Folding a blade, when performed correctly by a skilled bladesmith, can contribute to its overall strength and durability. The folding process involves layering the steel and repeatedly heating, hammering, and folding it to remove impurities and create a more uniform and refined grain structure.

The benefits of folding a blade include:

1. Homogenization: Folding helps distribute and mix the alloying elements and impurities more evenly throughout the blade. This results in a more uniform composition, reducing the presence of localized weak spots or impurity concentrations.
2. Grain Refinement: The repeated folding and forging process aligns and refines the grain structure of the steel. A finer grain structure can enhance the blade's strength, toughness, and resistance to fatigue and cracking. It helps prevent the propagation of cracks and can improve the overall performance and lifespan of the blade.
3. Removal of Impurities: Folding allows the bladesmith to remove impurities, such as slag, inclusions, or non-metallic particles, from the steel. These impurities can weaken the blade and cause issues during the forging and heat treatment process.

However, it's important to note that folding alone does not guarantee a stronger blade. Other factors such as the choice of steel, heat treatment, forging techniques, and overall craftsmanship also play significant roles in determining the strength and performance of a blade. Improper folding techniques or excessive folding without proper control and understanding of the steel can potentially introduce stress concentrations or weaken the blade.

Modern advancements in steel manufacturing and heat treatment techniques have made it possible to create high-quality blades without extensive folding. Skilled bladesmiths can achieve excellent results through careful selection of steel, precise heat treatment, and expert craftsmanship, regardless of whether the blade is folded or not.