The excellent video mentioned several times is a great place to kick off on WOOTZ as are the many articles here on Forum and already noted. To say the least however not being a blacksmith or metalurgist or forge worker is a distinct disadvantage ...notwithstanding that I must refer to the very superb video again...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHRlJ3BSyN8
Kieth I forgot to mention that on the video at about 1899 on the timer it looks at the glass situation that was a simple trick to prevent oxygen getting into the mix. It acted as a sealant.
I noted that the wootz ore mine was in the introduction and The great ruler Salaadin had a castle built over it for protection...That was at Ajloan. The arabic saying for the best swordblade was Falooji Johar.
I also noted a lot of descriptive pointers or descriptives.. For example it cleverly describes WOOTZ as having Hardness, Toughness, Flexibility , Durability and a beautiful pattern.
Regards,
Peter Hudson.