I wouldn't necessarily rule out bead blasting completely if you are set up to do it. I know of several bladesmiths who have done bead blast finishes on forged carbon steel blades.

I'm almost positive that Don Fogg told me he once bead blasted or sand blasted a piece of his work I can't recall if it was a knife or a sword.

I've seen several bead blasted blades from J.R. Cook (another mastersmith) as well.