[TheForge] bronze age and knifemaker questions

[Dr. Stephen A Bloom]

At 08:37 PM 9/26/2012, Terry wrote: [big snip]

the bronze disc raises the most questions. can a bronze age disc be 
given a "razor edge" through sharpening and honing? Would it be able
>to keep the edge for any period of time.

Two separate questions == no problem putting an edge on (there is a 
picture somewhere out there of one of Al  Pendrays* student's cutting 
a silk scarf in the air with a mild steel blade, so edge creation 
does not require tool steel) -- keeping it is a whole 'nother 
question.  There were lots of bronze swords as well as copper weapons 
- they would just dull real fast -- and -- as I type this, "Paper 
Cuts" pops into my head -- even a better example.

I've always suspected that the Greek/ Macedonian sword shape (kind of 
like the kukri) was an outcome of a dull edge and needing a tip heavy 
club soon after a fight started to just bash the opponents head in..

Steve

* (Wootz re-creator from Williston, Fl - lives near me)