feeling the different layer after etching the damascus can vary alot
i maker a fair few knives out of Damasteel, (pmc27 and rwl34)
and i like a rougher look on my blades
and if i etch it really hard i can feel the layering
if i use a different acid and just give it a light etch you just get a visual effekt.

but if the maker has used a mix of mild steel and a knife steel you will get a big variation in the depth of the etching...

here are a couple of pics of a deep etch

and a light etch

/Roger