Sword conservation

[ariel]

I got myself a 7-9 century Khazar saber/palash.
Very rusty, of course, but with a lot of "meat" under the rust/mineral accretions.

I would like to conserve it. Got in touch with conservation departments of a couple of local archeological museums, private conservators etc, but nobody is willing to help. Maximum that I heard from them was " Put it in a plastic bag with silica".

I decided to educate myself and went to the Internet. What is obvious (to me) is that tannic acid should be the final step.
But what should I start with?

Dry removal of accretions? Soaking it in distilled water?

Would be extremely grateful for an educated advice.

Folks, I need help!