BL_P02: History of Damascus Steel

Blacksmithing:  Discussion and Dinner

"History of Damascus Steel"

Anyone who has watched a few shows of Forged in Fire or who has browsed high-end knives has seen some examples of “Damascus Steel”.  And anyone who has read even a little bit on the subject has probably gotten bound up in all the conflicting theories and statements on what it means to be “real” Damascus steel.  It’s confusing but interesting stuff.

So please join us as we swim through a couple thousand years’ worth of steel-making history.  During the journey, we will touch upon such diverse subjects as:

• The spiteful burial practices of surly Vikings
• Medieval sword-measuring contests
• The surprising metallurgical practices of Boston MBA teams
• The link between steel-making and monsoon season
• Flavoring steel with tea and berries
• Danish cultural appropriation

By the end of the lecture you may or may not have learned anything worthwhile, but you’ll be fully equipped to post on blade-making Internet forums and tell other knife-makers how very wrong they are!

Dinner (Pizza? & a Beverage) will be provided by your host!