Ziryab

I need help! (Again!) I need to find out if there were any iron or steel arrowheads in use in medieval Spain about the year 950 ad. This was during the 'Moorish' period in Spain when the Caliphate was the power in the country. Did they make iron or steel arrowheads? I know the arms factories could produve up to about 20,000 arrows in a month... but what did they tip them with?? Any help would be gratefully recieved. Ziryab

Many thanks for these speedy replies. They are very useful indeed. That's just what I need... confirmation that relatively small 'hand' bellows were in use at a very early stage in sword making. Thanks again. Ziryab

Can anyone tell me if small hand-held bellows (called fire-side bellows nowadays) were in use in Europe in the 10th century? I'd appreciate any information. Ziryab

Many thanks for the replies (including the funnies!). From the above I have exactly the information I needed. Thanks again... and take care with these sharp instruments! Ziryab

Can anyone help me with a request for information? I need to find out what a medieval barber/surgeon's blood-letting lancet looked like. I imagine it would be a small thin, triangular, blade on the end of a fairly long handle. Am I on the right lines? Does anyone have any references for pictures of such a knife? Thanks in advance. Ziryab

Sensible question Phil.... but I rather suspect that Toledo, Ohio, was called something else in the year 950! But I suspect also that you knew that before you asked! :D It's Toledo, Spain. Ziryab

My man is actually from Toledo but finds himself by a circuitous route in Northern Europe. Thanks for all the help everyone. Ziryab

Many thanks for all the help so far. I am beginning to narrow down what I need. Ziryab

A nice idea Beth but no, I am not doing historic barbering! I don't think I have a steady enough hand for that. I am a writer (based in London, UK) and I am writing an historical novel which features a barber from the middle ages and I need some expert knowledge of the tools of the trade at that time. Many thanks for the reply [and to all the others]. Ziryab PS I will try to find out how to edit my profile... as long as it doesn't mean cutting off my nose! Mod note: We added your stated location for you

I am new to this forum and I need some help! I am trying to research the manufacture of razors of the type which Moorish barbers would use in the year 950 in Al Andalus (now Spain). I am working on the assumption that such razors would look pretty much like a curved modern folding pocket knife. I kind of think they would be made of Toledo steel and would hold a very sharp edge. Am I on the right lines or am I hoplessly wrong? I have no expertise in knives or razors but would welcome any help any forum user could give me. Ziryab