I just read a research report that explored why people are naturally attracted to shiny/glossy/slick objects. Their hypothesis is that the attraction is based in our fundamental drive to find water. My brother Ken and I recently put new nickel plating on a pair of Stanley #45 combination planes. These tools are right around the century mark and they were getting worn and rusty. Some people value that vintage look and would be ready to put these planes on display. I prefer the quote from Herb Kean, "Antique tools should be in the same condition today as they were 100 years ago in the hands of a prideful worker." Sharp, shiny, and ready to plane. I have a download on the whole process of replating over on the Tips page. What is the attraction of a shiny tool? I licked one, it doesn't taste like water. The researchers would have shown people a worn plane and a shiny plane and asked, "Which do you prefer?" Obviously the shiny one. But why?