[Chad Arnow]

Hey folks,
I've used Outer's silicone Gun and Reel cloth for many years on all my swords and knives. Recently, I bought two new cloths, and I think Outers changed the formula. The new cloths leave an uneven splotching of film on the blades (the old cloths didn't do that). So I'm switching to oil, which I've been using recently on my Albion stuff.

Does oil have a negative effect on varnished metals? I have a DT whose hilt is still varnished, and I had Art Elwell varnish my Armour Class basket hilt for maintenance reason (my old place was really dusty). Is it even necessary to oil varnished surfaces, and if so, will oil damage the protective lacquer?

I'm guessing something like Tuf-Cloth is out, since the protectants are delivered via mineral spirits, which would probably eat through the varnish.

[Nathan Robinson]

I'd think that any blade or hilt components that are varnished are essentially maintenance-free and do not require any other upkeep other than dusting. Oil is used to prevent oxidation, which is why the varnish was applied in the first place.

[Patrick Kelly]

As Nathan stated I don't think oil of any kind on the varnished parts would be neccesary, that's the whole point of the varnish. However, as long as you aren't using a penitrative type of oil I don't think it should effect anything. I use Ballistol myself.