The loaf method works well for patterns or figures where no distortion is desired.
Pattern welded steel damascus steel.
So if you have a pattern welded damascus steel that has been acid etched it is a legitimate blade and a real damascus knife.
The seams can be welded shut and the billet dry welded.
Small pattern welded damascus steel kife with no power hammer.
Damascus steel was the forged steel of the blades of swords smithed in the near east from ingots of wootz steel either imported from southern india or made in production centres in merv or khorasan these swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water sometimes in a ladder or rose pattern.
Having the blocks fit together nicely will simplify the weld.
Pattern welded steel is made by layering iron and steel and forging the metals together by hammering them at high temperature to form a welded bond.
It is helpful to surround the blocks with sacrificial material like damascus or plain carbon steel.
A flux seals the joint to keep out oxygen.