There is an interesting argument here, granted I only so far have shaved with blades in shiny condition due to the fact that I have yet to take on the challenge of a blade beyond a certain amount of degradation. I personally am not as worried about the germs in the pitting since the blade could be sterilized before shaving. I would be concerned if there was a danger of getting rust in a wound if, heaven forbid, I should cut myself while shaving with it.

perhaps this is a discussion that should be moved to out of the workshop gallery and into a forum that may get us a reply from anyone with the education to offer more facts on the matter, if we have such a member on these boards. I would certainly prefer an opinion from someone more educated on such a subject.