Thread: Smooth Vs. Sharp

Olof Heljestrand invented a method for making cast steel. The Swedish institutions “Jernkontorets Berghistoriska Utskott” (The Miners Historical Comity of the Iron Bureau) and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce considered that the invention was of such importance that it should be used by all the Swedish steel producers. Therefore Olof´s invention was not patent protected and as compensation he obtained a gratuity from the Swedish King Carl XIV Johan in 1825. First he was paid 3,000 SEK and later on 2,000 SEK more.
Even among the famed steelworking regions, Eskilstuna steel was prized for its hardness and durability; this to the extent that, even with their own high quality steel, manufacturers in Solingen, Sheffield and even as far away as Japan were importing and using Eskilstuna steel to augment their products. Some of the best-known of these manufacturers are/were Dovo, Carl Monkhouse Dorko, Hess, Parker, Cape, Toyo, Takehana/Kikuboshi and Baba, who touted the qualities of “Swedish Steel” as the best for making razors that can hold an edge.