Keep it oiled-up against the elements.

keep it  well oiled and you wont be so afraid to use it in damp conditions (unless your names martin) these wet days make up a large part of the British year so just as well get used to it or get a good TV! 

Next time you have to go in town with wifey follow her in the local boots store and pick up a nice make-up brush or shaving brush for yourself. I keep mine in a little tin which was part of a kit at a car boot sale, just bye keeping a squirt of gun oil in the tin its ready to use even in the field, maybe after getting into a hide or bit of shelter