/diy/ - Do It Yourself

Good evening /diy/

I'm an amateurish blacksmith practicing my pattern welding and was wondering if anyone knows any good steels to use. Google gives some info, but most of it is about making knives and swords and other stabby things, while what I want is just something that looks good and is clearly visible.

Also, what's the best way to expose the grain? Polishing? Etching? Polishing then etching? Etching then polishing? Ritual sacrifice?