Do you think a very mild polishing compound like MAAS might be too much for the grain on a kris? I have a total basketcase project kris that was cracked in the middle and
brazed 
and scorched

and allowed to rust in spots. I used MAAS on one side (haven't touched the other side yet) to take off active rust and scorching.
I have 0000 steel wool and (I think) ~2000 grit sandpaper at home. Should I go back over the blade with one of those before attempting to vinegar etch? Despite what the blade has gone through, it's an old one and I think the pattern will turn out quite nice (brass bits notwithstanding).
I've taken some digital pics, but haven't had the time to upload them to anything yet.
Thx.