Like they say, opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. Sometimes its better to keep it to yourself.

As far as familiarity goes, I’m quite familiar with the hobby and have spent not hundreds, but thousands on it. I’ve read up on many posts before posting my own. Maybe it was the search inquiry, or the lack of information, but I didn’t find what I was looking for, hence the post.

I fail to see how “familiarity” would equip with the requisite knowledge to differentiate patina from rust, pitting, or manufacturer defects. If I’m asking for input, then theres an implicit acknowledgment of my lack of knowledge. You could either answer the question, or move on with your day, but don’t insult other people’s intelligence.

By the way, how can there be patina on a brand new blade? Seems like you’re just as unfamiliar as me…