I have a theory on these status pieces. This is just a theory, with no way to prove it one way or another. I believe the status pieces that do not show laminations are made with imported steel. Imported steel does not have to be folded to make it suitable for use, it already is ready to be forged to shape. Here is my line of reasoning. Status pieces are by definition commissioned by someone of high status, which usually coincides with wealth. I find it hard to believe that you would spend all that money on the handle and then take no consideration of the blade. I do not know how these where used but if they where drawn and shown about people are going to see the blade. Plus if things do go bad and you need to use it, you don’t want a blade that will not perform. So the use of imported steel would be another indicator of status, as very few could afford it if they could get it.
Comments, opinions?
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