I decided to try my hands at creating a sword with the PBR workflow. Here is what I have, I want to make sure I am not working in a vacuum so I have to post some renders to see what you guys here on polycount think. So with that said feedback would be awesome if you want to give it :)
Good start! I agree with the material definition. Even for worn metal, you want the non-worn parts to be shiny, to create sexy roughness contrasts - in my opinion. I also think you could reduce the polycount on the handle by 80% if you are going for efficiency :) Looking forward to see where you take it