Damascus steel (Arabic: فولاذ دمشقي) refers to the high carbon crucible steel of the blades of historical swords forged using the wootz process in the Near East, characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water, sometimes in a "ladder" or "rose" pattern. "Damascus steel" developed a high reputation for being tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge.[1]
There is now a general agreement that although the term "Damascus steel" traces its roots to the medieval city of Damascus, Syria, perhaps as an early example of branding, that many of the swords themselves, or at least the steel ingots from which they were forged, were imported from Southern India, where the steel making techniques used were first developed. [2][3] or Khorasan, Iran.[4]
Modern steelmakers and metallurgists have studied medieval "Damascus steel" extensively, developing theories on how it was made, and why its use died out by the late 19th century. Modern reproductions can use the term "Damascene", or call themselves "Damascus steel", and many use similar techniques of lamination, banding, and patterning.
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