"Secrets of The Viking Sword + Ulfberht " Topic

"Ulfberht is a name given to unique Viking swords used in Scandinavia in the 1000s. The unique, high-quality steel they incorporated remained unparalleled until the Industrial Revolution. 171 such swords have been found so far, but only a few of these have been proven to be authentic Ulfberht swords. The earliest Ulfberhts date from circa 850
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Little information is available about the fabrication of the Ulfberht sword. However, modern tests reveal that genuine Ulfberht swords were forged from crucible steel sourced from India. Crucible steel (of which Damascus steel is a type) has several advantages over the wrought iron more commonly used medieval weapons. Wrought iron is made of smelted iron ore, which is heated and forged to reduce iron oxide, remove slag, and increase carbon content by absorption through the exposed surface. The resulting weapon contains relatively little carbon (compared to crucible steel) and contains residual slag particulates that can significantly reduce the weapon's resistance to breakage. Crucible steel, conversely, goes through a liquid phase and results in a higher level of carbon as well as removing (or dissolving) all particulate impurities. This made the weapon intrinsically stronger. In addition to being more resistant to breakage, it would have allowed the smith to temper the weapon to a harder edge or to forge a thinner, more flexible blade without undue sacrifice of reliability. The technology was likely acquired by Vikings who traveled to Central Asia.Using speculative techniques, modern-day blacksmith Richard Furrer made a replica of an Ulfberht …"
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Amicalement
Armand

I watched this a few yrs ago and it was fabulous. Very informative show.