06-23-2014, 02:59 PM
Just like with modern weapons (guns, etc), after cleaning/sharpening (mild abrasive cloths or hides/leather is fine and even smooth stones held in the hand for edges) then you should coat with a thin film of oil - I'm sure olive oil is just fine! :wink:
A thin oil coating will slow the oxidation/rusting process. Unlike modern weapons (with their mechanical actions) attracting grit/sand is less of a problem, so liberal coatings, perhaps even with animal fat/grease could also help for longer storage.
I'm aware that mail coats were often greased with harder fats - it's why the coats and leather backings/jerkins smell so much......
A thin oil coating will slow the oxidation/rusting process. Unlike modern weapons (with their mechanical actions) attracting grit/sand is less of a problem, so liberal coatings, perhaps even with animal fat/grease could also help for longer storage.
I'm aware that mail coats were often greased with harder fats - it's why the coats and leather backings/jerkins smell so much......
