Differential hardening or quenching vs. differential tempering

[The Tourist]

Agreed. I was only offering this as a contribution to a debate, and to help voice a differing opinion.

For example, I think that some modern cutlers just assume that slurry and folded steel are a product of history. That is, a quaint method that died about 1870 with the demise of the samurai.

The stuff still exists and represents some of the finest alloys (and ancillary construction methods) in our time, as well.

One modern cutler, Rick Barrett, makes blade blanks as well as finished knives and swords.

Most of you know Mcusta, a current company that uses folded steel in present folding knives.

I'm also a consumer. I use a Ishikawa folding santoku when I eat at my favorite Japanese restaurant. Folded in the traditional manner it has a core of VG-10.

Obviously, the members here are more than hobbyists and collectors. The professionals know all of this data. I don't think most end-users are aware of this however. Also it might evoke some further research here--and a fun debate.