THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN A NICE PATINA AND JUST BEING DIRTY . I WOULD CLEAN THE WOOD AS WELL AS THE BLADE. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS IF THE DIRT ON THE WOOD HAD BEEN APPLIED FOR SOME PURPOSE CEREMONIAL OR OTHERWISE. RED OCCER OR WHITE LIME OR SOME BLACK CHARCOAL ARE USED IN SOME INSTANCES. BUT IF ITS JUST RUST ON THE ITEM IT NEEDS REMOVED. I OFTEN PUT LEMON OIL ON WOOD BUT IT DOES DARKEN THE COLOR AND BRING OUT THE BEAUTY OF THE WOOD. YOU CAN JUDGE WHAT TO DO BETTER HAVING THE ITEM IN HAND. GOOD LUCK.
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