Superior in what way? I can imagine there are environments where the stainless properties of some of the steels in the article offset the properties of any mega sharp rusty iron knife.
Japanese swords are amazing objects, but can chip when hit by another sword and are effectively ruined. European swords were renowned for their comparative toughness, however.
Corollary: there's a lot higher parrying frequency in modern FIE-style fencing compared to modern kendo, which partially carries over because of the historically more brittle steel used in Japan.
