A traditional Japanese katana is not specifically designed or intended to cut through steel. While katanas are renowned for their sharpness and cutting ability, they are primarily designed for cutting softer materials such as flesh, bamboo, or other non-metallic targets.

The blade of a katana is made of specialized steel known as tamahagane, which has a combination of hardness and flexibility. While tamahagane is capable of maintaining a sharp edge, it is not typically hardened to the same extent as modern steels used in industrial applications.

Attempting to cut through solid steel with a traditional katana would be highly challenging and could potentially damage or even break the blade. Steel is a hard material, and cutting through it would require a specialized tool with the appropriate hardness, thickness, and cutting geometry, such as a metal cutting saw or other industrial equipment.

It's important to understand and respect the intended purpose and limitations of a traditional katana. While it is a formidable weapon for its intended use, cutting through hard steel is not among its intended applications.