Yup.... drying thoroughly the blade works for me. As a matter of fact what I do is to dry it up well with a dry towel just after the hot rinse on the scales and the blade except for the edge. To dry the edge I make one stropping motion very carefully on the towel gently on each side for about 1 inch (guys: your thoughts are welcome). I also blow between the scales to make sure there is no water in them. After this I let it stand in a soft dry cloth to air dry while I continue with my morning rituals. I store my blades in a wooden box I made myself (that cost me about $10) in which I keep one of those humidity absorbers that come in medicine jars. Now, once I used a silver polisher to polish my carbon steel blade just before honing and that baby looked like new after that; If your'e not planning to hone I would polish the blade except for the edge.

Good luck!!!