1075 vs 1084
1075 and 1084 are both simple, forgiving high-carbon steels favored by bladesmiths, and they sit close together on the toughness end of the carbon-steel spectrum. The main difference comes down to manganese content, which affects how each one hardens and how much toughness it can deliver.
Quick Verdict
1075 is the tougher of the two and the go-to choice for swords, machetes, and other blades that take hard impacts. 1084 is more broadly recommended as a general first steel because its higher manganese content makes it easier to fully harden in ordinary shop oil.
Toughness
1075 holds a real edge here, among the toughest simple carbon steels available, which is exactly why it is favored for swords and machetes over 1084.
Edge Retention
Tied. Both share similar carbon content and offer modest, comparable wear resistance typical of simple high-carbon steels.
Corrosion Resistance
Tied. Neither has meaningful corrosion resistance and both need the same regular oiling and drying.
Heat Treat
1084's higher manganese content gives it more reliable hardenability in ordinary oil. 1075 needs a faster-quenching oil to reach full hardness, making 1084 the more forgiving choice for less controlled quench setups.
Grinding
Tied. Both are among the easiest steels available to grind and forge.
Best-Use Scenarios
Choose 1075 for swords, machetes, axes, and other hard-use tools where surviving impact is the top priority.
Choose 1084 as a first-knife steel or general-purpose blade where reliable, forgiving heat treatment in ordinary oil matters most.