Yes, high carbon steel is widely considered to be a suitable material for making swords. High carbon steel typically contains a carbon content ranging from 0.6% to 1.0% or higher, depending on the specific grade. It offers several beneficial properties that make it desirable for swordmaking:

1. Strength and Durability: High carbon steel is known for its excellent strength and durability, allowing swords made from this material to withstand the rigors of combat and cutting. It is less prone to deformation or breakage compared to lower carbon steels.
2. Edge Retention: High carbon steel has the ability to achieve and maintain a sharp edge. It can be hardened through proper heat treatment to enhance its cutting performance and edge retention, allowing the sword to maintain its sharpness through extended use.
3. Flexibility: While high carbon steel is relatively hard, it also possesses a desirable level of flexibility. This flexibility enables the blade to absorb impacts and resist breakage when subjected to forces during combat or cutting.
4. Response to Heat Treatment: High carbon steel is responsive to heat treatment processes such as quenching and tempering, allowing for the manipulation of its hardness, toughness, and other desired characteristics. This enables the swordsmith to tailor the blade's properties to suit specific needs.

However, it's important to note that high carbon steel requires proper care and maintenance to prevent corrosion. It is more susceptible to rust and oxidation than stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloys. Regular cleaning, drying, and the application of protective coatings or oils are necessary to keep the blade in optimal condition.

In summary, high carbon steel is favored by many sword enthusiasts and swordsmiths due to its strength, durability, edge retention, and responsiveness to heat treatment. However, the specific performance and quality of a sword depend on various factors, including the skill of the swordsmith, the heat treatment process, blade geometry, and overall design and craftsmanship.