Having the blocks fit together nicely will simplify the weld.
Pattern welded steel damascus steel.
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.
It is helpful to surround the blocks with sacrificial material like damascus or plain carbon steel.
According to authentic historical methods creating damascus using wootz steel is a lost art which is why pattern welding is the most common and original method of creating damascus.
Forge welding multiple layers produces the watery effect characteristic of this type of damascus steel although other patterns are possible.
The seams can be welded shut and the billet dry welded.
A flux seals the joint to keep out oxygen.
The loaf method works well for patterns or figures where no distortion is desired.
Small pattern welded damascus steel kife with no power hammer.