I always used "Breakfree" lubrication/cleaner for my guns, and once I started collecting "pointy things" too, I simply began to use it on my swords, helms, etc as well without any "research". It's worked well, but I am interested to hear of a better method or product, if there is one. What else do people out there use to keep their treasures rust-free? Perhaps more importantly, has anyone ever used a product that proved to be a poor, regrettable choice. What's great, what's bad...........

I've been using it for several years now...good stuff.

Before that it was mineral oil.

I know a few people that actually use motor oil but I prefer to do without the stink :\

I use Flitz. It is amazing stuff. Some people may think it is a little too strong. I wouldn't use it on a decent katana, but it should be fine for a western replica.

I was using olive oil (for authenticity) until just a few months ago. Yes, it kept the rust off but it really covered the polish- of course this came back with a simple wipe down- I just got sick of my swords, axes, and such not being shiny so now I use 3-1 or Flitz if I want to remove a small spot or tiny scratch.

I also use Breakfree.... about every two months I go through my swords with my patented old sock soaked in Breakfree. occasionally when I miss those evil black spots a scotchbrite pad scrubs them out no prob.....

And remember, " There is ALWAYS time for lubrrcation" :)

Cheers

Dave

I've used Outer's Gun and Reel cloth for several years now and have had great luck with it.

It's a silicone-impregnated flannel cloth that leaves no lint and an invisible layer of protection on the blade.

I get mine at Wal-Mart.

I use choji oil mostly for the blade and RemOil for fittings.

Thanks for all the input, and for the reference to the "Sword Care" page. I've only known of this site's existence for a few short days, but it's already my favorite. Quick, intelligent responses and references (from the kinds of people I wish I knew!), that have been a great help. I've been collecting arms and armor for only about 4 years now, but still do not have a single friend or family member who shares my interest - so this site offers the kind of advice and reference that have been really lacking in my life.
I'm one of those people who has *too many* hobbies that I'm crazily passionate about - and as most of my hobbies are VERY different from one another, it's impossible to become a "master" at any of them! So, thanks again.

I use lanolin for the two that I keep in scabbards (pads of felt just inside work well as wipers). I've had no rust problems on either. If I have plant juice on them I'll clean that off before returning them to the scabbards. The other two are left hanging in the open, and they get an occasional coat of 3 in 1. The latter leaves the blades much shinier than does the lanolin, but the oil does catch dust a bit. One of the oiled swords has had small rust spots, but I blame a history of silly storage and neglect rather than the oil, The other oiled one (an Atrim) has a few interesting patches developing (doesn't look like rust, some sort of surface effect that I can only see in certain lights and at certain angles) that add a bit of character.

We use BreakFree almost exclusively at Albion. It's great stuff although when you handle it a lot your hands get pretty dirty. When we wipe down a blade good with it we never have rust problems, I think that's all the praise it needs.

I've had good luck with 3 in 1 and gun oil.