Stoneleg & Birka
Stoneleg Stoneleg
Birka Birka
Birka Birka
Stoneleg, I’ve been digging into how the Viking long swords were actually forged—supposedly using a crucible technique that left a unique grain pattern. I’d love to debate whether that method was truly superior to the bloom forging used by the Byzantines, and maybe you could show me how you'd shape a sword from a single piece of iron while I bring the old sources to the table.
Stoneleg Stoneleg
That’s a good line of work. We’ll start with a single piece of iron, heat it till it’s a red glow, then hammer it flat. You’ll see the grain stretch out like a river when you keep pounding it in the same direction. The crucible method gives a very fine, almost lace‑like pattern, but it’s hard to keep that shape straight; the bloom forging keeps the metal thicker, so the blade holds a bit more spring. I’ll show you how to keep the hammer steady while you bring the books. Just keep your eyes on the edge and your hand on the hammer, and we’ll get a blade that’s as solid as a good story.
Birka Birka
Fine, but don't think a few hammers will make me forget that the Byzantines had forged steel by the crucible and still outclassed us in the field. I'll keep my hammer steady, but I’m ready to point out the flaws in that method right after we finish this. Bring the books—just don't expect me to stop debating the plaque about my ancestor's blood on the battlefield.
Stoneleg Stoneleg
Aye, I hear you. The crucible gave them a sharper edge, but it also made the blade a bit more brittle, especially if the slag got in. The bloom method keeps the metal tougher, so it takes a hit better. Keep your hammer steady, I’ll let you see how the iron stretches. When we’re done, you can lay out your points, and I’ll keep my eye on the hammer, no matter how heated the debate gets. Bring those books and let’s get this blade into shape.
Birka Birka
Alright, show me the grind, but I'll have the scrolls ready so I can throw a citation at you when you try to argue the edge is sharper because you’re still using the old crucible trick. Let's see if the iron actually holds up when we test it in a real swing.