Wootz Steel
We are the first—and currently the only—makers of genuine wootz crucible steel in the UK. Our work is uniquely informed by Jin’s rare and direct link to the lineage of Indian wootz master smiths, preserving knowledge that has largely been lost to history. Through this connection, we continue to produce wootz steel to true historical standards, maintaining the quality, structure, and character that defined the finest blades of the past.
We manufacture wootz ingots ranging from 0.5kg to 3kg, with the capability to further process them into billets as required. Our workshop produces a full spectrum of wootz steels, including commissions tailored to replicate specific historical compositions, microstructures, and surface patterns based on surviving examples and metallurgical analysis.
All of our wootz and other crucible steels are supplied with certified analysis data, ensuring both authenticity and traceability—combining ancient technique with modern verification.
Custom / Bespoke
We undertake a select number of custom and bespoke commissions, offering work of a standard defined by rarity, historical accuracy, and exceptional craftsmanship. As custodians of traditional methods, we specialise in the creation and reconstruction of arms and armour from Central Asia, the Indo-Persian world, China, and Russia, while also producing pieces inspired by traditions from across the globe.
Each commission is approached with a deep understanding of historical form, function, and material culture. Our expertise allows us not only to recreate objects visually, but to faithfully reproduce the construction methods, balance, and character of original pieces. Where required, all edged weapons can be supplied with full metallurgical analysis and HRC (hardness) data, ensuring both authenticity and performance to historically accurate standards.
A defining aspect of our work is the breadth and quality of materials we employ. Drawing on resources accumulated through years of restoration practice, we work with an extensive range of traditional materials including textiles, hide, lacquer, rare and antique timbers, as well as precious and semi-precious stones, gold, and silver. We also maintain access to rare and historically appropriate materials that are seldom available, allowing us to achieve a level of fidelity that is increasingly difficult to find.
Our background in restoration gives us a unique advantage: we do not simply replicate historical designs—we understand them from the inside out. This enables us to reproduce complex decorative techniques, surface finishes, and construction details with a degree of accuracy that reflects the original maker’s intent.
Each bespoke piece is therefore not just a recreation, but a continuation of a living tradition—crafted with the same care, knowledge, and respect that defined the finest historical examples.
Restoration
As among the last custodians of traditional methods for the repair and restoration of antique arms and armour, we offer a level of expertise that is increasingly rare. Our work is rooted in time-honoured techniques passed down through generations, with particular specialism in pieces from India, China, and the Islamic world—areas whose craftsmanship demands both cultural understanding and technical precision.
Whether you are a private collector, buyer, or antique dealer, we provide a comprehensive restoration and conservation service tailored to the unique needs of each piece. From careful cleaning and sympathetic re-polishing to full, museum-grade restoration, every item entrusted to us is treated with the respect its history deserves in our fully equipped workshop.
Our in-house craftsmen sustain a breadth of traditional skills that now exist only in a handful of workshops worldwide. At the heart of our practice is an exceptional standard of metalwork. We are the only known makers of genuine wootz crucible steel—an historic material once used in the finest blades of the East—allowing us to recreate and restore components for swords, daggers, and scabbards with an authenticity and integrity that cannot be matched elsewhere.
Alongside this rare capability, our metalsmith employs advanced traditional techniques in repair, forging, sharpening, polishing, engraving, and etching, ensuring that every intervention remains faithful to the original methods and materials. Complementing this, our skilled carpenters specialise in the restoration of wooden elements, from rifle stocks to sword scabbards, as well as the precise crafting of historically accurate reproduction scabbards for collectors across the world.
We undertake both individual commissions and larger restoration projects, working with sensitivity to budget and timeframe without compromising on quality. Every piece entrusted to us is fully protected under our bespoke insurance policy, including during transit, providing complete peace of mind.
We are not simply restorers, but custodians of a vanishing and highly specialised craft—preserving not only the objects themselves, but the knowledge and techniques that give them life. A portfolio of our restoration work is available upon request.
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Appraisals & Valuations
Besides restoration we also offer a free identification & appraisal service. It couldn’t be simpler, just email images of your item to info@wootz.co and our experts will reply to you with the information.
Like to sell something?
Do you own something that matches the type of items we offer for sale at Wootz Militaria and are you considering selling it? If the answer is yes, why not get in touch so that we can find a new home for your item. We will do all the ground work, from arranging courier pick up & delivery, complementary clean or polish and professional studio photography. We have a great reputation in this field and our clientèle are always looking for new items so get in touch.
Buy with confidence
We have been dealing in antique arms, armour & militaria for almost two decades now and over the years have gained worldwide expertise in this field. We regularly exhibit at antique arms & militaria fairs across the United Kingdom and have gained the trust of hundreds of avid collectors. You can also connect with us via social media to see the huge following we have across the globe. We always display items we have for sale in high quality, high resolution photography and describe them as accurately as possible to ensure our clients get every detail. We can also provide detailed condition reports at request.
Ordering & Payments
If you are interested in any of the items or services we have on offer. Simply get in touch using the contact us page.
We no longer currently accept credit or debit cards. We accept Bank transfers / wires directly into our bank account, all transfers must state the relevant item reference number. If transferring from a foreign currency, the amount we receive must b e the total due in pounds sterling (after currency conversion and the deduction of any bank charges). Our bank details would be found on the invoice sent to the client. We also accept various cryptocurrencies, but prefer Bitcoin.
Shipping & delivery
We ship to most countries worldwide and offer tracked & insured delivery methods. We always try to make shipping costs as economical as possible. We take great care packaging the items to ensure that our clients receive them in perfect condition. Besides extensive amounts of bubble wrap & tape we can also de-grease or coat any items with protective wax/oil at request.
If you have any further enquiries regarding shipping, please get in touch.
Terms & Conditions
Please take time to read through our terms & conditions