Charles I brought swordsmiths from Solingen to London in the early 1600's, because English swords were of poor quality. With the onset of Civil War, the Hounslow smiths disappeared from view. A century later, Benjamin Huntsman "discovered" crucible steel, contributing immensely to the Industrial Revolution. History. Repeats. Itself. Trade practices were not well documented, as the elites who could read and write took them for granted.