need TF2 vmt advice

RedSheep

I've been making some custom models for TF2 recently but I've run into a sort of problem. In game all my models tend to look like they are made from rubber, and if not that, extreme lightwarp contrast. No matter how I change the vmt's and alpha channel.
I would like to know how the general look of TF2 is accomplished, and I would also like to know what kind of settings would be good for ao (in blender). thanks.

Swizzle

I can't make any suggestions for AO in Blender, but might I suggest simply copying a VMT from an existing item in the game? I've done it and it's worked out pretty well.

RedSheep

Well that's what I've been doing, which is why I'm confused. I've used vmt's from weapons like the equalizer, paintrain, eyelander, homewrecker, and some others from custom models, but my models never end up looking like the specific style, or any style for that matter.
The world models look fine though, it's just in 1st person that they look strange.
I would post in-game pics, but my printscreen is broken.