The two different textures come from the way you hammered it . The straight line side was probably against the anvil . While the random patten is the side you were hammering on.
Works easy at right temperature, doesn't rust as easly , forge welds easy. The wood grain pattern makes some cool knife hardware . Adds character to a project.
If you go to the top of this section and click on the last page of show me your shop and scroll down to jim cokes shop there is an iron work sign that looks the same as one in door window.
If the wire wheel or buffing wheel catch what you are working on on a stand it has a chance to go away from you . On a table it has no were to go , good chance its going to come back at you.
Andrew it takes a special person to visualize and then put all the pieces together to create such masterpieces . You are are a true master at what you do. Thanks for sharing.