Jihada refers to the surface grain pattern visible on a folded steel blade - the result of repeatedly folding and welding the steel during the forging process. Each fold doubles the layer count, and the alternating carbon distribution creates a flowing, wood-grain-like texture across the flat of the blade. On the folded melaleuca steel katana in this collection, the jihada is visible and distinguishable under good lighting, particularly along the shinogi-ji (the flat area between the ridge line and the back of the blade). In classical Japanese sword appraisal, jihada is one of the key characteristics studied when evaluating a blade's provenance and quality, which is why folded steel pieces carry particular appeal for knowledgeable collectors.
