Originally Posted By: Steve Culver
....The silica strands in wrought are very directional. Below are micrographs of the anchor chain iron. The photo of the end of the iron bar displays small dots of silica. The side of the bar shows long strands. It may be best if I do some manipulations of the wrought material to provide multiple angles of the silica strands. I can twist and then flatten it....

It wouldn't be worth an additional micrograph, but I wonder if a section of wrought was heavily drawn like in a classic barrel if the look would start to change. In Doc Drew's barrel pictures that distinguish wrought iron from steel, the strand appearance of wrought seems to changed to a 'string of bb's' appearance. The slag/silica components seem to be reduced in overall percentage of the wrought, and well surrounded and distributed in the iron.

Great pictures Steve. I've always wondered if the extensive drawing and other working of damascus barrels was to minimize the effects of the inclusions and defects that the early smiths knew were in the raw starting materials. I look forward to seeing what Ken thinks of how it takes his finish, and thanks for the materials and forge time that you're sharing.