PeteM,
You Sir have made my day. I was sure I had read about this process somewhere. I actually tried something back in the early 90's with cold rolled steel sheets. By brushing patterns on with a light grease, then spraying on a strong degreaser containing lye, I was able to produce erratic patterns that resembled damascus steel after allowing enough time for the steel to react with the lye. Once cleaned and oiled it looked pretty good. I would have hoped to perfect the process, but a divorce and loss of everything I owned back then made me froget about the idea. I will start experimenting again.

Bill

I can't be too bad, my dogs will kiss me.