To answer one of your original questions you can definitely see the lamination in the blade.  I can clearly see the wavy pattern along the edge and it appears as though it may turn back and around the tip which would be a neat and unusual feature.  The middle portion of the blade would most probably have the larger, more open pattern that looks like large circular distortions.  Most certainly a pattern welded blade.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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