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Article: Strategic alloys: all bronzes aren't created equal, and some are better suited for use below the waterline than others.
- Article from:
- National Fisherman
- Article date:
- October 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Diversified Publications. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Bronze alloys were for some 3,000 years--and for this writer, still are--the finest, most versatile and attractive marine metals to be found.
Bronze came into use about 4,000 B.C. and launched the Bronze Age. Tools, weapons and armor made of bronze were harder, stronger and more durable than iron. Roman officers carried bronze swords. Foot soldiers were stuck with iron swords, which frequently bent and had to be straightened on the field of battle.
Bronze is exceedingly strong. Some grades are as strong as steel and others match up in strength with marine-grade stainless steels. Bronze is more ductile than steel or stainless, providing a safety margin ...