Is this blade pattern welded damascus or something even better?

[katana]

Followed this sword on eBay, but not sure of the construction of the blade,
The sword is 32" OAL ...the blade is 1/4 " thick and 1 1/4 " wide.

The blade looks interesting...surely not of European manufacture although, the hilt (re-hilted?) suggests so ......possibly Indian ?

[Gt Obach]

Hi

Nice blade....... you know there it could be an english blade...

have you heard of shear steel........ some of this shear can really reallly have a lovely wootzy look.....

here is what i mean...... Ray Richards forged out some old saw mill blades into knives.... and then etched them..........

Look at the 2nd knife he made ( about the middle of the post )....... see the swirly pattern on that shear steel.......

http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index.php?showtopic=5119&hl=shear+steel


it maybe that this blade might have a hint of that......... who knows.... or maybe its just the rust that made a pattern.. ??? hard to tell with photos

Greg

[katana]

Thanks Greg,
I have heard of shear steel...but never knew it could have such interesting patterns.....another lesson learned ;)

Regards David

[mross]

I don't have any references with me to help so I'm going from memory. It does not resemble any pattern welding I have seen. I would think a fake damasc pattern, such as a acid etch. Just a guess. If I get a chance I try and find some references this weekend.

[katana]

Thanks Mross,
the pattern...as you mentioned.... is 'unusual' ...I will be very interested in the references you mentioned.

Regards David

[mross]

The two I was thinking about where Manfred Sachse "Damascus Steel" and L.S. Figiel "On Damascus Steel". In particular Sachse pg 180 plate 316. It could be either, while odd for pattern welding, it could be done. If it's wootz and the pattern does look similiar to some wootz, the grain seems too large/crude. Have you posted it on Sword Forum? Rich Furrer/Kevin Cashen are on that list and the knows their stuff. Also if you can on Don Fogg's site you will find some of the best pattern welders and makers around. It could be shear steel. It is definitly cool to look at though. Thanks for sharing. If you post it else where and get a more definitive answer please share.

[katana]

Hi Mross,
thankyou for your help and advice :)

Regards David