Everyone has their own tastes, and opinions. I like the mirror finish, but if achieving that looks to me like it's going to remove the manufacturers stamp or ruin any other etching I prefer to preserve that first and foremost. If while I am sanding the etch is nice and deep and holding, then I'll see how far I can push the steel as far as it's finish. For scales, I'll just let my imagination play; unless the original scales are in good shape. I just look at the razor until I decide what materials to use, then decide on the actual shape, and go from there.