The brief review of Chinese steel history

China is the one of the earliest country able to make steel. Archaeologists ever found an iron sword in a grave in Changsha, Hunan which is dated from Spring and Autumn period. After testing, it is believed that the sword is made of steel, also the earliest practical object we can find in China. Therefore, steel making has seen more than 2500 years in China.

During the Spring and Autumn period, Chu is well-known over the world for its advanced weapons According to Shih Chi(《史记》) and Xuncius ( 《荀子》). It must be made of steel due to the iron is too soft for a piece of weapon. Prinny used to say although there are many kinds of iron; no one can match up to the Chinese steel. Until North Song dynasty, Shenkuo, a famous scientist, described the process of making steel, which is burned hundred times, which is so-called Bailiangang(百炼钢).

(To be continued.)