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Introduction
In July 2018 a new book was released on the research of wootz Damascus steel by Dr. John Verhoeven. Dr. Verhoeven is well known for his contributions to research on knife steels and damascus, along with frequent collaborator Al Pendray. Dr. Verhoeven has often been cited on this website, including his articles on CATRA testing of different knife steels [1], and also a series of experiments on sharpening of knives [2]. He also wrote a book on the metallurgy of knife steels, which is now published as Steel Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist; I reviewed it in this article on book recommendations. Dr. Verhoeven had a particularly strong impact on my interest in steel and metallurgy. I was introduced to him through his knife steel metallurgy book which I read several times in my teen years. And when I was looking for the best steel University to attend, he was the first person I emailed for advice. I asked him for an interview to be published on this website, and he asked if I would be willing to review his new book instead – Damascus Steel Swords: Solving the Mystery of How to Make Them.
Book Review
The new book is definitely a good starting point for getting to know Dr. Verhoeven. He tells his story of how he got involved in Damascus steel research which was his pathway into knife steels and their metallurgy. The book does not require a prior background in metallurgy, as he defines all of the terms and introduces each topic before it is given further explanation. He also provided an introduction to the history of Damascus steels and ancient swordmaking and metallurgy, for those that aren’t “in the know” prior to reading the book.
One thing that is clear in the book is Dr. Verhoeven’s curiosity and interest in metallurgical mysteries. Once the mystery of Damascus steel production was presented to him, he immediately began investigating. When others published research articles investigating Damascus steel, he tried out their approaches himself. He got ancient Damascus swords and cut them up and looked at the microstructure. He also credits many people who helped him along the way, from the mentoring he got from Dr. Cyril Stanley Smith, a famous metallurgist. Or the help from knifemakers Howard Clark and Al Pendray who forged out steel and suggested new methods to try.
Dr. Verhoeven isn’t afraid to point out his failures. He titled an entire section of his book, “My hypothesis is incorrect” and described one of his failed proposals for the mechanism of Damascus steel production. And later in the book he admitted to pre-conceived notions that he had to eradicate to understand how Damascus steel works, “Somewhat embarrassingly it was not until late 1995 that we determined the secret of making Damascus steel blades…It might seem obvious that based on my hypothesis of a banding mechanism similar to ferrite/pearlite banding that we should have been searching for some element segregated between dendrites upon solidification of our small ingots. However, I was biased against the idea that an element present at such low levels as 0.004% could be the cause and, coupled with the fact that there were many other possible causes that might produce the banding, we spent the next 4 years chasing them down.”
Admitting to failures and biases gives the book a very human perspective and reads as an exciting story of discovering the mysteries of steel. It also helps you to get to know the man behind many interesting books and articles on knives and steel and deepens your knowledge of a particular area of historical steel. It is a relatively quick read at 72 pages including the references and appendices that cover a few interesting side topics. The new book is highly recommended for steel nerds or anyone interested in reading about how science-related mysteries are investigated. Go out and buy Damascus Steel Swords: Solving the Mystery of How to Make Them.
Disclosures: Dr. Verhoeven sent me a review copy of the book after I requested an interview with him. The Amazon link is not an affiliate link and I do not make any money if you purchase it that way.
Al Pendray and New Documentary
It should probably be mentioned that Al Pendray passed away in 2017. A truly great bladesmith who contributed much to knives and steel. You can see him and Dr. Verhoeven in a recent documentary, freely available on Youtube. It is a very interesting documentary covering somewhat different ground than the book reviewed here. You can watch it below:
[1] Verhoeven, John D., Alfred H. Pendray, and Howard F. Clark. “Wear tests of steel knife blades.” Wear 265, no. 7-8 (2008): 1093-1099.
[2] Verhoeven, J.D. “Experiments on Knife Sharpening.” (2004).
I was introduced to the work of Mr. Verhoeven and Mr. Pendray around 1999 or 2000 by an article titled “The Key Role of Impurities in Ancient Steel Damascus Blades” given to me by a metallurgist at work when I mentioned an interest in knives. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pendray and handled one of his knives at the ICCE show a few years ago. Rest in Peace.
I got to meet Al Pendray once at a show as well. He was very nice.
This is the fifth or sixth article of yours I’ve read since I’ve started collecting. knives in earnest. I’m constantly impressed with your explanatory power. I actually want to read this book now, which is no small feet considering I’m a typically die hard sci-fi only reader. You’re obviously killing it as a metallurgist, but you’ve got a solid future as an author of non fiction (at least) if the bottom ever dropped out.
Thanks Scott!
Actually thought that sounds a little condescending, in retrospect. That was not intended at all. I apologize if it did. If not, cool : )