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Originally Posted by Skybird
I know by my own eyes that these blades, at least the old, hand-crafted ones, can cut deep into blocks of metal - without the sharp edge suffering a nick (?). Modern technology and science so far has proven unable to create blades of the quality old ancient swords can have.
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Perhaps some overidealisation of the old techniques.
First, some of the methods have been rediscovered, are used, and produce good quality swords. However, with the possible exception of some nanocomposite tricks (involving the vanadium for example), most of the classic techniques were inferior to modern steel. Pattern welding was neve really forgotten, but only used for its artistic qualities after modern steel manufacturing made it mostly obsolete. The special composites can be made again (the technique has been rediscovered) but are expensive and labour-intensive.
http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM...even-9809.html
http://www.tf.uni-kiel.de/matwis/ama...rd_forum1.html
http://swordforum.com/summer99/ricfurrer.html
http://www.tf.uni-kiel.de/matwis/ama...ed/t5_1_1.html