We have been here before. You need to look harder and examine more quality pieces. Superb quality can be found. As to layering, I am certain metals of various carbon content were mixed when available or needed but any visual signs of layering that I have found just seem to be incidental to forging the work. I have big macho spears all the way down to small blades like the old safety razor blades. When I have time I will post pics. Looking at some work, before the introduction of trade steel. There is the most ingenious use of form and fullering to achieve strength with minimum use of steel, if not rare, then certainly expensive and hard won. A different kind of bigness.
