Flat stakes and preventing rust

[Fi Wilson]

I ordered a flat stake (http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Flat-Stake---8cmx-8cm-prcode-999-791) at the weekend and when I opened the parcel this morning found that it was covered in oil. Cooksons said it was to preserve the steel and to prevent it from rusting. While I can see the benefits of this if the item is held in storage at Cookies until it's sold, do I continue to have to keep cleaning/oiling the stake every time I use it? What do you all do?

Fi

[ps_bond]

Keep using it!

I tend to give stakes & hammers a wipe over with a thing called a "Tuf-Cloth" - lays down a thin layer of waxes that protects metal. Oily rags work, but they're much messier.

[Fi Wilson]

Thanks Peter, I'll have to look out for a Tuf-Cloth. Never really bothered with my hammers either but I suppose it makes sense.

[Fi Wilson]

One more thing... do I need to 'dress' the stake/block as with hammers and remove/blunt the edges off?

Thanks,
Fi

[ps_bond]

I never have. There's far less chance of a mis-strike from the anvil than there is from the hammer...

[Fi Wilson]

Fab! Just the answer I was after!! :D

[Lindyloo]

For the non gun slingers and knife wielders among us (that's what I got when I looked it up), where do you get a Tuf Cloth Peter?

[ps_bond]

That's not surprising given why they were made originally :)

[Lindyloo]

So I need a gun shop then? There happens to be a shop selling guns on our high street, if you can believe it.

[ps_bond]

That's one alternative; none of the gunshops I've been to have sold them, so I bought mine online. I think I've got a few spare if needed.

Anyway, I thought the pub was more traditional for firearms purchases in London? :D

[Lindyloo]

Thank you for the kind offer Peter. Have found one on ebay for £5.99 plus 97p postage. Will find the cheapest, then go for it. Sounds like a very handy thing to have.