Ancient Damascus Steel

[Eleatic Guest]

Hi,

what do we know about the early history of Damascus steel in Europe? According to U. Lindgren (ed.): Europäische Technik im Mittelalter. Berlin 1996, swords with several layers were produced by the Celts by the 4th century BC, and Roman smiths of the imperial era forged improved torsion Damascus steel blades. In the Merovingian age then, the art was highly developed.

I am not an expert in metallurgy, but does this account not fly into the face of the traditional interpretation that Damascus steel was first introduced in the Arab or Indian realm (wootz). Or are we talking about different techniques here?

See also here for many times folded Alemanni swords: <!-- l <a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15236&hilit=Japanese">viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15236&hilit=Japanese<!-- l

[Endre Fodstad]

There is some confusion on the term "Damascus Steel" contra pattern welding. Perhaps that is the issue? Note the little article I posted about the Heeten punch - the authors claim the carbon content is close to wootz.

[Uhrisa]

Greetings,

As far as i know original damascus steel was made from a particular ore (Wootz). The patterns in the finished product are the result of contamination (vanadium, molybdeen etc.) in the ore. True damascus steel was introduced in europe during the crusades and came from India. Swords of damascus steel, wich where famous for their sharpnes and beautifull patterns (which wheren't etched as those in pattern welded steel) where forged in the city of Damascus hence the name. Pattern welded steel is made by forge welding two types of steel, one with a high carbon content and one with a low carbon content. Patterns are the result of folding and torsion of the two welded pieces of steel. The pattern on the product is made more prominent by etching.
On the website below you can see products and video's of a truely remarkable bladesmith, his pattern welded knives, saxes and swords are outstanding.

www.jordanknives.com

Regards,

Maarten