Long Term Rust Prevention

by Steven
(Fall River, Massachusetts, USA)

I had a vintage 1854 US Navy saber that I wanted to display out of its scabbard, but didn't have any access to a protective wax to prevent rust. Looking around in my father's workshop I found a small bottle of plain Turtle Wax.

I applied the Turtle Wax with a cloth and hung the sword. It kept its shine for as long as the sword hung on the wall, only needing to be reapplied if I took the sword off the wall to show to people. I didn't notice any ill effects using the Turtle Wax on the blade, but then again, this was essentially pure wax, not synthetic stuff like you see today for cars with poly coating.