Nova on PBS...

Legacy Forum Archive steel
1

Thought the description of tonight’s Nova episode on PBS was interesting, sometimes you get some insights into blade design & steel properties…

The secrets behind the design and construction of the Vikings’ Ulfberht sword, which was made between A.D. 800-1000, are revealed by master blacksmith Ric Furrer, who reverse engineers the sturdy weapon in the Season 40 premiere. Experts have also wondered where the high-carbon steel used in the blade came from, given that it wasn’t used elsewhere in Europe at the time. Clues unearthed from Viking graves, however, point to an answer: traders who ventured to Persia or Afghanistan.

2

This sounds really interesting. If you come across a link to view the show from an archive please let me know since I can’t watch it due to traveling.

[quote quote=“cbwx34” post=5858]Thought the description of tonight’s Nova episode on PBS was interesting, sometimes you get some insights into blade design & steel properties…

The secrets behind the design and construction of the Vikings’ Ulfberht sword, which was made between A.D. 800-1000, are revealed by master blacksmith Ric Furrer, who reverse engineers the sturdy weapon in the Season 40 premiere. Experts have also wondered where the high-carbon steel used in the blade came from, given that it wasn’t used elsewhere in Europe at the time. Clues unearthed from Viking graves, however, point to an answer: traders who ventured to Persia or Afghanistan.[/quote]

3

Looks interesting.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-viking-sword.html

As does this one from 2007.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-samurai-sword.html

Now out on video I see.

4

Thank you! I’ll check it out when I have a better internet connection.

[quote quote=“Billabong” post=5871]Looks interesting.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-viking-sword.html

As does this one from 2007.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-samurai-sword.html

Now out on video I see.[/quote]

5

DVD for sale at Amazon on the 23rd.

http://www.amazon.com/Nova-Secrets-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B008V8NRV2

More info.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/oct/09/nova-secrets-viking-sword/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kpbs%2Ftv+(KPBS+TV%3A+Program+Hightlights)

6

Got a chance to watch this yesterday, found a copy on the net. :wink:

7

It can now be watched at PBS’s website…

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-viking-sword.html

also the Samurai sword making episode, which is really good…

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-samurai-sword.html

:slight_smile:

8

Awesome - thanks for putting up the links! :woohoo:

9

+1, Very cool and informative program…really enjoyed that!

10

Yes, thanks for posting my links again. :wink:

11

Hahaha. Sorry man… didn’t even see it. :slight_smile:

12

Hey guys, thanks for find and posting the show. I watched it last night with my son and really enjoyed it. They presented a pretty good circumstantial case for the steel being purchased in the near east and then formed by the Vikings. It’s pretty cool to think about the commerce back then, the journeys they made and the people they met. Imagine being born in Sweden or Denmark, raised as a warrior, rowing and sailing a small boat across seas and along rivers, all the way to Persia where everything was so different, trading and raiding along the way, purchasing this magical steel and bringing it all the way back to be shaped into these ultra elite weapons.