Indo-persian axe with inerteed steel.

eftihis · 11th February 2024, 08:46 PM

This axe has a clearly visible inserted area of steel in the middle of the axe's head! In this an old manufacturing technique? Would this be a different kind of steel? What is the reason for this? Thanks!

David R · 12th February 2024, 05:19 PM

Inserted edge steel is a well known technique both in the east and the west. It saves the expensive higher carbon material for where it's needed, and gives the more brittle material support from a softer more resilient lower carbon metal.

TVV · 12th February 2024, 06:07 PM

Looking at this item, it is not the edge that is inserted, and the whole axe is of a steel construction, including the shaft. The precise way this is executed and the overall quality of the item suggest a smith showing skills, rather than trying to save on material, at least to my eye. I wonder if any portion of this blade is wootz.

11th February 2024, 08:46 PM	#1
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 507	Indo-persian axe with inerteed steel. This axe has a clearly visible inserted area of steel in the middle of the axe's head! In this an old manufacturing technique? Would this be a different kind of steel? What is the reason for this? Thanks! Attached Images

12th February 2024, 05:19 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	Inserted edge steel is a well known technique both in the east and the west. It saves the expensive higher carbon material for where it's needed, and gives the more brittle material support from a softer more resilient lower carbon metal.

12th February 2024, 06:07 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,620	Looking at this item, it is not the edge that is inserted, and the whole axe is of a steel construction, including the shaft. The precise way this is executed and the overall quality of the item suggest a smith showing skills, rather than trying to save on material, at least to my eye. I wonder if any portion of this blade is wootz.