New Kattara

Michael Blalock · 19th August 2009, 11:28 PM

This Kattara came today. The photos are from the auction, since my camera is having problems. Any comments on the pattern in the blade? There is a ladder pattern on one side and on the other the pattern is more linear. Is this a laminated blade with the layers being more parallel to one side, such that when it was polished the pattern was created. Does anyone have any suggestions about cleaning it to bring the pattern out, or should I leave it as is?

katana · 21st August 2009, 11:39 AM

Hi Micheal,
love the blade

Personally, I would etch the blade, with the pattern so clearly visible now.....suggests that it has always been that way.
Interesting that the 'running wolf' mark has been used, presumedly to signify quality and was 'locally' marked.

The blade seems to be thicker ...and therefore stiffer than the usual 'springy' blades ....is that the case. Perhaps this seemingly 'atypical' blade was a 're-work' from a different sword?

All the best
David

RSWORD · 21st August 2009, 04:14 PM

Very nice sword and an interesting and unusual blade as well. It is pattern welded and seems to be of a tripartite construction where you have a central core plate with the edges of a higher carbon steel. You can see this type of patterning sometimes in Indian blades and also in Chinese and Moro blades. It could be a German blade but typically most European blades did not have a tradition of polish and etch but if you look in Sasche's book on Damascus Steel, there are some lovely Solingen pattern welds so that is not out of the question. The blade is either a German made blade that has been polished and etched or it could be an Indian blade with faux markings that is in polish and etch. In either scenario, I think it is an interesting blade and an overall very nice piece.

Michael Blalock · 21st August 2009, 05:20 PM

I'll try to get some better photos. The edge looks like a hamon on a katana. It's razor sharp too.

19th August 2009, 11:28 PM	#1
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	New Kattara This Kattara came today. The photos are from the auction, since my camera is having problems. Any comments on the pattern in the blade? There is a ladder pattern on one side and on the other the pattern is more linear. Is this a laminated blade with the layers being more parallel to one side, such that when it was polished the pattern was created. Does anyone have any suggestions about cleaning it to bring the pattern out, or should I leave it as is? Attached Images Last edited by Michael Blalock; 20th August 2009 at 10:59 AM. Reason: typo

21st August 2009, 11:39 AM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Micheal, love the blade Personally, I would etch the blade, with the pattern so clearly visible now.....suggests that it has always been that way. Interesting that the 'running wolf' mark has been used, presumedly to signify quality and was 'locally' marked. The blade seems to be thicker ...and therefore stiffer than the usual 'springy' blades ....is that the case. Perhaps this seemingly 'atypical' blade was a 're-work' from a different sword? All the best David

21st August 2009, 04:14 PM	#3
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,083	Very nice sword and an interesting and unusual blade as well. It is pattern welded and seems to be of a tripartite construction where you have a central core plate with the edges of a higher carbon steel. You can see this type of patterning sometimes in Indian blades and also in Chinese and Moro blades. It could be a German blade but typically most European blades did not have a tradition of polish and etch but if you look in Sasche's book on Damascus Steel, there are some lovely Solingen pattern welds so that is not out of the question. The blade is either a German made blade that has been polished and etched or it could be an Indian blade with faux markings that is in polish and etch. In either scenario, I think it is an interesting blade and an overall very nice piece.

21st August 2009, 05:20 PM	#4
Michael Blalock Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: dc Posts: 271	I'll try to get some better photos. The edge looks like a hamon on a katana. It's razor sharp too.