Quote Originally Posted by CYMac View Post
not exactly know cuz no spec, but I am guessing it's more close to some carbon steel they used. Sturdy means it is not flexible like the modern spring steel swords and it did not chip even I accidentally smack it to some hard stuff whereas the spring steel will chip and so the RC level is higher for sure, probably cuz heat treated properly as well.
Generally, the harder the steel, the more likely to chip. Usually if it's too soft a steel, the edge or tip will roll or ding, and virtually impossible to take an edge/sharpen. In a good blade, there is generally a balance of hardness (edge-holding) and toughness (durability). Think of a machete blade, which has a certain degree of flex to it. Machete blades are softer than most knife blades, but are more durable for rough, abusive use. If a blade hardness is too high, it's more prone to shattering.

Jim