Advice to novice?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by murph21

I'm a true novice also to swords and edged weapons. Personally I'm taking the approach that everything gets a light surface cleaning with Ballistol on a sponge or microfiber cloth and then any active rust and heavy tarnish removed (or lightly brightened) with some Autosol on a soft toothbrush or microfiber, which is a light polish, very light abrasive. That seems to get the light surface dirt and active surface rust off but I leave any thing deep or aged patina on it as-is. I dont go deep and don't heavily polish. Another hit of Ballistol for protection then hit and wipe with a light coat of Renaissance wax to finish. Hope that is ok but experts please let me know if anything I should be aware of? At some point it becomes an "it is what it is" approach and acceptance...is this like the Seven Stages of Sword grief maybe? Cheers!

Spot on Murph! Stabilize, get rid of active rust, but KEEP patination! I always think of it as 'history incarnate' ! guess its the historian in me. I personally love leaving the 'dark warriors' as they are.