Complex sentence: Many blacksmiths prefer laminated blades because they are easier to make a living on and at the highest levels can made with core steel as hard or harder than honyaki and nor are they necessarily easier to make.
Split into simpler sentences: Many blacksmiths prefer laminated blades because they are easier to make a living on. At the highest levels they have core steel as hard or harder than honyaki and are not necessarily easier to make.