What's your preference between mirror polish vs. patina on this and that?

[ElementalBreakdown]

This is probably just a preference because unlike old coins and medals, most of our challenge coins probably don't mean much to the average person.

Especially on copper, I am kind of right in the middle. The silver polish I use offers instantly satisfying and immediate results, which makes polishing them a bit of instant gratification.

Same with me on knives, and on that front I am interested in any personal experiences of whether or not polishing or a patina made a difference. If you directly were involved in a situation where as buyer OR seller it made a difference, share your story with us.

Or if you just want to share your preference or have an argument for or against then offer us a comment.

I'l post a before and after pic here later on a copper challenge coin.

 

[Bill3152]

If my knife does it's intended purpose I am satisfied. I did look for mirror polish etc at one time. But found that some "ugly" edges serve me better than the "pretty" ones. Regarding the copper coins? I'm not qualified to say anything because I know nothing about them.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

My preference these days is heavily biased towards the 'user' end of the spectrum. I like the visible character of knives that get used and look the part. This means I generally prefer a patina on knives that'll take it, so long as it's not active rust. A highly-polished blade that gets used won't retain the perfect polish for long and any scuffs or scratches really stand out on a polished finish. And I learned years ago, using a polished stainless blade in the Texas summer sun while fishing, that the polish on the blade might as well have been a mirror reflecting that blinding sun back into my eyes. Anything to knock down that glare is a good thing.

My tendency very recently has actually been to knock down the polish on brass or nickle silver bolsters, and instead give them a satin finish as left by a green Scotch-Brite pad. That satin finish does a better job hiding the fingerprints from handling & use.

As a BUYER of what's advertised as a 'new' knife, I would expect it to look new - simply because it's an indicator nothing's been tinkered with or altered. If 'new' means 'polished' in that context, then I'd expect to see it polished. Otherwise, I'd not really care about it. And I've generally shied away from buying vintage knives that've been 'cleaned', as any of that 'vintage' character gets erased by all that 'cleaning', which often means grossly overpolishing EVERYTHING on it, which usually leaves it looking cheaper (in my view).

 

[ElementalBreakdown]

This is more a question about challenge coins- from what I have read, it's the opposite of old coins, challenge coins seem to be preferable polished:

"It's Okay to Clean Collectible Military Coins​

Although you don't want to clean old, circulated coins, it's perfectly fine to clean your military challenge coins. It's important to preserve your challenge coins in case you want to give them as signs of achievement or to thank first responders and military personnel for their service.

You don't have to be in the military to collect military coins. In fact, if you collect military challenge coins, you might want to participate in coin check games. Always keep your coins clean and in good shape in case someone initiates a coin check when you're in the room.

This coin cleaning guide can help you keep your military coins in tip-top shape.

Contact us for military challenge coins from all branches of the military. You can also design your own challenge coins with the help of our professional graphic artists."

 

[ElementalBreakdown]

I got around to taking a couple pics. Anyone have a preference? From what I have looked up, challenge coins seem to be preferred polished unlike actual old coins.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm like an old crow: I like things nice and shiny!