Darrell
There would clearly be a huge difference between the seemingly widespread
smelting of iron for domestic goods and the production of the "magic swords"
of legendary fame. All the grades of smelting and smithing in between must
have been around too. Maybe the cost of decent iron brought from afar by an
itinerant merchant made the small smelting operations worth while. At some
places and at some times in others maybe there was no way to get iron than
to make your own.
It could have been a bit like prehistoric DIY. Some jobs you do, some you
get an expert to do for you.
Peter.
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