[A. G. Maisey]

HughChen, in your post #17 the pattern in the blade shown was made in the same way that the pattern in my example of the Yantono blade was made, and how the pattern in the blade under discussion was made --- although Gustav disagrees with this.

The difference is in the number of contrasting layers, the blade geometry, the craftsman. In all blade work there can be very many variables, and each variable can affect the finished result, things that have been created in essentially the same way can finish with a totally different appearance.

In most cases the craftsmen who work in the field understand the variables & the results, but in the absence of lengthy specialised training the untrained observer will almost invariably be confused. I guess the same is true in many fields.

In respect of your post #18, do you mean that your friend thought that the Bali blade could have has an inserted edge? I don't believe this blade does have an inserted edge, & I have not yet encountered a Balinese blade that has used this method of construction. The only blades i have found this inserted edge in have been Javanese, mostly from Mataram.

In post #17 you have proposed an impossible method of manufacture, absolutely, totally impossible. The layers in pamor & in damascus are always there, but they vary in number, style, placement, thickness, execution, style, material. Very many variations, & really, I doubt that it is even possible for an untrained person to understand the variations. It is difficult enough for a trained person to understand them sometimes.