Brad, back in the 1980's we didn't use them. I remember seeing the first fellow use them and thought what a "girl". I use the nitrile gloves now. I dust my hands with baby power and they come on and off easily, I re use then until they are busted.

I find handles will oil up naturally with use, the more you use it the better it gets. Sure a first light coat of something will be ok, I would not fuss over it. I have a mix of stuff on mine, pine pitch is the most prevalent, nothing applied on purpose.

Tim