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I am naturally drawn into anything that has, for me, an innovative component. In this case it was the decarburized steel that I saw somewhere else. There are some examples of these textured steels so actually it is no invention. Design is not about inventing but rather about combining available information to produce something which may be unique.
In this case I have prior exchanged some emails with Joe Walters to understand the process. Very plainly, Joe told me that it was like burnt steel which would then be treated back again by adding sufficient carbon to it.
This was of course discussed over my design.
Joe is already well known for his superb craftsmanship and his textures so I knew he would understand what I wanted pretty well. He has this superb quality of understanding what is asked, and then I always work with some kind of rendition, one way or the other to enhance communication.

Here is the blank half ground into the basic shape that incorporates a habaki then changes into a hira-zukuri geometry making it a very good cutter. Due to the textured blade, Joe added a bevel edge.

This is a superb picture by Joe Walters in which the scabbard is announced by the untreated burl wood whose curves so well blend with the  blade's texture.
The blade is superbly heat treated back and sharp as it can be.

Wisely, Joe chose a beautiful flat background to show the superb maple burl sheath with horn fittings at both ends which is lined inside to protect the blade from scratching.
A superbly crafted piece that produced a unique pattern without the resort to damascus. I find this blade to be unique in many aspects.

Finally, here's a demonstration of Joe's reknowned obssession with sharpness in his knives and swords.
The picture below shows how sharp Joe Walters blades are. No matter the artistic quality in it, the funcionaility is always there.
There is a slight blurr of the blade at the lower part rigth beneath the brass guard, that even the flash could not stop.

 
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