Properties Of Wootz

[Sakalord364]

On a similar note, did wootz blades have a higher carbon content when compared to a contemporary non wootz European blade? Because I’ve seen European sabre blades be more resistant to rust then say a wootz blade from the same time period.

[Chris Evans]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Sakalord364

On a similar note, did wootz blades have a higher carbon content when compared to a contemporary non wootz European blade? Because I’ve seen European sabre blades be more resistant to rust then say a wootz blade from the same time period.

A fairly high carbon content is what made Wootz crucible steel possible, that is to say, by lowering the melting point. Upon solidification, the excess carbon formed carbides, the presence of which not only lowered tougness but also corrosion resistance.

Of course, the carbon content of contemporary European steel varied greatly due to inexact manufacturing, but on average was lower than that of Wootz.

I hasten to add that corrosion resistance is also significantly influenced by other factors such as surface smoothness, degree of cold working and impurities.

Cheers
Chris