Manganese steel, also known as Hadfield steel or Mangalloy, is not typically used for making katanas or traditional Japanese swords. Manganese steel has different properties compared to the specific types of steel traditionally used for katana blades, such as high-carbon steels like tamahagane or modern equivalents like 1095 or 1060 carbon steel.

Manganese steel is primarily known for its exceptional toughness and wear resistance. It contains high levels of manganese (typically between 11% and 15%) and a moderate amount of carbon. Manganese steel is commonly used in applications that require resistance to impact and abrasion, such as mining equipment, rock crushers, and railroad tracks.

However, for a katana, other factors are typically prioritized, such as a balance between hardness, flexibility, and edge retention. Traditional katana blades are usually made from specialized steel known as tamahagane, which is a combination of high-carbon steel and low-carbon steel layers. This layering process provides a blade with a hard cutting edge and a more flexible spine.

While manganese steel might offer excellent toughness and wear resistance, it lacks some of the specific properties that make a good katana blade. It may not have the desired hardness, edge retention, or the ability to hold a sharp edge. Furthermore, the traditional process of creating a katana involves multiple steps of forging, heat treatment, and differential hardening, which may not be compatible with manganese steel.

In summary, while manganese steel has its own advantages in certain applications, it is not commonly used for making katanas due to the specific requirements and properties expected from a traditional Japanese sword. Traditional high-carbon steels like tamahagane or modern equivalents such as 1095 or 1060 carbon steel are more suitable choices for crafting a katana blade.