Mine are high contrast, and it does seem to help.

One is an ancient Stanley Model 0 that I think was made of walnut or something
like that, with nice solid heavy brass. Its partner is a 10 year old Stanley
made from the common yellow species of polystyreneus plastitackyus.

But I read Schwarz’ blog post about half moon winding sticks and it’s convinced
me to make a pair, partly because some of the design features are very subtle
and useful, and especially since the ones that prompted the article are from
Charleston SC.

MPf.