Try not to use steel wool (3/0, or 4/0 being the finest weaves), as it leaves little steel threads in the dark corners where it starts to rust, then gets the gun metal rusty.
Bronze wool is a better choice, but a little harder to come by. Synthetic coarse cloth (like green scrubby-things, or better, the softer blue ones) aren't as damaging.
But as said, leaving it as is will more of a reminder of your Father's use, in my opinion.
Last edited by JeffG; 10/24/14.
