True Combat Value of Wootz

Ann Feuerbach · 22nd November 2006, 01:35 PM

Here is my two cents, extract from my PhD...
"The ductility of Damascus blades was one feature that distinguished it from other types of steels. Damascus steel blades typically contain spheroidal/globular cementite in a ferrite/pearlite matrix. Metallurgical experiments conducted by Ebner and Maurer (1982) on steel concluded that toughness and ductility coincide with a spheroidization of carbides. They also noted that additional tempering decreases the strength whereas toughness and ductility vary only slightly (Ebner and Maurer, 1982). Thus, the microstructure of hypereutectoid Damascus steel is optimum for ductility."

I think trying to determine which is the "best quality" sword is like trying to determine what the "Best" car is...American made? Japanese? German? Italian? British? depends on your needs, even the most expensive ones can produce a "lemon", while a cheaper car may perform very well for a long time, plus personal experience, preference, and how much you can afford.

22nd November 2006, 01:35 PM	#11
Ann Feuerbach Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 133	Here is my two cents, extract from my PhD... "The ductility of Damascus blades was one feature that distinguished it from other types of steels. Damascus steel blades typically contain spheroidal/globular cementite in a ferrite/pearlite matrix. Metallurgical experiments conducted by Ebner and Maurer (1982) on steel concluded that toughness and ductility coincide with a spheroidization of carbides. They also noted that additional tempering decreases the strength whereas toughness and ductility vary only slightly (Ebner and Maurer, 1982). Thus, the microstructure of hypereutectoid Damascus steel is optimum for ductility." I think trying to determine which is the "best quality" sword is like trying to determine what the "Best" car is...American made? Japanese? German? Italian? British? depends on your needs, even the most expensive ones can produce a "lemon", while a cheaper car may perform very well for a long time, plus personal experience, preference, and how much you can afford.