Swords

[Drago]

Indian Wootz steel is widely believed to be the original of Damascus steel.

Nevertheless, no one knows for sure what Damascus steel swords were quenched with. That knowledge is lost. Legend claims Dragon's blood, which seems unlikely. It has been been speculated that donkey wee wee was used.

No one knows what the diffiusion process was in tne formation of the raw material blend for Damascus steel.

The exact, original, ancient production method—specifically how 18th-century smiths achieved the precise, high-carbon woot carbide structures and unique impurity patterns—remains partly unknown

So no, we definitely do not know for sure. We can approximate, we may even get it right, but as we don't actually know we can never, er, know. Most modern stuff is a visual approximation only, and often not even very close at that.

 

[Dadam]

Yep it's fascinating stuff. Some of the legendary Ulfbehrt swords of the Viking era have been tested and found to be crucible steel, presumably imported via known trade routes from the east. There's some debate whether the non-crucible swords with that stamp were just because they couldn't get enough of it, they were simply a less premium "product line" from the same maker, or just someone else's copies stamped with the name. Not much trademark protection in those times! Probably a combination of all of them.

Most of the modern stuff is just pattern welding, like the so-called "damascus" knives made on Forged in Fire.

 

[Reynard]

A lot of older craft techniques were passed on by word of mouth / learning by doing as opposed to being written down. Not just forging blades. It's more about an intuitive feel of when it's right - something that only comes with many years of experience. Like looking at the colour of the metal as it's being heated etc.

As for stamps on blades, there's a precedent with Chinese porcelain, where you have older marks on newer pieces, sort of as a homage to the older craftsmen. Downside to this is that it's a minefield trying to accurately identify pieces.

 

[derrick]

Just to make sure I'm not hallucinating or anything...

You got up in the morning and decided on a whim to make a sword from a garden gate.

That's correct, right?

Am glad I did, it's turned into a interesting subject.

 

[Gillstay]

Perhaps you could decide to build a bridge or a photon pistol next time. Do be sure to let us know.