European Crusaders returned home with tales of Islamic warriors wielding blades that could slice through a floating handkerchief, bend 90 degrees and flex back with no damage. They called the metal Damascus steel. Despite centuries of advances in material science, exactly how the Islamic swordsmiths created it is still unknown. European blacksmiths at the time knew the blades were forged from crucible steel - created by melting iron with plant matter - but were unable to replicate the sharpness, flexibility and distinctive wavy markings. The metal has intrigued researchers from Michael Faraday to material scientists in the present day.
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