Reconstruction of Genuine Damascus Structure of the 18th Century Eastern Pulwar Saber Blade

• Published in: Metallurgist (New York) 2023-03, Vol.66 (11-12), p.1481-1493
• Main Author: Sukhanov, D. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 18th century; Alloys; Carbides; Cemented carbides; Cementite; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composition; Damascus process; High carbon steels; Inhomogeneity; Intermetallic compounds; Iron compounds; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Reconstruction; Stoichiometry; Wave crest
• ISSN: 0026-0894; 1573-8892
• DOI: 10.1007/s11015-023-01463-x

The main distinguishing features of the Eastern Damascus sabers are considered according to the topological affiliation of the blade, which include the classical forms of Persian Shamshir, Indian Talwar, and Turkish Kilij. The need to consider the regional factor was indicated, which describes the affiliation of the Damascus saber with a particular region, where it was mounted with a national hilt, such as an Afghan Pulwar or Arab Saif. The structure of the edge section of the 18th century Damascus saber blade (Pulwar) has a characteristic carbide banding. In the process of topographic studies of the patterned surface, it was revealed that the shape of the main components of the Damascus pattern consists of individual characteristic elements, such as knottiness, wave crests (dunes), and hollows. Based on the nature of the pattern, the saber blade belongs to the Khorasan variety. It has been established that genuine Damascus steel is an inhomogeneous high carbon steel with an increased phosphorus content. The stoichiometric composition of the excess cementite and abnormally coarse eutectic carbides has been studied. It was found that the Eastern saber blade with a Damascus pattern is a unique technological solution of its time. The Damascus blade does not only consist of one wootz-ingot. Typically, separate sections of each one third of the blade are made of a combination of non-uniform crucible steels with different chemistry and structure. Each third of the blade is responsible for its own unique properties and performance characteristics. A full cycle of reconstruction of the genuine Damascus structure was carried out under the laboratory conditions using experimental alloys No. 1 and No. 2. It was shown that carbide inhomogeneity patterns and stoichiometric composition of the excess carbide phases in alloys No. 1 and No. 2 are completely identical to the patterns of the genuine Damascus structure of the 18th century Pulwar saber blade.