Book Review – Damascus Steel Swords: Solving the Mystery of How to Make Them

[Larrin]

A review of a new book from Dr. John Verhoeven about the work performed on solving the mysteries of wootz damascus. It's a fun little book. If you want to learn more you can read the review.

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/02...ords-solving-the-mystery-of-how-to-make-them/

 

[Matus]

Already in my shopping cart, thanks [emoji106]

 

[Larrin]

Already in my shopping cart, thanks [emoji106]

Let us know what you think!

 

[Casaluz]

Thank you Larrin, that was very interesting and the video documentary was fantastic

 

[CoteRotie]

My copy arrives tomorrow, sounds like an interesting read.

 

[ACHiPo]

Interesting. I used Verhoeven's Fundamentals of Physical Metallurgy textbook in college, and watched the video with Al Pendray on the recreation of Wootz crucible steel. This book looks a bit more accessible than his textbook was (no slight intended--it was a textbook after all!)

 

[Larrin]

Verhoeven does change his writing based on audience. His textbook being on Physical Metallurgy of course covered a lot on dislocations and their behavior, interactions, etc. Dislocations are the foundation of mechanical behavior of materials. His metallurgy book for bladesmiths uses the word dislocation only a single time. I think his restraint is admirable.

 

[ACHiPo]

Verhoeven does change his writing based on audience... I think his restraint is admirable.

And probably increases sales of both books!

 

[Matus]

So as promised I am back with my impressions. The book was thinner than I expected, but it described all the process and also gave some background on how and why did the author persue this subject.

The book starts right away without much introduction on metallurgy (though it also does a great job on not going into unnecessary technical details). However to be able to appreciate it more I would strongly suggest to read the (by now the uncrowned king of metallurgy for non-metallurgist) introduction book from Mr. Verhoeven to get the grasp of the basics first.

The factual truth why and how did the masters of orient made their famous ‘Damascus’ swords is relatively simple (sorry, no spoilers here), but spending a few dozen pages to get there makes you appreciate more how much work was necessary to uncover the technique. I will only tell you - the devil is in the details

I would wholeheartedly recommend this reading to everyone who would like to peak beyond the modern knifemaking. And of course to those who might be interested in trying it out themselves.

For me the time is now to re-read the Introduction book by Mr. Verhoeven so that I can dig deeper with his more technical works later.

 

[CoteRotie]

I definitely enjoyed the book as well, though I also thought it was thinner/shorter than I expected. Still, a fantastic story.

 

[Larrin]

I did say in the review it was short.