(re- quote ''If we use sub standard materials, we should expect to get poor results'')
O1 is not sub standard knife steel Lodestone so don't let that comment bother you any, in fact many world renowned makers still to this day claim it to be 'one' of the best but ironically one of the cheapest steel stock to purchase, it remains one of my faves, edge retention and razor sharpness can be easily obtained and heat treating is among the easiest of steels........I prefer a stone wash forced patina myself but the variety of patina results and patterns are endless...........your knife looks great congrats on a fine job !!