Damascus and pattern-welded steels: Forging blades since the iron age (Science des matériaux / Materials)

This is a marvelous book. First part (75%) talks about history of Damascus blades. Last part goes deep into metallurgy without being too difficult. The author goes into detail about how Wootz was made, and discusses the role of Vanadium. She also discusses the probable method that the Moire Pattern formed in ancient blades and its duplication in modern forgings. It takes the mystery and magic out of the pattern welded and Wootz steel. I highly recommend it if you want to gain a good understanding. It also has an extensive reference bibliography. Judging by the titles, I imagine you could become an expert if you read all those books and articles. This makes me want to buy her other books.

VERY informative book on the subject of Damascus steel and history of its metallurgy. A fascinating read, I'm really enjoying it and there's lots of detailed pictures of old blades, breaking down their construction down to the crystal structure of the iron/steel they were made from. Highly recommend to anyone making damascus or more interested in the history of bladesmithing

Das Buch gibt Ueberblick zur Entwicklung der Eisen und Damast-Verwendung. Theoretische und Historische sowie mod erne Beispiele werden behandelt. Typische aussen- und Innenansichten v Klingen und die üblichen FeC-Diagramme ergeben einige Einsichten in die vielfältigen Eisengeschichte. . Ein empfehlenswertes Buch mit Referenzen zu wichtigen Vertretern der neueren Damastschmiede-Bewegung.

Overall, not a bad buy. Some of the technical details as mis-stated, and the translation into English has been poorly handled. I’m thinking they may have used Google Translate or similar, which makes for regular awkwardness in the flow of the writing. Worth the money though.