10-18-2003, 08:32 PM
Hi,
But I'd also lay good odds that the repro's steel is in fact better because of it.
Depends on what qualities you're looking for, I guess. No question that the steel, as steel, is much better now than even one hundred years ago, much less five hundred. And if I were going into battle with a sword, I'd want the best modern steel I could get. But if I'm looking for a reproduction, then I don't want *better* steel than the original, I want the same grade, preferably made the same way. Of course, I'd even liefer have an original, complete with pits, discolorations and delaminations. I might fear to bang it against a pillow, much less a pillar, but the knowledge of its history would more than compensate me for its lack of usefulness (not that a fighting sword is of much real use nowadays anyway).
But still, I do admire what modern swordsmiths are doing in keeping alive an ancient tradition. And I'm glad that people like you are willing to spend their hard earned cash to keep said smiths in business. :)
--Pete
But I'd also lay good odds that the repro's steel is in fact better because of it.
Depends on what qualities you're looking for, I guess. No question that the steel, as steel, is much better now than even one hundred years ago, much less five hundred. And if I were going into battle with a sword, I'd want the best modern steel I could get. But if I'm looking for a reproduction, then I don't want *better* steel than the original, I want the same grade, preferably made the same way. Of course, I'd even liefer have an original, complete with pits, discolorations and delaminations. I might fear to bang it against a pillow, much less a pillar, but the knowledge of its history would more than compensate me for its lack of usefulness (not that a fighting sword is of much real use nowadays anyway).
But still, I do admire what modern swordsmiths are doing in keeping alive an ancient tradition. And I'm glad that people like you are willing to spend their hard earned cash to keep said smiths in business. :)
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?