Both these guy are "right" damascus is fun to make ,but even some of the best billets have a evil "flaw" inside , not seen until you grind a blade, So you want someone who will help you if you do get a flaw , thats one of the biggest fears of a maker, at least for me. Selling something and not knowing. i used to never sell my damascus because of that fear,but it happens so little these days , after years of making, that i sell now but the fear is always there just because you just can't look inside and tell. No one wants to look bad with a flaw.Both bubba-san and Dan are great makers and stand behind their stuff ,as do I . Hope that helps ,maybe to mush info. about our fears LOL LOL but its all art and even the best have a bad billet now and then but where good to each other, and it all works out .So what I'm saying is don't think the maker is bad just because the evil damascus Gods attack one of the Billets LOL They'll make it right at least the Dogs will i'm sure . bubba's right heat treating and etching has alot to do with how your billet turns out and how it looks ,damascus turns darker where it is hardened and people who don't use damascus alot don't know how to handle it "the look" and think it the makers fault . all in all it's great to work with. I love it .and learn every time i play and sometimes cry but its worth it .