Thank you both for your replies.
Rich,
It is like a swirling blue-purple. What is most peculiar to me is that steak on a grill is roughly 150-160 degrees when done. That shouldn't discolor under a low temp like that correct? I have used a 25 yr old Schrade Uncle Henry as my steak knife on many hunting trips and it's still shiny.
Thomas,
I guess I prefer a harder knife because I like a knife that holds an edge rather than a knife that is easier to sharpen. Most of my knives are gifts but if I start selling them, I'd like to know that they will hold up and that the method I use is effective.
You are absolutely right though in building to suit their needs.
Thank you for the info on the chart.