Finishing a new swage block?

[Twilight Fenrir]

I just received a swage block that I ordered the other day, and it's a beautiful thing. I have to clean up the lines from the mold yet, but they are very minimal, and I'm picking up the materials to build a stand today...

The question I have is, how to keep it from rusting? The best thing I know of is to put some stove black on it, which will help with rust, but won't burn off like paint. But I'm curious if there's anything better, or if there's any way to achieve the reddish-black finish that period blocks, and anvils acquire over their century of existence....

Thanks!

[oldgoaly]

I haven't tried this but beeswax and coal black thin with linseed oil if needed. for the sides not the hitting surface that many use future floor wax. I have some old bottles fro yard sales/ auction boxes, Johnson wax still makes it.