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Post by arivendare on Jun 9, 2022 2:47:13 GMT
Hey everyone. I don’t post often here but had a question. I am currently on a full/tactical tang binge buying right now. I’ve been ordering swords from Wes Beem at Lonely wolf (great guy and great sword smith. I’m already on my third blade from him and he will probably be my only tactical/fantasy sword smith I order from). I love the design of the full tang sandwiched between two slabs of wood. The strength and durability of the blade gives me a lot of confidence when I use it however I had a question.
When I use the swords or knives, my hands sometimes sweat and usually I am very meticulous about cleaning and piling my blades after use outdoors but I am very hesitant to clean the exposed steel of the tang part of the blade. I know it comes in contact with my sweaty hands and is exposed to the elements the same as my blade but I am not sure entirely how to clean it. I don’t want to rub any compounds on it that might damage the wood handle, but I also want to preserve my blades for years to come and hopefully give them to my kids or grandkids. So any thoughts?
I guess I have several questions in this thread 1. Do I even need to clean the exposed steel of the tang or should I just let it rust and patina? 2. Is letting it rust good for the steel since it will develop a nice and protective patina? 3. If I should clean the tang or protect it, how? Leather wrap the handle? I’ve heard of clear coating the tang in nail polish? Vinegar and mustard forced patina? Keeping in mind my handle is made out of sealed wood.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
TLDR: exposed steel on a sand which/tactical tang, how should I clean it/care for it without damaging the wood? And how much should I let it rust in order to form a good protective patina?
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Post by pellius on Jun 9, 2022 12:11:11 GMT
I use mineral oil to protect my blades, wood grip scales, any leather, and any other exposed metal.
It has worked well for me.
If your wood grips are sealed (from Wes, they likely are), then cleaning compounds won’t really affect them.
Please share pics!
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Post by paulmuaddib on Jun 9, 2022 12:17:11 GMT
Agree with Pellius although I use Barricade, a Birchwood-Casey product. Doesn’t hurt the wood on any of my knives or swords. I wouldn’t let them rust/patina if I were you but that’s just my opinion.
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Post by eastman on Jun 10, 2022 1:25:08 GMT
Renaissance Wax is a great protectant for metal, wood and leather. The Choice of Professionals.
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Post by arivendare on Jun 10, 2022 2:45:48 GMT
I use mineral oil to protect my blades, wood grip scales, any leather, and any other exposed metal. It has worked well for me. If your wood grips are sealed (from Wes, they likely are), then cleaning compounds won’t really affect them. Please share pics! Pictures on the way soon. Just gotta get some good weather and time off work to get some good photos. Thanks for the advice
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Post by arivendare on Jun 10, 2022 2:46:02 GMT
Renaissance Wax is a great protectant for metal, wood and leather. The Choice of Professionals. Would you cost the handle in wax?
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Scott
Member
Posts: 1,674
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Post by Scott on Jun 10, 2022 6:54:04 GMT
Renaissance Wax is a great protectant for metal, wood and leather. The Choice of Professionals. Would you cost the handle in wax? I would, but I'd apply a new coat after using it. If the gang got a bit of rust on it a rust eraser will remove it without damaging the handle slabs.
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Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Jun 11, 2022 0:01:25 GMT
I typically lacquer the exposed tang right along with the grip scales.
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Post by eastman on Jun 11, 2022 2:03:06 GMT
I typically lacquer the exposed tang right along with the grip scales.
The swords DelTin made for MRL in the late 1980s had a lacquer rust-preventative coat on the blades. That has worked great on my Joinville for over 30 years to protect the blade.
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Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Jun 11, 2022 11:37:38 GMT
Windlass did it for a while too, stuff was a bear to get off if you accidentally scratched/scuffed it.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2022 22:49:08 GMT
I just let mine patina, and once in a while I sand it down. Or I'll coat it in a lacquer. Sometimes I'll wrap the handle in something, or I'll wear gloves when handling it. Depends on how I'm feeling with that sword
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