04-07-2007, 12:56 AM
Came across this webpage that has, at the very bottom of the page, a description that defines how Roman smiths worked. Question is, is it right or wrong?
http://www.sharpblades.net/
Don't go by that extract alone, but read the whole piece.
http://www.sharpblades.net/
Quote:To extract water bubbles the ore was crushed into little pieces in an iron mill. Still the most harmful were oxygen impurities, they were able to cause blade crashing if some bubbles persisted after forging. To exclude oxygen content the ore was put in a furnace with charcoal. The furnace was sealed, in that way the oxygen needed for fire to burn was pulled from the ore. Thus, Romans obtained iron blocks which latter was hammered to become wonderful blades.
Don't go by that extract alone, but read the whole piece.
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!