I'd email WH and ask them about their services for that. If it's done by them, I can't see anyone having a problem. If not, there are numerous makers who could probably clean it up for you.
From a collector standpoint, I don't really see a problem unless its a really old WH.
There is debate about restoring older highly collectible knives. Sometimes from an ethical point of view...trying to pass something off as new when it's not. Sometimes from a practical view...like removing patina or altering it from its original design, which many collectors feel destroys the value.
I'm not an expert on WH, but I don't see that as being a problem with them. WH are goreous items, but almost more jewelery or art than knife, which would make appearance of great importance. Retoration of art is a fairly legitimate and common practice.
Bottom line, you say its going to be a safe queen, whcih implies you intend to keep it, so do what you feel will improve your enjoyment.
