recently at a local gun/militaria fair a collector suggested to me to put sewing machine oil on blades. This sounds like not a very good idea. Opinions please
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Why would you think that would be a bad idea? If every blade had a light coat of sewing machine oil on it from day one there would be no rusty blades. I have used 3 in 1 oil on guns and knives for 30 years with absolutely no ill effects. In fact, it has worked great for protecting the steel. I have never had any rust appear on items while in my care.
You do not need to drench the piece, just a light coating will do fine.
best wishes,
jeffLooking for a 30 '06 Chauchat magazine. -
Just a feeling, thanks for the adviceComment
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Very true Jeff I have done the say thing to all my knives and swords and any other metal I want to protect. Jager17 the best thing is when you apply it use a rag soaked with 3 and 1 or sewing machine oil and just skim it across the metal covering it lightly. DO NOT OVER SOAK IT.
Then every 4 to 6 months check it again and recoat.
JoeComment
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.....wait for it.....
I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.....Comment
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Hello Bob, I hope you are well this fine evening. Didn't make it to the SOS?Originally posted by bobcam1 View Post.....wait for it.....
Good evening folks,
IMHO oiling some types of blades can cause irreversible damage. Before you start oiling blades I suggest you read some of the numerous threads on the subject.
Kind regards,
StuComment
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Well for over 30 yrs I've not had any problems, so I don't know what type of metal you've got up there Stu
JoeComment
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Cold metal Joe...it's all cold up here!
Hi Joe,Originally posted by MaxxBrunn1938 View Post
Well, I didn't say type of metal I said type of blade.
My concerns are with plated blades and scabbard runners. I've been taught that oil can weep under plating if there is even the smallest of openings and will contribute to plating lifting. Runners that get oil on them become dust collectors that can subsequently contribute to runner marks on a blade.
I have no issue with using a light oil on a stamped steel blade such as found on machine made Japanese sword blades from the WWII period.
If my thinking is in error or simply outdated please let me know. I'm always prepared to listen and learn.
Kind regards to you Joe,
StuComment
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Well, this issue never ceases to be one of controversy. I encounter so many different opinions about conservation (some of which even defy common sense) that I'm about to just throw in the towel and call it quits. Besides, I've learned that giving your opinion with such sensitive issues often accomplishes little more than making enemies and generally causing people to dislike you.
The only thing I can positively say about oil on anything is that it's messy, gets all over everything it contacts, attracts dust, and generally doesn't look good on anything. If it's oil inside a machine or gun, who cares? However, on something as aesthetically appealing as a blade, there are better options, in my opinion--mainly Ren-Wax. Ren-Wax has the same protecting effect without all the messy, dust-attracting, and generally unattractive side effects. Ren-Wax stays dry, invisible, and always effective. What more could you ask for in protecting an antique blade.
Years ago, before being exposed to all the opinions otherwise, and before attempting to know as much about conservation, I admit that I did put oil on some blades. I also admit that it NEVER produced any ill effects for me. For example, not one oiled blade ever got darker as a result of being oiled. However, I stopped doing it just in case, and due to the more pleasing, mess-free effect of Ren-Wax. I guess you could just say that I don't like to tempt bad luck wherever it may be possible.
For some time now, I've been attempting to refrain from even commenting on conservation issues at all. I've actually vowed to fade into obscurity as one of the easily-forgotten guys who once gave his opinions on the forum. However, every now and then, I can't help but step in and get something off my mind. This is just another one of those moments, I suppose.
It seems that talking about conservation these days, and maybe always, is much like the dreaded conversations about politics and religion. You just can't do it without getting into arguments, making enemies, and generally making people not like you when you don't even know it sometimes. Yes, ironically you just spend (or should I say waste) a whole bunch of your own personal time making people dislike you for what you have to say, which is counter to what they've been doing all their lives.
So, as for oiling blades, I don't do it. However, I admit that back when I did, before I talked to all those who disagree, I never had problems. As I said, I mainly just didn't like the mess, especially when there was a better option. Now, like a drop of oil on a blade, I'll once again try to creep back into the crevices of conservation.
Sincerely,
Chris
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Hi Chris,Originally posted by Stahlhelm View Post
I'll be the first to agree that some opinions on conservation defy common sense. I value your opinions and suggest those who get upset over them are not worth concerning yourself with. My philosphy is to answer as best I can with the knowledge I have at that point in time. The more we share and learn the better at it we will all become.
So, don't throw in the towel...instead use it to wipe oil off blades.
Best regards,
Stu
PS: Ren Wax all the way.
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Chris,
I'll be the SECOND to back you up!...Your opinions are valued by MANY of us, simply because they're base on common sense, and tried-and-true facts, unlike the posers who cut-and-paste the advice that they Google, while feigning expertise.
You go right on dispensing your valued opinions. Those who attack you for them, are apparently ignorant, as well as rude.
Cheers, my friend,
Bob.I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.....Comment
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Thanks for the encouraging words, guys! I do appreciate it. Stu is right. The towel would be better off used to just "wipe oil off blades."
Chris
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