To be sure a well �crossgrained� (or pleisten) type of polish on a blade is an indicator of skilled workers and specialized technology working together. And factors like the quality of the steel, extra polishing, and especially an overlay of plating - will affect the end result with the later removing or obscuring signs of earlier finishes.

What I think might be forgotten in this discussion is that a number of other period manufactured items to include relatively high volume low cost things like close combat and gravity knives (etc.), also had a �crossgrain� finish. The point being that �crossgrain� finishes were not particularly unique. And the cost/benefits of that less materials/labor intensive type of finishing are I think additional factors to be taken into consideration when looking at them as a group. FP