Originally Posted by
Cangooner
+1 to all the advice above re polishing and neatsfoot.
Even better than a neatsfoot wipe is a neatsfoot bath! After you have cleaned the scales as well as you can, get a shallow tray or plastic container filled with enough oil to cover the scales, and just let them soak. I haven't nailed down an ideal bath time, but a few hours makes a heck of a difference and 1-2 days doesn't seem to have done any harm to any of mine. I kind of forgot one once and it soaked for about 2 1/2 days. Looked great after, but I'd recommend a few hours or overnight for starters. :)
Here's mine. The locking lid has saved me from making a few spectacular messes: