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Originally Posted by erlikhan
I understand why you and others call it bird's eye for sure.Because of the shapes. But what you say about its existence in Moghul period confused me. I have thought till now, that all the new daggers with this bird's eye pattern or whatever is called, are all factory produced. Not hand forged. Correct? Also that is why they are always dull compared to antique hand forged wootz kinds, which ended in 1940's I guess. So you say that this pattern was being hand forged in the similar shapes in past, and now imitated right?
regards
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Hi,
The pattern welded blades coming out of india are still hand forged. The birds eye is not the only pattern that is forged but is undoubtedly the most popular. The reason that the blades are dull is because Indian law requires them to be dull. If the blade is sharpened, then by law you require to have an arms license to carry them. Most traders etc. who have to carry these items insist to the smiths that they are made dull so that there is no complication. The idea is that whoever wants a sharp blade can have it sharpened at his end.
What is not usually mentioned is that most of these blades are not temper forged unless one specifically requests tempering. There I think the smiths are cutting corners to bring down the costs.
All the existing patterns of pattern welded damascus are based upon old patterns from the Mughal/Rajput period. Even the birds eye pattern is originally from that period.
Hope the above answers some of your queries.
Best regards,
Karni