Nice Wootz Suprise

[Lew]

I had picked up this nice khyber knife sword a few years ago and the other day I noticed some type of pattern hiding under the polish so I etch it and this pattern popped out.

[Ferguson]

Sweet! You never know what lurks under the polish.
Steve

[Battara]

Does look like there are some dead spots though.... :(

STill nice to have wootz..... :)

[Lew]

Does look like there are some dead spots though.... :(

STill nice to have wootz..... :)

Unfortunately these Afghan tribal smiths had a problem with the heat treat when it comes to wootz I have seen this on other blades also. :(

[TVV]

It is a really nice surprise to find wootz on a new blade, and to find it on one that you have had for a while is even nicer. You have done a good job of bringing out the pattern.
Regards,
Teodor

[Atlantia]

Well, thats a great suprise!
What causes the 'dead spots' that others have mentioned?

[Lew]

Over heating the steel causes the dead spots.