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FWIW --

I've had stuff coated with 3-in-1, that rusted. 3-in-1 is a _penetrating_ oil -- lots of solvents, not much "oiliness", or protective power. I also don't like its smell.

I think that...

Usually, oil just spreads out when you put it onto clean steel.

I wonder why it balled up . . . Could the blade be coated with something? Have you tried cleaning it with alcohol, and then...

FWIW --

I just saw a bunch of Japanese swords, made in 1200-1400. They were shiny bright.

The Japanese use "choji oil" on the blades. I think the closest modern equivalent is mineral oil with...