Like all of us, I too was astounded by no eye/ear protection or gloves. I'll bet the craftsmen said they had to feel the steel to work it properly. Wooden shoes! I had a pair once and they are more comfortable than one might think. I love those twist barrels and own four. One rifle, one muzzle loading shotgun, a Parker and a Smith. After reading all that Sherman Bell wrote about shooting damascus, I do it with confidence.
