Hello All,
For the past few years I have been gathering samples of known blades (known in the sense of rough dates and cultures) to use in creating a database of the steels and techniques used in swords.
I recently acquired several Chinese blades to add to several Japanese, Indian, English and Persian pieces I have on the shelf for this study.
My intention is to cut these blades up and photograph not only the cross-secions, but also do micrographs and some physical tests on the material to yield more data for strengths, chemistry and heat treating.
I am interested in any parts or pieces you may have which are identifiable to a culture and time to include in this study.
When possible I will buy these sample blades from you, but donations are encouraged as well....badly corroded,broken,cracked, fragments with provenance..all the things we do not like to see in blades..I am interested in.
I prefer to learn more about the older blade..pre 1800, but I will not shy away from production blades of the 1900's as it is derelict to not include those as well.
Contact me for details about the project or if you have blades you think would make good additions to the knowledge base. I would prefer that the samples tested remain together for further study, but it is also my intention to make many slices and have them available to several Universities and Museums as well.
Ric Furrer
www.doorcountyforgeworks.com