Yes, I noticed the split at the tip, and thought of it as a chip, perhaps a result of an impact. It looks like very small inclusion, and something which could have been easily filed off if desired.
I do believe the fold lines were not regarded as defects, as most of these blades were produced prior to industrial revolution. What we perceive as imperfections now were common and they meant something we may not recognize. The fold line could have been the statement of a process, not a prove that is was hand-made as it was obvious those days. The final fold could also signify the "sacred" process of making a blade. just my personal, thoughts:-)
Last edited by ALEX; 14th December 2009 at 04:48 PM.
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