Wootz sharpening

[ariel]

I have read times and again that wootz swords did not need sharpening.
On many such swords we can see that the edge is already formed on an angle. Is the presence of such a pre-formed edge a reliable sign of wootz material?

[Laurie W]

Wootz Steel is a form of carbonizing iron into "steel". Areas in Northern India made this into 2 pound cakes to be traded elsewhere, including to the Romans.

Any good steel will hold an edge but it still has to be sharpened. Just because you see a preformed edge, does not mean it is "Wootz".

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by ariel

Is the presence of such a pre-formed edge a reliable sign of wootz material?

Agree with Laurie. I do not think that the edge is a reliable wootz indicator. The same is for a fold line, which can be observed on the top edge of many wootz blades, or sound the blade makes when topped against a floor, or flexibility test, markings etc... In my opinion - the only reliable sign of wootz is the wootz pattern. Any other opinions?

[S.Al-Anizi]

Ive seen wootz blades that have only been sharpened at the COP, other areas of the blade were left dull, although they appeared to be sharp.

[mross]

Originally Posted by ALEX

Agree with Laurie. I do not think that the edge is a reliable wootz indicator. The same is for a fold line, which can be observed on the top edge of many wootz blades, or sound the blade makes when topped against a floor, or flexibility test, markings etc... In my opinion - the only reliable sign of wootz is the wootz pattern. Any other opinions?

Nope, the pattern is pretty much the acid test. (pun intended) I believe those well versed in wootz can determine age and point of origin of the steel from the pattern.