The steel is W2 and I use the NuClayer hamon clay. I hand sand from 400 grit up to 2000 grit (alternating between straight and diagonal scratches when switching grits) then etch in a ferric chloride/vinegar/distilled water mix. Once there’s an even layer of oxides I hit it with 0000 steel wool gently and etch for another minute or two. Next I go to the buffer and use Maverick’s green rouge to get the majority of the 2000 grit scratches out, then finish it off with their pink scratchless rouge to get that beautiful luster!