Oiling the daggers or not?

[jancz3rt]

Hey guys,

I wanted to ask you guys one question. I am new to collecting miliataria and would like to ask whether I need to oil or somehow preserve my daggers if they are on a display shelf with the room temperature about 22 Celsius and humidity at 30-40%. What do you do?

JAN

[sdp]

DON'T USE OIL!

Oil traps the moisture in the air which eventually causes spots on the blade.

The way forward is Renaissance Wax:

http://www.picreator.co.uk/articles/...ssance_wax.htm

You can also find it on eBay.

[SwordFish]

I would overwhelmingly agree with SDP. Renwax is the way to go. Alot of fellas use the stuff even on thier guns for preservation. Oil may attract and trap moisture causing degredation.

Lovin the Renwax

[jancz3rt]

Heya

Thanks guys. I know normal oil should not be used. I have heard of collectors using the oil used for lubricating sowing machines. I will try to get my hands on the good stuff suggested by you. I doubt it will be on sale here in the Czech Republic though.

JAN

[amydron]

Yes, definitely Ren. Wax.
Have used it on my sword collection for years, and never a problem.
Regards,
Ray.

[Skipper Greenwade]

You definitely want to avoid any kind of oil

As for the RenWax, I know a lot of collectors who swear by it but I have never used it myself. IMHO, as long as the blades are stored in climate-controlled conditions (as yours appear to be), I doubt you'll ever have a problem. It's probably safe to assume that they'll spend the next 60 years in much better conditions that they did the last 60.

Best,
Skip

[HunterSS]

I use only an aluminum polish called muther's finest. It is used to clean aluminum rims on cars and such. Cleans and polishes well, leaves no residue. Remember not to over polish your blades too much or you can lose crossgraining.

[keifer kahn]

With humidity at 30-40% you dont have a thing to worry about.
Rust starts at 65%.

I wouldnt do a thing apart from keep dust and sunlight off them.

[Santi]

I use oil on my HJ dagger. Is not a oil for cars or any of those which are for heavy machines...
The knife is not in the best condition, the blade is not mint, etc
Do you guys think i should stop using oil on it?

[SwordFish]

Again, avoid the oil. Like was mentioned, when using a pollishing compound like Semichrome (which is one of the best and also contains a preservation agent as well) one needs to used extrememe caution with daggers like Armys and SA/SS. Too much and too firm will make that crossgraining dissappear. It must be used sparingly and carefully.

When I clean a new saber, I usually totally Semichrome the blade. No crossgraining to worry about. The apply a coast of Renwax to the entire blade and all the fittings as well as the scabbard. I have had nothing but positive results with the stuff.

[Ron Weinand]

NEVER use oil. Some will darken the blades over time and, if used on a chrome plated blade, will penetrate into any scratches or breaks in the plating and lift it off.
Next, I use Simichrome LIGHTLY as it contains a silicon that will protect the blade.
REMEMBER, oil in your hands and fingers WILL SPOT AND DARKEN THE BLADE IF NOT WIPED CLEAN. This is what Simichrome will remove with light coat and rubbing off with clean towel.
Also, if you display your blades, be sure to remove any accumulated dust, as dust contains particles that will cause damage over time.
If you store your blades, take them out of the scabbard and I put them away in anti-tarnish cloth that will prevent toning and discoloration, just like silver cloth.
Just my 50 plus years of experience.
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria