Question marks on a supposedly Russian Yataghan with Shashka grip and “bulat” blade?

[mariusgmioc]

Regarding wootz, I believe Dr. Ann Feuerbach is one of the best sources of information (if not THE best). She has published several very well written and quite easily readable articles on this topic. Her articles are available for download for free at her web-page on Academia.

https://ncc.academia.edu/AnnFeuerbach

However, independent on the name-game, now/here on this forum, when we say "wootz" we know what we mean... or at least I hope so.

Anyhow, when I say "wootz," I mean a crucible steel characterized by a pattern of bands that are formed by microscopic carbides within a tempered martensite or pearlite matrix in higher carbon steel, or by ferrite and pearlite banding in lower carbon steels.

And the patterning in the sword of the original posting does not appear to come from the micro-cristalline structure of the steel (like in the case of wootz) as the bands appear to be too big and too uniform/directional.