Solingen steel

[urbanspaceman]

Yes, Fernando, it seems more appropriate to mark these men as moving out of their own volition rather than being sent-for.
ps
call me Keith.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

... call me Keith.

Alright ... Keith .

Let me then 'punish' you with a couple further notes on the Toledo/Solingen saga...

One is about German Dueñas Beraiz pointing out the flaws in the Palomares table, namely on the names and origin of Toledo smiths ...

More flagrant is the case of the German swordsmith Andreas Munsten, (No. 8) who, after saying that he also worked in Calatayud, he locates him in Toledo, Castilianizing his name by that of Andres Munesten. This error perhaps stems from the fact that this swordsmith from Solingen made blades copying the typologies, motifs and letters that appear on the Toledo blades.


The other is about the considerations written in an article by Esperanza Ruiz, ESPADEROS TOLEDANOS,

IV - An Industry that is lost.
The 17th century was a decadent century for Toledo. The departure of the court, the demographic decline, the expulsion of the Moorish and other causes will be the ruin of the Toledan industries. The silk looms are reduced and the swordsmiths do not suffer any less from its consequences.
The thriving Toledo sword industry is about to disappear. The swordsmiths that in the 16th century were grouped in one of the richest and most flourishing guilds, began a rapid decline in the middle of the 17th century and one of the many causes was to allow the entry of swords from Germany, very abundant and cheap.
Master swordsmiths and officers are forced by circumstance to carve knives, scissors, and razors.


.

[urbanspaceman]

So, are we perhaps looking at the importation of certain skills to revitalise the industry?
As business declined, we would see more and more craftsmen retiring and no new apprenticeships being offered, hence a loss of skills. You will note the variety of skills across the five immigrants mentioned; perhaps this explains it.
This happened here on Tyneside: as the shipbuilding industry declined, trades and skills were being lost. Experience was fading away and it was not long before we had to import experienced and skilled workers to instruct the new apprentices.

[fernando]

Note that the Toledan decline took place mid 17th century, whereas Munster (and maybe others) moved to Spain still during their flourishing period.

[urbanspaceman]

Noted, Fernando, this seemingly disputes my theory.
I also note that we have run out of input on this subject.
It seems odd that the means to become the biggest and best supplier of swords to the world remains secret.
Perhaps it is/was attention to detail in the forging processes - attention to detail has always been something the Germans have excelled-at - but that does not explain why we had to wait for Gill in Birmingham before we could rival their quality. It also begs the question: who showed Gill how to do it right?