[TheForge] historical blacksmithing questions

[Bob Smolen]

I know contemporary bladesmiths use meteorite's with iron/knickel content in 
pattern welded/damascus type blades. The legend of the Bowie knife claims 
meteorite was also used. I suspect that is just "legend".
Bob


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "terry l. ridder" <terrylr at blauedonau.com>
To: "theforge e-mail list" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 11:32 PM
Subject: [TheForge] historical blacksmithing questions


> hello;;
>
> are there any examples of metalic meteorites being used by blacksmiths
> to make metal objects?
>
> i was talking with an astronomer this evening and they said that there
> are millions of metric tons of nearly pure iron and nickel meteorites
> in the asteroid belt. they assume that over the millennia that iron and
> nickel meteorites large enough so that some part of it would reach the
> earth's surface happened repeatedly. as to whether these would be found
> by the local in the area depends on many variables. the trajectory of
> the meteorite upon hitting the earth's surface. they have a higher
> probability of hitting water than land since 2/3 of the earth of covered
> by water.  the meteorites have to hit the earth's atmosphere at just the
> right angle for its given velocity to enter the atmosphere and not just
> bounce back off into space. it has to be large enough that is does not
> just burn up in the atmosphere.
>
> so are there any known examples of past
> blacksmiths/metalsmiths/alchemists using metalic meteorites in their
> trade?
> any contemporary journals/diaries that give a description of a metalic
> meteorite being used in their trade?
>
> i would assume that any metalic meteorite would be considered highly
> valuable. i would also assume that they may have "spiced" up the value
> by implying that this "heavenly object" had "supernatural powers".
>
> other than wood cuttings and wood block prints, do we have any examples
> of blacksmith journals or diaries? i would assume that the blacksmith
> would be able to read and write, this may be a completely wrong
> assumption.
>
> at what point in history do we know that blacksmith were able to read
> and write?
>
> -- 
> terry l. ridder ><>
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