So I had to make a Mekugi hole in the shaft of the katana I was assembling. Here's the problem: the blade was almost hardened carbon steel 1060. I used a regular drill and not only did the drill dull, but all I did was make a mark where I was going to make a hole anyway. I was concerned about only getting a carbide tipped drill as the shank was thick so I went with all of that. Essentially it was like a regular drill going through wood, perhaps with little effort. later only the ridges around the hole had to be filed. We couldn't ask for a better drill for hardened carbon steel. Will buy it again if I need another one.