[EdCaffreyMS]

After etching, it is important to neutralize the etchant. Use a solution of TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) which you can get at any local hardware store. (its sold mostly in granular form as a product to wash walls prior to painting). Mix it up with distilled water until the water will not dissolve any more. After etching, place the blade in the solution for a few minutes. Afterward, use some #0000 steel wool and water to scrub the "gunk" off the blade. Dry the blade completely. I personally use Mother's Caranuba Cleaner/wax to protect all my knives. There are also many type of oils you can use, but they required repeated application and are somewhat messy, and any oil will draw/hold dirt and grit. Stay away from products that contain silicon. Silicon will trap moisture, causing small rust spots to form, especially in humid climates. What I like about the waxes is that you can apply them to the entire knife, lightly buff them off by hand, and you have protection that is complete and last a very long time compared to oils.
Over the years I have tried many products to protect blades, but I always keep coming back to the Mother's wax. It can be found at most Walmarts, and places like Checker or Autozone. It's about $10 a can, and a can will last a LONG TIME.