Electroless nickel is an
excellent finish. Though it's certainly true it isn't as wear-resistant as hard chrome, it
is more wear resistant than just about any other common finish, including blued.
Another advantage with electroless nickel is the protection it offers against corrosion. Electroless nickel protects from rust better than both blue and hard chrome.
However, I simply like the way it looks. It's got that subdued "skip the glamour get straight to business" thing going for it.
As for solvents, I've been using Break-free, CLP and Hoppes #9 for years on both my K9 (factory electroless nickel) and Kimber (Eabco "French Grey" electroless nickel), and as you can see below, with
absolutely no yellowing or other ill effects.
Much of the solvent complaints I’ve personally heard come from those with the traditional-style nickel plating of yesteryear, not the excellent type of finish Ghost had done to his now-practically-new K9.
Bottom line? If I were in his place, I too would have chosen nickel for this potential carry pistol as anyone who’s carried at least as long as I have knows
perspiration is
far more of a menace to a carbon steel CCW firearm than
holster wear).
Has seen many a bottle of BreakFree