Yes, 1060 steel is considered to be a good choice for sword blades. Here are some reasons why 1060 steel is highly regarded for swords:

1. Carbon Content and Hardness: 1060 steel is a high carbon steel with a carbon content of approximately 0.60%. This high carbon content contributes to the hardness and edge retention of the blade. When properly heat-treated, a sword made from 1060 steel can achieve a desirable level of hardness, typically around 55 to 58 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale).
2. Edge Retention: 1060 steel has good edge retention, meaning it can hold a sharp edge for a reasonable amount of time. This allows the sword to maintain its cutting ability through regular use before requiring resharpening.
3. Toughness: 1060 steel offers good toughness, allowing the sword to withstand impacts and resist deformation without breaking. This toughness ensures the sword can handle the rigors of combat, training, or cutting tasks.
4. Forgeability: 1060 steel is generally considered to be forgeable, allowing skilled swordsmiths to shape and manipulate the steel during the swordmaking process. It can be forged into different blade profiles and edge geometries.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: 1060 steel is relatively affordable and readily available, making it a popular choice for functional swords. It provides a good balance of performance and cost, making it accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts and practitioners.

Overall, 1060 steel is well-regarded for its combination of hardness, edge retention, toughness, forgeability, and affordability. It is a reliable choice for functional swords and is commonly used in the production of entry-level to mid-range swords.

However, it's important to note that the overall quality and performance of a sword depend not only on the type of steel used but also on the craftsmanship, heat treatment, and other factors involved in the swordmaking process. Skilled swordsmiths and proper heat treatment techniques can maximize the potential of 1060 steel and create exceptional swords.