layer is made of steel with a high carbon content, which is prone to corrosion, and is then covered by two layers of stainless steel with high chromium content that gives the blade shock resistance, protects the core from external factors, and prevents chipping and breakage.
What is San Mai
San Mai is a traditional upmarket Japanese blade-making technique.
in many ways, it is similar to Damascus steel, as both are well known for their incredible levels of durability and exceptional cutting power. However, the San Mai steel production process is completely different, and it results in achieving a unique set of attributes not inherent to other varieties of steel types. San Mai Steel aims to achieve specific goals in its composition and construction process.
Its name means “three parts”, which describes the makeup of these blades. A layer of softer, more malleable steel is forge-welded onto either side of a harder steel core, which results in the structural integrity of a blade without sacrificing its ability to hold an edge. The blade is therefore composed of a primary, inner layer and two secondary, outer layers.
Another important aspect is the type of steel that is used for these layers. Very often the inner layer is made of steel with a high carbon content, which is prone to corrosion, and is then covered by two layers of stainless steel with high chromium content that gives the blade shock resistance, protects the core from external factors, and prevents chipping and breakage.
Benefits of San Mai
✓ Therefore, the technology combines the best out of both types of steel. The composition of the blade is not the only factor, defining its well-known and well-recognized properties, though. The method by which it’s produced is just as important to the creation of a San Mai steel blade. To create San Mai blades, metalsmiths follow a specific thorough process that starts with picking out steel for the center and the outer layers.
✓ This choice is based on their carbon content — the more carbon in the steel, the “harder” it is. Once the proper combination of steel is found, the harder metal is sandwiched between two plates of the milder metal, then they are forged to bond them together. Sharpening the blade has to barely expose the central, harder core to create the sheer edge, whereas the milder metal will create a defensive coat around it.
✓ Such manufacturing technology is an advantage in itself, as it provides an outstanding cutting edge together with a corrosion-resistant exterior. This combination of different elements and their interplay is what gives a San Mai blade its unique and legendary reputation.
