Introduction / Purpose
The term spring steel is sometimes used for products made from carbon steel. This article explains what that means and why this naming is used.
Core Information
Carbon steel is steel to which a certain percentage of carbon has been added. This affects the hardness, strength and elasticity of the material.
The term spring steel is used when carbon steel:
has higher elasticity
is suitable for applications where flexibility is important
Historically and technically, spring steel is used for, among other things, springs, sword blades and other components that are repeatedly stressed. So it's not a separate material, but an application of carbon steel, depending on composition and heat treatment.
Practical Tips / Application
Spring steel is often chosen for swords and weapons that need to withstand slight bending.
Spring steel is synonymous with carbon steel
Regular maintenance is important, because carbon steel is susceptible to rust.
Use the term spring steel as an indication of a property, not as a separate steel type.
References & Internal Linking
Knowledge base article: What is carbon steel?
Knowledge base article: What is metal fatigue?
Relevant product categories: swords, weapons made of carbon steel
Conclusion
Carbon steel is sometimes called spring steel when it's composed and treated in a way that makes it resilient. The term thus describes a property of the steel, not a separate material type.
