It doesn't matter to the bluing process what I have.
It just turns it black.
Firstly, this blade is deeply etched.
It was taken to 1200 grit prior to etching, but now it's not smooth. It has highs and lows because of the etching.
Same with the guard.
It's now all pitted and irregular, but I took it, too, to 1200 grit prior to etching for about 1/2 hour.
With mild steel fittings, I take them to 800 grit, then do 000 steel wool followed by 0000 steel wool prior to hot-bluing for a soft satin finish.