Ron:
This blade looks like a typical piled rod construction with the central strip having an odd pattern. Whether that pattern was intentional or accidental is hard to say and there is no way of knowing where that particular segment may have come from. It could have been recycled from another blade. The sharpened edges do not seem to have been hardened or inserted, so the blade looks like a fairly straight forward construction made from several rods or strips forged together.
The previous etch certainly looks like a ferric chloride effect. The only reason for re-etching it IMO would be if you plan to use a different etchant, but I doubt that it would display anything new.
Very nice example of a padsumbalin panabas. I agree with Rick about the hemp wrap--would like to see something sturdier to keep the handle attached to the blade during use. Two pounds is on the light side for a panabas. How long is the blade?
Regards,
Ian
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