What does magnetism mean on a blade?

[David]

[erlikhan]

Yes magnetism must attract the extra amount of money i paid for it back to me

[Battara]

Brass is not magnetic so yes they are probably made of steel.

And I wish I attracted money.....

[Jim McDougall]

This really is a fascinating topic, magnetism in the steel of edged weapons blades, and discussed some time ago in another fascinating thread initiated by Jens.
While I cannot add much to the metallurgical aspects, I do know that magnetite is a mineral often found in the iron forged into the steel used in blades. This mineral is of course allied with the mysterious magnetic lodestone, which is used in so many ways.

What puzzles me is why someone would want a blade magnetized, and I cannot think of any practical purpose, leading me as always, to wondering about superstitious or magical associations. It does seem like there is the possibility of inadvertant magnetization, but for the sake of discussion, perhaps a blade intended to be imbued with magical or potent powers, this property would be somewhat convincing.

The magnetic lodestone was included in folklore from early times, and the Spanish 'Gitanos' believed these magnetic/magical stones would keep them from drowning (if at sea) and that this mineral would make one impervious to lead or steel, obviously an attractive property in a weapon.
While this obviously derives from the Spanish gypsies, perhaps similar folk religion concepts were present throughout the widespread diffusion of these colorful people, even into Ottoman regions.

Clearly speculation intended only as food for thought on why a blade would be deliberately magnetized, and not suggesting this weapon has anything to do with Gypsies, Spaniards or anything other than an Ottoman weapon.

The interesting pattern in the deep channelling in the blade reminds me of these patterns on blades of early Italian sabres, and similar channeling I believe is present in lesser degree on Qamas from the Ottoman sphere.

It seems there have been a number of weapons described with magnetic properties in the blades, from India and I believe kerises, and I wonder if there is more to this.

All best regards,
Jim

[Gavin Nugent]

My understanding is that steel becomes magnetized by constant rubbing, an old school experiment from the deep dark vaults of years gone by.
I think the constant in out in out of a sheath would do this.

Gav

[fearn]

Hi Jim,

What's wrong with the "inherently cool" hypothesis for this phenomenon. In other words, it's kind of inherently cool to magnetize a blade, isn't it?

I've got to admit, I saw David's reply, and I'm thinking of doing that myself. It will make that shelf full of khukuris interesting to handle, though, if they all attract each other as I tried to grab one

Best,

F

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Gav,
You're right, such rubbing action certainly might in some degree cause some static electric type effect.
In looking back on this topic, I was rereading Jens' thread on magnetic blades from 2005 (now in the Classic Threads file) and this discussion was incredible! While about 99% of it was so far over my head, it was still so well worded that it was even understandable to me, and fascinating.

Apparantly 'Mare Rosu' (Gene) had a dagger from Mysore that had some sort of multipolar magnetic phenomenon going on, and different parts of the blade had magnetic poles facing alternate directions! Even Dr. Ann Feuerbach, who wrote her Ph.D paper on crucible steel came in on the discussion, and was as intrigued by the topic as all the rest of us.
I found references in Pant ("Indian Arms and Armour" p.90-92) where the smelting of ingots in regions in Hyderbad contained magnetic schist mixed with haematites and black ferruginous sands and were exported to Persia, Syria and East Africa from Cutch.

It was noted in the thread that magnetization can occur from grinding and sharpenening or various 'working' of the blade, which would fall in line with your suggestion of repeated rubbing. Apparantly, polishing stones sometimes include lodestone, again toward these possibilities.

Apparantly, my thought on magnetic application to a blade to suggest quality, i.e. steel from sources such as this sought after Hyderabad product was suggested by Tom Hyle (Feb. 20, 2005) in this classic thread.

Fearn, nothing at all wrong with the 'way cool' theory ...in fact, pretty neat idea in sword combat....the other guys sword gets dragged to your blade. Wonder why the Zorro guys didnt think of this..a magnetic sword and all the soldiers swords fly toward Zorro's Hmmm. on second thought !
Really bad visual!

All the best,
Jim

[David]

Here's the link to the magnetism thread Jim mentioned:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=magnetic