I misread something in the Finch book about this, and realize there's
nothing in there whatsoever about applying a finish to the plane.

Is it just not done? I can understand that, because an oil might affect
the wood being planed, and a shellac or lacquer would wear off the sole
eventually anyway.

What about tung oil? Or (polymerized) linseed oil? What about paste
wax, seems like that would be a win?

Now I've done this, I can appreciate the beauty of the Knight planes and
I'm teetering on the edge of getting one. Just have to overcome an
inherent resistance to significant purchases, but when I do one of those
jointers with a japanese blade is mine.

er
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