To clean or not to clean...
 

Does anyone have a feel for what effect cleaning has on a vintage knife? The two koummya pictured would look a lot better with some silver polish and a good cleaning, but I don't know how that will effect their price. Does anyone else? Thanks!

Harry

I personally like my knives, daggers and swords clean but without destroying the patina. Silver and brass will oxidate after short (silver) or longer (brass) again so it don't will be a effect for every time. And I hate rusty blades but a dark patinated blade has an own charm. So when you clean the silver of your both nice koummays they will look very nice and I am sure that they were polished when they still has been by their tribal warriors/owners. The blades I would clean (they look ok at your pictures) only with steel wool. But like every time it's a matter of taste. Others may think different.

Regards,
Detlef