To fold or not to fold

[Balian]

With today's modern clean steels, does folded steel really make a difference to the performance of a blade? From what I have read on SBG, what counts is lamination and differential hardening. Folding is arguably only really necessary for the traditionalists and doesn't add anything to the strength of the blade. On lower end katanas, folding may actually be detrimental to the blade due to air pockets etc. I personally like the patterns, which are all unique so in effect you have a one of a kind sword.

I don't have the link but google for the complete article.

[Geordie Ross]

Yea, it doesn't make a big difference to modern blades, metallurgy in this day and age means its carbon content is evenly spread, as you say, the lamination is where the real strength is.
I prefer folded to unfolded, it looks much better and adds character to the blade.

[Mellony]

I think you’ve answered your own question quite nicely there, can’t argue with any of that