That's actually why knights armor was shiny. Remember that this is before chrome and stainless steel; shiny armor means that the armor is steel and maintained a

That's actually why knights armor was shiny. Remember that this is before chrome and stainless steel; shiny armor means that the armor is steel and maintained at high expense. The knowledge that you've got to go against someone wearing the best armor that the era can provide is going to be a huge blow to morale.