I like S&W (no lock) and Ruger. Ruger are rough and robust, S&W refined but not so robust.
A wise old man once told me that S&W was the triumph of engineering over design, while Ruger is the triumph of design over engineering.
By 'engineering' I am sure that he meant machining and QC.
I think...
These are the applicators I am using now
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEVQSHQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
400 for around $10 - lint free
Couple of months since anyone responded to this, but there are very easy solutions.
Products for both blue and stainless revolvers:
Flitz
Simichrome
Both work well - I use Flitz because it is more widely available and a little cheaper (in the larger tubes).
Let the chemical action do the work...