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Old 4th January 2009, 07:56 PM   #10
Jeff D
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: B.C. Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Evans
Hi Jeff,



Informative post.

Without knowing much about Wootz, in wrought iron slag inclusions enhance toughness by acting as a crack arrestor. It is my understanding that the core of Japanese swords is often high in slag content with a similar effect.


Cheers
Chris
Hi Chris while awaiting the correct answer from the other Jeff, here is what I think. Slag in well worked steel forms long thin strings "stringers" which will give the effect you mention. In wootz working the steel in a similar fashion would eliminate the watered pattern. Therefore large (unworked) inclusions of slag would provide a fracture line.

Hope I am correct
Jeff
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