In terms of strength, not aesthetics, 2 rod was in the top 5 in the Second phase testing of the 1891 Birmingham Proof House Report.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cvqRzkg0wEjhAAcFWr8gFi7aPFRsSIJ_hahfDxmrNAU/edit

The barrels were subjected to increasing loads until bursting, a bulge of .01”, or bore enlargement from .729 to .739.
1. English machine-forged 3 rod Laminated steel
2. English fluid compressed steel, Whitworth process
3. English machine-forged 2 rod Best Damascus
4. English steel Siemens - Martin process
5. English hand forged 4 rod Best Damascus