to polish or not to polish

[clintlipsey]

I have some mid 1970's to early 80's CASE knives that have some very minor surface deterioration...no major rust or pitting. I do not want to start rubbing and polishing them because I do not know the proper way. My point is, I want to sell the entire collection and I am trying to learn if I should sell them "as is" or clean them up first in order to bring more... what would it do to the value either way? advise ?

[philco]

There is a lot of debate in this arena. Unless you have a high level of expertise in cleaning knives, I'd suggest just using a soft cloth and some light oil to remove any loose particles of rust and leave it at that. Particularly if you have in mind selling them in mass to a dealer for resale, I think you would be well served to not try any more extensive cleaning than that. You could end up doing more harm than good.
That is just my opinion. I am NOT an expert.

Phil