Wootz update - one failure and two successes!

The wootz project started some years ago recently got a new kick start. In cooperation with some other bladesmiths, we tried to forge the wootz ingot from the 2011 post. Unfortunately it cracked, and probably cannot be saved.

 

So we went back to the drawing board, so to speak, and came out with another two recipes, using the readily available materials here. One is with CK60 steel and grey cast iron, and the other with 52100 steel and grey cast iron. We also worked out the slow solidification by ramping the gas down gently, and here are the results. I have no idea how they will forge, but this looks like jewel steel!

 

 

 Next step will be to try melting iron or steel with pure carbon, in a sealed crucible this time...