"Rec Applegate suggested in one WWII era pamphlet that a shiny blade was more terrifying t an opponent than a blued blade."

I don't think of a knife as a weapon. The knife, to me, is a tool for chopping wood and for making trap triggers, etc. I would consider using my knife to fabricate a weapon such as a bow and arrow, but when it comes to actually using the knife as a weapon, that's simply a "no-no" as far I'm concerned.

Sand blasting sounds a little bit harsh. I'm wondering if bead blasting would be a better method of eliminating the shine.

Coating the blade with a fast-food condiment sounds like an excellent idea. It's the kind of idea that I might be willing to try, but does it work ? I don't see how it can do any harm ...

I like the idea of trying out a low-cost procedure that won't do any harm but which might possibly do some good. LW.