Thread: What's the history of SR metallurgy over the past 200 years?

Loving this thread. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

I have read that there are accounts of invaders sparing local blacksmiths and simply put them to work for their own needs because blacksmiths were just too useful and valuable to waste.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I have read that there are accounts of invaders sparing local blacksmiths and simply put them to work for their own needs because blacksmiths were just too useful and valuable to waste.

It makes sense especially if the blacksmith is good. More / better weapons to give an advantage on the battlefield would be something any self respecting war lord would jump all over

England dominated the battlefield for a time with the Longbow. Imagine a Viking army all kitted out with an ulfbert (the genuine ones not the copies made in Taiwan ) now that would have been a terrifying prospect for an army to face.

Enjoying this thread

Originally Posted by Bruno

I have read that there are accounts of invaders sparing local blacksmiths and simply put them to work for their own needs because blacksmiths were just too useful and valuable to waste.

One of my neighbour's ancestors, a certain John 'Boy' Smith, came from Africa and was spared when his village was invaded by slavers for much the same reason...

Regards,
Neil

What happened to the OP?

Originally Posted by Bruno

I have read that there are accounts of invaders sparing local blacksmiths and simply put them to work for their own needs because blacksmiths were just too useful and valuable to waste.

If only everyone saw us as that valuable today!!

Originally Posted by Adam G.

If only everyone saw us as that valuable today!!

If wars were still fought with swords you would be

I think it was Einstein who said "I know not what weapons world war three will be fought with, but world war four will be fought with sticks and stones" If however there any blacksmith about you can add straight razors to that list

Originally Posted by mike1011

Originally Posted by Adam G.

If only everyone saw us as that valuable today!!

If wars were still fought with swords you would be

Indeed, nowadays if you're an expert in nuclear, biological, or cyber weapons you're really valuable. Some things haven't changed much.

As a related example - there are a number of first rate scientists who suddenly disappear from the publication stream - their work gets 'classified' and some bits show up only decades later.

Originally Posted by gugi

Indeed, nowadays if you're an expert in nuclear, biological, or cyber weapons you're really valuable. Some things haven't changed much.

As a related example - there are a number of first rate scientists who suddenly disappear from the publication stream - their work gets 'classified' and some bits show up only decades later.

Nuclear, not so much. At least, in some cases. A former colleague had a ukrainian wife who under the soviet regime designed triggers for 'instant sun' devices. Now she's unable to work in that field because only a handful of countries are in a position to do research in that area, and she's trusted by none of them. Or at least, not needed enough that they'd make it work. The countries who do research in thermo nuclear weapons have enough scientists of better repute.