History in Five Minutes Podcast artwork

HFM 127 | Damascus Steel: The Medieval Blade That We Still Can’t Top Today

History in Five Minutes Podcast

English - October 26, 2015 10:00 - 7 minutes - 3.6 MB - ★★★★ - 97 ratings
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Damascus swords, which were generally made in the Middle East anywhere from 540 A.D. to 1800 A.D., were sharper, more flexible and harder/stronger than other contemporary blades. According to legend, the blades can cut a piece of silk in half as it falls to the ground and maintain their edge after cleaving through stone, metal, or even other swords.

However nobody knew exactly how it had been produced, and the last Damascus Steel had been produced in the early 1800s. How was the technology lost?

This podcast is brought to you by Harry's. Harry's is an awesome and wonderfully disruptive razor company. It was started by two guys who wanted to create the most debonair shaving experience possible but at the best price. They bough a blade factory in German that has crafted some of the world's highest quality blades for nearly a century. They cut out the middle man and offer an amazing shave and meticulous craftsmanship at less than half the price of a pack of Gillettes.

I can personally vouch that using it is amazing. When using it, I feel like I am about to put on a tux and go gambling in Monte Carlo. Go to harrys.com, where you can get a starter set for only $15. That includes the razor, 3 blades and your choice of Harry's shave cream or foam shaving gel. If you use my coupon code h5m, you will get another $5 off. That's a month of a premium shave experience for $10, thanks to their free shipping policy.

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Click here to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes


Damascus swords, which were generally made in the Middle East anywhere from 540 A.D. to 1800 A.D., were sharper, more flexible and harder/stronger than other contemporary blades. According to legend, the blades can cut a piece of silk in half as it falls to the ground and maintain their edge after cleaving through stone, metal, or even other swords.


However nobody knew exactly how it had been produced, and the last Damascus Steel had been produced in the early 1800s. How was the technology lost?


This podcast is brought to you by Harry’s. Harry’s is an awesome and wonderfully disruptive razor company. It was started by two guys who wanted to create the most debonair shaving experience possible but at the best price. They bough a blade factory in German that has crafted some of the world’s highest quality blades for nearly a century. They cut out the middle man and offer an amazing shave and meticulous craftsmanship at less than half the price of a pack of Gillettes.


I can personally vouch that using it is amazing. When using it, I feel like I am about to put on a tux and go gambling in Monte Carlo. Go to harrys.com, where you can get a starter set for only $15. That includes the razor, 3 blades and your choice of Harry’s shave cream or foam shaving gel. If you use my coupon code h5m, you will get another $5 off. That’s a month of a premium shave experience for $10, thanks to their free shipping policy.


Like this podcast?


Click here to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes