In ancient time INDIA was recognized as the eminent producer of iron and steel, and the originator of crucible process for casting of steel. In addition, it is also well known and generally acknowledged that INDIA is still unsurpassed in use of technical process for the forging and manipulation of Damascus steel and iron. Indian blades were acclaimed and coveted for their technical superiority in pre -Christian era. The Persians, generally acknowledged as the finest sword smiths of their time, used Indian Damascus steel ingots (wootz) for manufacture of their finest weapons. It is clear that the Western world appreciated the superb mechanical properties of Damascus steel before the time of Christ. Military encounters with the Islamic world during the Crusades in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries afforded westerners a firsthand experience of effectiveness of the incredible power of Islamic swords used by the defenders of the Muslim faith. Those survived and returned to Europe were among the first to report the existence of Damascus Steel. Broken or intact swords and other weapons taken back and used as prized souvenirs. Many companies from world over preparing and manufacturing their branded Damascus steel knife’s Blades ( Unsharpened and without edge handicraft Damascus Steel Blades ) from Indian producers, mainly in Udaipur ( Rajasthan) INDIA, where some families & craftsmen called “ Sikligar “ from a minority caste, still forging and making Damascus steel blades and many other items using their traditional forging process handed down by their ancestors.
