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Abstract

La metalurgia de las espadas indias presenta notables diferencias en comparación con la de las europeas. Se explica la distinción entre el 'acero de Damasco' (o wootz) y el acero de crisol. Se ha realizado un análisis microscópico de un conjunto de diez hojas rotas de espada depositadas en la Armería de los Nizams de Hyderabad. Seis de ellas parecen haber sido realizadas a partir de acero de crisol, y son de elevada calidad. En contraste, se examinó también un grupo de seis espadas de colecciones privadas en Inglaterra. Sólo una de ellas estaba fabricada con acero de crisol, y tres de las otras eran de calidad muy mediocre. Esto representa quizá la calidad de las hojas de espada al alcance del soldado medio indio. The metallurgy of Indian swords shows many differences from that of European swords. The distinction between "Damascus Steel" (or wootz) and crucible steel is explained. Ten broken blades from the Armoury of the Nizams of Hyderabad were made available for microscopic examination. Six of these seem to been made from crucible steels, and are of notably high quality. By contrast, a group of six randomly collected from Private Collections in England were also examined. Only one of these was made of crucible steel, and three of the others were of very mediocre quality. This perhaps represents the quality of blades available to the average Indian soldier.

The Art of Southern Arabian Daggers: An Emblem of Pride Masculinity and Identity

“…This was quite different from the various European techniques of the time and unequalled until well into the 18th century (Williams and Edge 2007). European blacksmiths instead heated iron and carbon over burning charcoal before pouring the molten mixture into a mold.…”

“…The scabbard is fastened to the middle of the belt with a range of silver cords and rings. The blade tends to be made from a high-quality steel, giving it a desirable level of durability (Williams and Edge 2007;Daum 2016). Additionally, while the handles were once made primarily from rhinoceros' horn, it has become a less common practice today (Vigne and Martin 2001).…”

“…The liquid slag separated from the liquid metal, increasing the purity of the steel. Breaking the crucible open would reveal a cast steel brick from which a sword blade could be formed (Williams and Edge 2007).…”

“…Indian and Arabian swords and daggers were famous for their high quality, often being gifted for political purposes. They were also especially desirable among rich Europeans (Williams and Edge 2007;Gracie 2018).…”

“…Other names for this high-quality steel include wootz steel and Bulad. It often has a "watered silk" appearance, that is a result of dark lines of carbon within the steel contrasting with the lighter lines of iron carbide (Gracie 2018;Williams and Edge 2007).…”