So, I have a Grammercy saw vise which I enjoy using and I believe to be a quality tool. It was not cheap and I don't want it to rust away on me as it is bare metal as sold.
On my shelf I have some leftover "Pontypool Asphaltum" japanning paint from the days when I would buy ebay planes and fix them up as users. This stuff really does match the original japanning well and would likely afford it some protection from nature. On the other hand I would be defacing a new tool!
I'm interested in the popular opinion on this one (I attempted to put a poll on this post). What about just oiling it instead? Leave it raw?
Cheers,
Jeff