Discoloration and Loss of a Wootz Pattern

RSWORD · 10th July 2007, 01:30 AM

I think there are a couple of things that can cause "white spots" in wootz. I think the primary reason is a lack of heat control either during forging or heat treatment of an edge or tip. The other I have noticed can be induced from scabbard wear. A poorly fitted scabbard or one that has shrunk over time can certainly rub on singular spots on the blade and rub away the polish. However, in this case, you can usually still see the pattern beneath the rub spot if angled properly in the light. Certainly any grinders or other equipment used on a wootz blade can overheat the blade and disrupt the pattern as well.

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10th July 2007, 01:30 AM	#4
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	I think there are a couple of things that can cause "white spots" in wootz. I think the primary reason is a lack of heat control either during forging or heat treatment of an edge or tip. The other I have noticed can be induced from scabbard wear. A poorly fitted scabbard or one that has shrunk over time can certainly rub on singular spots on the blade and rub away the polish. However, in this case, you can usually still see the pattern beneath the rub spot if angled properly in the light. Certainly any grinders or other equipment used on a wootz blade can overheat the blade and disrupt the pattern as well.