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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
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OP
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130 |
Gentlemen,
I don't know where to post this thread, so I have used the SS dagger forum as it is the most popularly viewed and therefore might attract the most knowledgeable responses.
I occasionally clean daggers when I first acquire them, to make sure there is no dirt, finger prints, or old grease on the blade, and therefore to preserve the blade. I normally do this with a little oil of cloves, as I was recommended this by a Bonhams specialist in Japanese swords. However there are lots of oils on the market including Ballistol, which is supposed to be ok.
What advice would advanced collectors give on cleaning, oiling and preserving blades? I particularly have wanted to apply oil where I see signs of rust that have developed on daggers that were not stored well for years. I am aware that regular wiping and cleaning will remove crossgrain, and damage any etched mottos or designs, so I only undertake it rarely and with extreme care.
Thanks for any tips and advice, particularly on specific products that might help, or products to be avoided.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682 |
I use nothing at all on my blades but a good friend of mine uses sword oil.
Die Treue ist das Mark der Ehre!
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 15,170 Likes: 117
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 15,170 Likes: 117 |
You only need one product - Renaissance Wax.
It is a brand of microcrystalline wax polish that is widely used in antique restoration and museum curation. Used by the British Museum. It is also used as a primary finish for cabinetry and furniture. Renaissance wax is also used by reenactors of historic swordsmanship to protect armour and weapons. It is widely recognised that this substance is more protective and longer lasting than oil, especially for swords and helmets that are frequently touched by human hands.
It is good fro cleaning. Put a coat on an SS grips or blade, let dry, rub it off and you'll see the crud on the cloth.
Look it up with Google.
Dave
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
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OP
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130 |
Thanks Dave. I bought some six months ago and experimented by using it on a early Eickhorn Heer dagger. Looking at it now, I can see that the wax has definitely preserved the finish on the fittings. I actually oiled the blade with clove oil and only used the wax on the fittings. I wasn't aware one could use it on the blade too. I will give it a go.
Are there any oils that should be definitely avoided? I read today that the oil I mentioned above will dissolve copper. I guess that could be pretty damazing for nickel plated items.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,814 Likes: 19
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,814 Likes: 19 |
Two thumbs up for RenWax... you can use it on everything.
It does not restore leather, but will protect it. For leather restoration, you will need a good leather product or saddle wax.
Oil is dangerous stuff to use on blades... if plated, oil can get underneath the plating and cause the plating to fall off, a disaster for sure.
John
Always looking for Eickhorns and etched bayonets.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682 |
Would you use it on crossguards that have patina on them? Or is it strictly for use on blades and grips?
Die Treue ist das Mark der Ehre!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,814 Likes: 19
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,814 Likes: 19 |
Always looking for Eickhorns and etched bayonets.
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 15,170 Likes: 117
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 15,170 Likes: 117 |
John is right: Everything.
Blade, crossguards, grip, scabbard, and the leather of the hangers too.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,881 Likes: 7
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,881 Likes: 7 |
From my experience RenWax won't remove patina. Gently cleans and provides a protective coat. The best stuff by far.
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 121
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 121 |
I totally agree that Ren wax can be used on anything, including documents and paper. I posted a pinned thread on WAF on how to clean runners in SA and SS blades some years back and the results as you can see if you find that thread, are astounding.
Mark
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682 |
Ok...guess I should buy some Ren wax then...
Die Treue ist das Mark der Ehre!
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682 |
Just ordered RenWax... I'll try it on my SS dagger... Any tips for cleaning with RenWax?
Gruess,
Gerry
Die Treue ist das Mark der Ehre!
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 15,170 Likes: 117
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 15,170 Likes: 117 |
Put on lightly, clean off gently Repeat
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,814 Likes: 19
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,814 Likes: 19 |
Use a very soft cloth... like one would use to clean silverware or fine jewelry.
John
Always looking for Eickhorns and etched bayonets.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 682 |
Die Treue ist das Mark der Ehre!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 635
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 635 |
I use that posting whenever someone asks me for the best way to preserve blades - seeing is believing !!!
Urban B Martinez Jr
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