I have seen a blade with a similar grain in a Lobala knife. I also did not know what was the source for this grain. I am a geologist and I supposed that it could come for melting of nodules of iron oxides but I am not an expert in melting techniques and it is possible that after melting the nodules are no more visible. Iron nodules produced by weathering in a soil that is seasonally saturated with water are quite common everywhere and in my opinion they could have been a source of iron in countries where iron was not so easy to find. Unfortunately my Lobala knife is actualy buried in packs because of a change of house. When I shall get it again I'll try to send a photo
best regards
Mauro
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