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In 618-907 CE China, the Tang Dynasty developed a steel making process called “crucible steel” which in turn was developed from a South Indian steel making process called “Wootz steel”. The process involved melting iron in a sealed crucible (container used for heating materials at high temperatures) with carbon rich materials such as charcoal or bone. The resulting steel had a higher carbon content which increased it's hardness, strength and ability to hold an edge. The Chinese Imperial Army used crucible steel to make swords and weapons.
Chinese steel was traded through the Silk Road and crucible steel had a re-emergence in 18th century Europe when British inventor and business man Benjamin Huntsman used it in his “Sheffield Process”. The resulting high quality steel revolutionised the industry and was adopted in the manufacture of cutlery, surgical tools, clock springs, firearms and swords for the British army.