Looks good Chuck. Did you sand any of them down first?
I'll bet the dammy would pop a little more, but I'm actually really surprised at how much the VG-10 colored up.
I us micro mesh Mx and regular micro mesh although the carter could have used a little better job. I was surprised the damascus in the masanobu didn't come out more. I think I might try another soak on it. I was also very surprised how much the vg-10 core darkened.
Not long at all the etching it self only a few minutes per knife. A little longer for the masanobu. There are a couple blemishes on the carter and hiromoto when you get up close. All and all I am very happy with them though.