ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tamahagane steel

Tamahagane steel is a very strong and special type of steel that is used in making swords and other sharp objects. It is made from a type of iron ore called "satetsu" that is found in Japan.

To make tamahagane, people first collect pieces of satetsu and charred wood, which is called "kozai." They put these materials in a furnace and heat them up really hot. This causes the iron in the satetsu to melt and mix with the carbon in the kozai, creating a liquid steel called "tamahagane."

The tamahagane is then carefully cooled and shaped into a long bar using a process called "forge welding." This involves heating up the bar and hammering it repeatedly until it becomes a solid piece of metal.

The reason tamahagane is so special is because it has a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and sharpness. It is also considered a symbol of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

Although tamahagane was traditionally used in making swords, it is now also used in making other high-end cutting tools and knives.