Just bought a Repro 1917 USN cutlass. Here's what I do to prep it for long-term wall hanger status here in humid "Ocean State". Please understand that I am both OCD and lazy; I like to do a job once.
1) Inspect item for obvious defects and return for replacement if required.
2) Clean item of grease, Etc.
3) Remove wooden handle scales and wipe down (3x) with 91% alcohol to remove any surface oil. Coat wooden scales with 100% tung oil to preserve them.
4) Use decent automotive wax to coat exposed metal under the grips (2x). Re-install grips using anti-seize compound on fasteners--as appropriate.
5) Fill-in any gaps between Guard and Blade with appropriate colored Epoxy, being very careful to remove excess while still filling gaps. Use 91% alcohol as initial surface/gap prep to promote epoxy adhesion.
6) Remove any burrs on edge of blade. In this specific case, use cold blue on sharpened edge to deter rust.
7) Flood inside of leather scabbard with Pecard's leather oil, and wipe-down all other surfaces. This will preserve the leather for a looong time. Allow inverted scabbard to drain for most of a day and plan on wiping exterior of scabbard at least a few times.
8) Use decent auto wax on all metal surfaces, which will retard rust--2X
9) Install proper "Sword Knot" after pre-treating the (usually leather) item with Pecards.
10) Use appropriate metal hangers to display the sword far away from Kids and possible idiots. Use some rubber vacuum tubing to prevent contact of edge of sharpened blade with metal hook. Or maybe shrink tubing or even elec tape. Ideally, the metal hangers should be nearly invisible. Use additional hooks to deter unauthorized detachment of sword from its place. Turning the metal hangers 1/4 turn will be enough to release the sword, if desired. The LAST thing wanted is for inadvertent descent of the sword, such as during an earthquake.
11) Done. Periodically examine the sword and scabbard for signs of rust and re-apply wax.
So, kinda elaborate, but I think my admittedly OCD steps can be justified. Just my suggestions, and YMMV.
1) Inspect item for obvious defects and return for replacement if required.
2) Clean item of grease, Etc.
3) Remove wooden handle scales and wipe down (3x) with 91% alcohol to remove any surface oil. Coat wooden scales with 100% tung oil to preserve them.
4) Use decent automotive wax to coat exposed metal under the grips (2x). Re-install grips using anti-seize compound on fasteners--as appropriate.
5) Fill-in any gaps between Guard and Blade with appropriate colored Epoxy, being very careful to remove excess while still filling gaps. Use 91% alcohol as initial surface/gap prep to promote epoxy adhesion.
6) Remove any burrs on edge of blade. In this specific case, use cold blue on sharpened edge to deter rust.
7) Flood inside of leather scabbard with Pecard's leather oil, and wipe-down all other surfaces. This will preserve the leather for a looong time. Allow inverted scabbard to drain for most of a day and plan on wiping exterior of scabbard at least a few times.
8) Use decent auto wax on all metal surfaces, which will retard rust--2X
9) Install proper "Sword Knot" after pre-treating the (usually leather) item with Pecards.
10) Use appropriate metal hangers to display the sword far away from Kids and possible idiots. Use some rubber vacuum tubing to prevent contact of edge of sharpened blade with metal hook. Or maybe shrink tubing or even elec tape. Ideally, the metal hangers should be nearly invisible. Use additional hooks to deter unauthorized detachment of sword from its place. Turning the metal hangers 1/4 turn will be enough to release the sword, if desired. The LAST thing wanted is for inadvertent descent of the sword, such as during an earthquake.
11) Done. Periodically examine the sword and scabbard for signs of rust and re-apply wax.
So, kinda elaborate, but I think my admittedly OCD steps can be justified. Just my suggestions, and YMMV.
