Even wootz blades can break

Jens Nordlunde · 10th April 2005, 03:05 PM

In the book Persian Steel, one of the authors Dr. Brian Gilmore, in the chapter ‘The Development of Iron and Steel Technology’, on page 60 writes about the winter as an enemy to some blades.

Al-Biruni (AD 973-1048) describes two different types of pattern in blades, blades with welded pattern and blades where the pattern is inherent in the steel from which they are made. Al-Biruni says that the Rus (Russians, Vikings or other north European people living in the Novgerod area) makes pattern welded blades (soft steel and hard or steely iron) in contrast to Eastern blades, strongly suggesting that the latter were made from non-welded iron or steel. He also says, that blades made out of crucible steel cannot withstand the cold of the Russian winters, in which they are liable to break, as brittle stress fracture is likely to be a problem with blades made of high-carbon steel (1.5-2.0% carbon), like most of the Eastern blades were.

Does anyone know, how far north blades made out of wootz ingots could be used, in relative safety for not breaking them?

10th April 2005, 03:05 PM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Even wootz blades can break In the book Persian Steel, one of the authors Dr. Brian Gilmore, in the chapter ‘The Development of Iron and Steel Technology’, on page 60 writes about the winter as an enemy to some blades. Al-Biruni (AD 973-1048) describes two different types of pattern in blades, blades with welded pattern and blades where the pattern is inherent in the steel from which they are made. Al-Biruni says that the Rus (Russians, Vikings or other north European people living in the Novgerod area) makes pattern welded blades (soft steel and hard or steely iron) in contrast to Eastern blades, strongly suggesting that the latter were made from non-welded iron or steel. He also says, that blades made out of crucible steel cannot withstand the cold of the Russian winters, in which they are liable to break, as brittle stress fracture is likely to be a problem with blades made of high-carbon steel (1.5-2.0% carbon), like most of the Eastern blades were. Does anyone know, how far north blades made out of wootz ingots could be used, in relative safety for not breaking them? Last edited by Jens Nordlunde; 10th April 2005 at 05:16 PM.