From: Tim MacLeod 25/03/99 14:25:33 Subject: sword metal post id: 4853 Whilst watching a documentary on Samari swords I saw the way they mad a sharp, yet ductile sword was to do with the last tempering process. Clay was spread on the sword. A lot at the back and very little on the cutting edge. Then this had extra thicknesses added in a cross hatched pattern. the effect was the cutting edge cooled quickly (brittle and sharp, or hold sharp edge) and the back cooled slowly (ductile and dull). The combined effect was that the back reinforced the cutting blade so that the sword would not shatter, but could be incedibly sharp. Cheers From: chris 26/03/99 17:04:04 Subject: re: sword metal post id: 4951 Hi I believe that the metal used in the Samuri sword is folded, then drawn out, then folded about 400 X. This also gives it strength and also contibutes to its keen edge. Can anyone verify this? chris From: Paul M 26/03/99 23:51:18 Subject: re: sword metal post id: 4969 Yes, it does help with the strenght of the sword, it "packs" the fibres if the "metal" but there are other more important factors to consider, such as the composition of the "metal" being used, and the heat treatment process (hardeneing and tempering). If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact me via email. I'm not just talking out my arse, I am presently studying Blacksmithing at one of the last places in Australasia to attain accreditation in the trade, and i know blade makers, and have read alot about the subject. From: Paul M 26/03/99 23:56:34 Subject: re: sword metal post id: 4970 That is exactly right, as long as the metal can be hardened, the tempering proces is the crutial stage, and the process that Tim McLeod described is just one very good way of achieving the right temper for a sword. This forum is un-moderated. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual poster and not the ABC. The ABC reserves the right to remove offensive or inappropriate messages.