vietnamese steel myth or reality

K

KnifeTest

Joined
Aug 7, 2004
Messages
71
Hey guys,

In many litterature about the vietnamese culture, I saw documents talking about some sword which is fantastic weapon. Here the characteristics of them :

Extremely sharp, can cut the hair if you blow the hair against the edge of the sword, some time can cut other steel ( ? ) or copper as easyly as the butter !, in general the color are blue ( or green ), sound very nicely

Do you think it's true and now the secret of theses steel is lost or it's only the myth ?

For me, I think theses steel is the Old Timer's high carbon, non-rust proof, non-inoxydable steel
 
I'd say myth.

Here's a link, and the part of it describing the non-functional swords with brass or copper blades may explain the color question you asked.

While the hard cutting edge steel and soft inner steel is pretty sophisticated, it's nothing other cultures haven't come up with, indeed, the Viet's used the Chinese method of doing this. It seems Vietnamese swords may be more well known for their beauty than any magical cutting abilities.

http://www.eriksedge.com/vietnamswords.html

Phil
 
I think similar myths abound about japanese swords, like the sword cutting flower petals in the stream, and the best, about the petals avoiding the sword. I think well made swords / blades will be able to cut a human hair length-wise (see recent Primos test) and Sal has mentioned that he has seen a santoku cutting tissue paper that is blown on the edge.... this types of edges would not have been used in battle swords though, as they would not survive strikes / slashes against battle armour (hardened leather, mail or even hardwoods)....
 
The rumors are true...
Vietnamese steel is strong... not as strong as Rasta Frei, but pretty damn close!
 
Do some searches on "wootz" and "bulat". The ancient steels of the Eurasian land mass often had some surprizes. A lot of myths, legends, and lies, but surprizes, too.

Most of the current literature is written in Farsi, but there's a growing body of English language writings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top