The manufacturing technology of a pattern-welded knife from Kobilić (Republic of Croatia)

Abstract

A pattern-welded knife dated to the 13th century was found during an archaeological excavation conducted on the site of Kobilić 1 in 2010. Nowadays, pattern-welded knives are very popular due to their decorative appearance and supposedly excellent mechanical properties. This paper introduces some new experimental results gained during the manufacturing of a copy of the medieval pattern-welded knife using historical techniques. During this experimental work some new practical observations were taken in general about smelting and processing bloomery iron and concerning the decorative effect of phosphoric-iron used in pattern-welding.