Etching sequence for hamon

[gables]

Should I etch my mark and file guide shoulders before etching the full blade and polishing a hamon?

[Kevin Evans]

I file shoulders first,(sometimes it keeps moving forward from my mistakes)
Then etch  makers mark
Then polish blade
Then very carefully attach guard on

[Lin Rhea]

What Kevin said.  

[kbaknife]

I believe he's asking about etching the maker's mark and how/when to etch the hamon.
I stamp my name so it doesn't matter for me.

[gables]

Thanks Karl. To clarify, I have a sanded w1 blade. I can't figure out what order i should: file shoulders and fit guard, etch maker mark, etch blade, polish hamon/remove oxide.

After I etch my maker mark I usually have to sand over my mark to clean up edges. Seems that would screw up my hamon polishing.