I vote for mechanical. 
 There are plenty of "ladder-like" mechanical examples in Manfred Sachse's book. Rick is unquestionably correct: ladder is an artificial embellishment and can be applied to either variety of damascus-type blades. And, of course, the inserted edge is a dead giveaway. 
 Nice blade, no doubt.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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