Wootz Damascus steel of ancient orient

Abstract

The legendary Damascus blades of ancient Orient are forged from high carbon (ca. 1.5% C) crucible steel, i.e., wootz. The famous damascene surface pattern is formed from carbide particles arranged into parallel layers. The cutting quality and impact toughness of these blades were respectively studied with leather knives and Charpy specimens made from reproduced steel. The advantageous effect of carbides on edge‐holding quality may be less than is often believed. It was difficult or even impossible to detect when leather was cut. The steel with a uniform distribution of carbides was somewhat tougher than the steel with carbide‐rich layers. Oriental ore often contained a high amount of phosphorus, which presumably made the majority of the blades somewhat brittle, but in the cases when carbon and phosphorus contents are not excessive, wootz Damascus steel can be ductile.