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Ric, I'll re etch the top blade in the fifth photo, it maybe a burnished area?? Note the one in photo 4 has the V in both directions too. The Balkan jambia has the same markings on both sides. Is is possible after annealing the tang hilt end was tempered for strength /rigidity.
I think you are on target with the not likely crucible steel and only testing would tell. I'm not
convinced it is Shear steel leaving that open. It's most likely Mechanically produced given the
thicker finer graduations going down the blade. I'm more certain now that what we see is in
the steel. The smoother area at the hilt faintly has grain (pattern) continuing back. So pattern is likely real and suppressed by burnishing.
The other blade Dharia Jambiya likely from the same previous owner is even crazier. Here is a picture after some prep. Shot under a lighted magnifier. A pattern continues back into the polished area I appreciate the help from all of you Steve
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