Kurdistan dagger

[Gonzalo G]

Originally Posted by ALEX

I do not know if Persian wootz ignots were exported elsewhere, or if there were other ore sources in other regions, but perhaps it explains why Persian wootz is considered to be superior to Indian (and I know that some people will object to this theory, but be it a myth or legend – this notion has been around for a while, so it has to be a reason behing it

Please excuse me, Alex, and I expect not being making a big disgression, I did not understand the reason why persian wootz is considered superior to indian. It has been said that Damascus was importer, and latter producer of wootz. In relation with your beautiful khanjar, I was thinking if there are some reference to other centers of wootz production, though I see that you consider that the blade was a trade one from Persia, I´m sure for some good reason. I don´t have information about Kurdistan production of minerals and weapons, except for the khanjars I use to find on the web, and the wootz as a subject, is of great interest for me. If you can give me some orientation to this respect, I will appreciate it very much.
My best regards

Gonzalo

[Gonzalo G]

Jeff, sorry, I was writting my post and I didn´t see yours. You have some good responses to my questions, thank you.
Regards

Gonzalo

[Jeff Pringle]

No problem, Gonzalo
My suspicion is that Persian wootz has the better reputation because it has a large scale grain and high contrast, so people can see you've got wootz from across the room, the Indian variety is less flashy. These days, we might just call all the large-grained stuff Persian even though we don't really know where it came from...

[Royston]

It is possible to buy a large range of "chemicals" locally , but I cannot find anywhere to buy FerroChloride. I have tried various internet searches without success. I have 3 of these knives and am itching to try and clean them.
Does anyone in the UK know of a supplier please.

Thanks
Royston

[ward]

ferric Chloride is used to etch copper circuit boards. Try a good electronics supply house

[ariel]

How about a source for nitric acid?
I used FeCl3 and the yellow tint it leaves is very annoying.

[spiral]

Originally Posted by Royston

It is possible to buy a large range of "chemicals" locally , but I cannot find anywhere to buy FerroChloride. I have tried various internet searches without success. I have 3 of these knives and am itching to try and clean them.
Does anyone in the UK know of a supplier please.

Royston, try a search for Ferric Chloride, thats what its sold as.

Ariel, Jewelry makers supplires sell nitric acid. {in the UK anyway.}

Spiral

[Battara]

Same here in the US (that is where I get mine) but if your order it, hazardous shipping charges apply.

[kronckew]

maplin electronics sell it, you appear to have one in glastonbury. see www.maplin.co.uk, and attached extract from there.

[Royston]

Thanks for the information Gentlemen. I will give this a try. If it works I will post photographs. If I c__k it up I will deny ever trying it !!

Royston