05-04-2013, 10:38 PM
Yep, I was thinking possible medical instrument, too. But there could be some issues with this piece. The patina on the bronze, for instance. There is no greening at the part where the bronze would have been effected by the iron. The rust is very superficial, and yet a portion of the cutting edge seems corroded away. Is there any provenace to that piece? Where was it found, anything about the context?
On the question of steel, yes, Romans did use steel for high quality tools such as firestrikers, swordblades and knives/razors. Carbon content would/could be around 0.45, which is equivelant to a modern C45 tool steel.
On the question of steel, yes, Romans did use steel for high quality tools such as firestrikers, swordblades and knives/razors. Carbon content would/could be around 0.45, which is equivelant to a modern C45 tool steel.
