Indo-persian axe with inerteed steel.

[eftihis]

This axe has a clearly visible inserted area of steel in the middle of the axe's head! In this an old manufacturing technique? Would this be a different kind of steel? What is the reason for this? Thanks!

[David R]

Inserted edge steel is a well known technique both in the east and the west. It saves the expensive higher carbon material for where it's needed, and gives the more brittle material support from a softer more resilient lower carbon metal.

[TVV]

Looking at this item, it is not the edge that is inserted, and the whole axe is of a steel construction, including the shaft. The precise way this is executed and the overall quality of the item suggest a smith showing skills, rather than trying to save on material, at least to my eye. I wonder if any portion of this blade is wootz.