- Joined
- Oct 2, 2010
- Messages
- 221
most of history wootz blades had pearlite matrix. that is suppose to be soft. the hardness is usually arround Rc 40 or less. i had a 17century tulwar, persian blade with hindu handle. its pretty soft as well. so i guess your knife is about right.
but wootz can be hardened. many source saying wootz can't be quenched or the pattern will be destroyed. my test shows different. if austenization temperature do not pass the acm, after oil quench or salt bath the pattern will still remain. but its contrast will not as good as pearlite one. the contrast can be improved if you does a 450°C spring tempering. the hardness will be lower to 48~50hrc, and its possible to bend it to an arc if you strong enough. it will spring back unless you bent it over its limit.
but wootz can be hardened. many source saying wootz can't be quenched or the pattern will be destroyed. my test shows different. if austenization temperature do not pass the acm, after oil quench or salt bath the pattern will still remain. but its contrast will not as good as pearlite one. the contrast can be improved if you does a 450°C spring tempering. the hardness will be lower to 48~50hrc, and its possible to bend it to an arc if you strong enough. it will spring back unless you bent it over its limit.
Last edited:
