I guess I'm the opposite side of this equation, I prefer my blades very clean, for here, it's called a mirror finish, for me, it's clean, very clean...I'm don't like the idea of shaving with years of anything coated on. Just not my taste or preference, to each their own I guess. The mirror finish that's put on my blades when I send them out is all done by hand. I always enjoy seeing the water bead off the blade it's been polished so beautifully.