Actually I have used alum on a kard and it does being out the little subtlties.  It is still in progress.  What I do is have a dish with a little water and a lot more alum until it becomes a watery paste, heat the mixture, and apply with a brush or rag (use distilled water).  It will take lots of time, but the results are interesting.  Water and alum make a weak acid.  Hope this helps.  I would only use this with wootz from India or Persia.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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