Hey everyone,

This might be a naive question, but I constantly hear that the techniques for making true Damascus or Wootz crucible steel have been lost to time; however, when I search for modern reproductions, I find companies like Hanwei offering swords forged from these steels after having conducted "dedicated research" (e.g. http://casiberia.com/product/wootz-shaolin-sword/sh2385 ).

Personally, I find this situation to be similar to the reconstructing of Stradivarius violins. People have scientifically analyzed every aspect of a Strad and reproduced "exact" replicas, yet have failed to reproduce the same timbre associated with the Stradivarius violin using said replicas.

My question is, have we been able to perfectly recreate the process of forging these exotic steels, or is what we have now just an imitation of the past?

As a keen, but non scientifically trained materials technology nerd I'd have to say 'No'. But we have come close. The issues are with the raw materials and the production methods and we either dont have them or don't use them. There are some very rare instances with the odd sword here and there done for research purposes or tv programmes but the second you go to a metal supplier and ask for a particular grade of steel you are doing precisely what pre-late 19th cent people didn't and couldn't do.

As for people selling stuff claiming to have done research, make up your own mind. Mine is pretty much set on 'what a load of old...'. Or, as i get in my line of work a lot 'we've done loads of reasearch and then ignored it for commercial/artistic or other reasons'. Usually the former.

Ah, thanks guys. That clears up some confusion. I know we have some great metals to work with nowadays, but it kind of makes me happy that some historical arts can not be reproduced through scientific means. In my opinion, it makes both history and science better to appreciate in their own ways.