The future of blade technology

Jim McDougall · 22nd July 2009, 01:36 AM

"...the secret of steel has always carried with it a mystery.
You must learn its riddle Conan, you must learn its discipline."
-"Conan the Barbarian"
Robert E. Howard

As I have noted many times, metallurgy is far beyond my understanding, but must admit Gene has come up with an intriguing topic, and Kisak has truly launched this thread with an wonderfully well written perspective.

While my focus has always been on the history of weapons, I must admit that in early times the mysteries of steel, especially of Damascus, certainly must have seemed like a contemporary form of science fiction or occult would perhaps be a better description.

We know that the nickel in meteorites was probably seen as almost magical in properties to be used in imbuing blades with powers that would excel.
I often wonder if perhaps, one day the minerals of other planets might reveal metals not known to us...maybe far in the future, but in the spirit of the topic, something that comes to mind.

I am not clear on exactly how long ago the secrets of Damascus steel were rediscovered by metallurgists in the west, or exactly how successful this was done, but it does illustrate how tenacious the search for ever improved metals has remained, and certainly will continue.

All best regards,
Jim

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22nd July 2009, 01:36 AM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,299	"...the secret of steel has always carried with it a mystery. You must learn its riddle Conan, you must learn its discipline." -"Conan the Barbarian" Robert E. Howard As I have noted many times, metallurgy is far beyond my understanding, but must admit Gene has come up with an intriguing topic, and Kisak has truly launched this thread with an wonderfully well written perspective. While my focus has always been on the history of weapons, I must admit that in early times the mysteries of steel, especially of Damascus, certainly must have seemed like a contemporary form of science fiction or occult would perhaps be a better description. We know that the nickel in meteorites was probably seen as almost magical in properties to be used in imbuing blades with powers that would excel. I often wonder if perhaps, one day the minerals of other planets might reveal metals not known to us...maybe far in the future, but in the spirit of the topic, something that comes to mind. I am not clear on exactly how long ago the secrets of Damascus steel were rediscovered by metallurgists in the west, or exactly how successful this was done, but it does illustrate how tenacious the search for ever improved metals has remained, and certainly will continue. All best regards, Jim