As the question asks, what are your tried-and-true practices for developing a nice patina on your wedge? For example, I have heard it said that using a silicone-impregnated cloth (which seem to be found where gun and rod related/care products are sold?).

Also, does anybody know the best way to accelerate the rusting/patina development process?

Lastly, does anybody know if there are any differences in rusting/patina properties as it relates to the original metal composition? That is, in your opinion, do results differ between 1018, 1020, 1035, 8620, 303ss, 304ss, 431ss, or 17-4, etc.? This is assuming the wedge has been prepped down to the raw metal, either as an originally raw wedge or a wedge that has had all its chrome/pvd/etc. finish taken off.

Ready, go!

Someone may be much more knowledgeable than myself on this, higher the carbon content the more oxidation you will notice. Stainless has a percentage of chromium in the alloy to prevent oxidation. So your stainless steels should not oxidize in any significant way, while the carbon will rust in any high humidity, salty, environment.

The tried and true method is to just use it normally. But who has time for tried and true! I found this recipe on a previous WRX post and it worked great on my raw 8620 Vokeys:16oz hydrogen peroxide, 2oz white vinegar, and 1/2 Tbsp of salt in a spray bottle

Spray it on, let it sit until it dries. It will be CAKED in rust. Then I do a very light wire brushing to knock off the heavy bits and then rub it down with a wet towel. If you're thinking you're ever going to get a RUSTY finish, it won't happen. The actual rust bits will just fall off. But after following this process they will be a very nice, dull patina. You can see them in my WITB pic below

I didn't do anything other than play/practice with my Miuras and they came in with a nice patina after maybe a month.

^^^^^^^ This. Just play them it will happen organically.

You can pee on 'em every chance you get

Just play it, this is one season of play. Nothing special just played with it like normal and didn't dry off in rain or when cleaned

This is after the spray bottle treatment. It wears off though and Now they have a dull finish to them like below