i wonder if the use of the hot wax dip is a shortcut used in the factory production of knives and in the long run not as good as each disc covered with glue and pressed.like the laser cutting of blades V.S. hand forging. wax does work but it's not like hand craft...if you think this is a can of worms just wait until i get to the sheath...one thing i did decide was to keep this knife rather simple.i cut the rosenkrans off some deer horn i have but i'll hold off on using it.i have seen some handmade knives around and they seem to have too many "add on's".