By twisting, bending, turning, folding and forging together many layers of steel, possibly of different alloys, it is possible for a smith to create very beautiful patterns. Remember, these patterns are in the steel of the blade itself, not a decoration added later.
Twist core patterns in steel: composition of a torsion damascus pattern as it is ground down step by step.
Below are some pictures I've collected of various steel patterns created by contemporary smiths. The names are theirs in most cases. Click the picture for a larger image.
