True Combat Value of Wootz

Rivkin · 24th November 2006, 10:34 PM

Very interesting. I thought for example Anosov used graphite instead of traditional materials such as coal/wood. But taking in mind that I have no idea how smithing works, it well may be that I am saying that simple shocks the present in its ignorance

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tsubame1 · 24th November 2006, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rivkin

I thought for example Anosov used graphite instead of traditional materials such as coal/wood.

Usually graphite is found in cast (pig) iron being connected with a too much
high carbon content (2,8%-3,8%). I wonder if the burning of graphite
in these experiments can be connected with transferring some carbon to
steel or simply because it achieve the needed temperature in a faster
way or it can hold such temperature longer (only supposing about these two
last properties of graphite).

Japanese smiths transfer carbon to the blade using vegetal fiber wrapping
in certain stages of the smithing. Might be that putting steel into a
burning graphite bed is intended to the same aim to compensate the
carbon loss during the smithing ? Are wootz/crucible steel blades
folded many times as the japanese ones, meaning a loss of carbon in the
process and so needing a trick to maintain high the carbon content ?

24th November 2006, 10:34 PM	#1
Rivkin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 655	Very interesting. I thought for example Anosov used graphite instead of traditional materials such as coal/wood. But taking in mind that I have no idea how smithing works, it well may be that I am saying that simple shocks the present in its ignorance .