I have some damascus but I don't know that much about it. I know who made it, Ironarm but as far as working it and what is 'supposed' to be done with it nothing. I took some of the end and went over it with the wire wheel and it seems that some sort of slag or scale came off and left very very shallow impressions between where the layers are. It has a texture now more than a smooth finish that I really like. I think it looks awesome and hope I don't have to sand it smooth all over. What I would like to do is leave about 1/2" along the top of the blade like that and taper the blade down from there. Will leaving that small portion as forged cause any problems later with etching or maybe rusting? Can anyone figure out what I'm thinking?