A wootz knife considerations

ALEX · 2nd May 2007, 09:35 AM

Enjoyed a recent dialoque about modern knifemaking and sharp comments made by Ariel, Lew and others, and would like to share my latest "wootz knife" story. The point is, once again, to illustrate and consider what a fine wootz knife should look and feel like. So, lets consider some facts:
1. The workmanship: As was said many times before - there is nothing like an old work. There is something magical to an old wootz, opposite to artificial of a modern one (This is just my opinion. And I admire the talents of Mr.Pendray!). Indeed, how one could produce such a pattern without infrared thermomethers and air hammers is amazing.
2. The material: The cover is silver, and despite a simple floral design - no one can reproduce the same quality anymore (or at least no one I know of).
3. The process: A joy of restoration consisted of replacing a damaged leather, adding scabbard tip and a center silver strip. Also, the wootz pattern was barely visible, so I re-polished the blade and etched it. Imagine the feeling!?
4. The History: We can argue of origin and age based on a style, material, etc (By the way, I think the blade is Persian. Do the fittings look Turkish or Kurdish?)
5. The price: less than 3% of a recently sold Al Pendray marvel.
And even for the same price, I'd prefer the old one. In my opinion, the "History baggage" alone outweighs the rest.

2nd May 2007, 09:35 AM	#1
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	A wootz knife considerations Enjoyed a recent dialoque about modern knifemaking and sharp comments made by Ariel, Lew and others, and would like to share my latest "wootz knife" story. The point is, once again, to illustrate and consider what a fine wootz knife should look and feel like. So, lets consider some facts: 1. The workmanship: As was said many times before - there is nothing like an old work. There is something magical to an old wootz, opposite to artificial of a modern one (This is just my opinion. And I admire the talents of Mr.Pendray!). Indeed, how one could produce such a pattern without infrared thermomethers and air hammers is amazing. 2. The material: The cover is silver, and despite a simple floral design - no one can reproduce the same quality anymore (or at least no one I know of). 3. The process: A joy of restoration consisted of replacing a damaged leather, adding scabbard tip and a center silver strip. Also, the wootz pattern was barely visible, so I re-polished the blade and etched it. Imagine the feeling!? 4. The History: We can argue of origin and age based on a style, material, etc (By the way, I think the blade is Persian. Do the fittings look Turkish or Kurdish?) 5. The price: less than 3% of a recently sold Al Pendray marvel. And even for the same price, I'd prefer the old one. In my opinion, the "History baggage" alone outweighs the rest. Attached Images