Sword Care

[steve69au]

Could someone please point me in the right direction for sword care there are a lot of sites out there but want to make sure i get it right

Eg how offen to clean

how much oil to use

best kit to buy

that sort of stuff

thanks in advance

steve

[Ken-Hawaii]

Hi, Steve, & welcome to the forum.

 

It would help us to know what type(s) of blades you have so that we can advise you correctly. Photos are good, too.

 

Without knowing more than that, I suggest you download the NBTHK's sword care guide (http://www.samuraisword.com/care/Japane ... _NBTHK.PDF). That will at least get you started, & should also keep you from doing no harm to your blade. One key note: do NOT do ANYthing to the rust on the nakago (hilt)!!

 

Ken

[steve69au]

Hi Ken

The blade is in another forum

Its signed Hizen no Kuni ju Ichimonji Hiroto blade and date 1740

close up of blade

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello, in addition to the information on the website linked a number of collectors have also turned to using a 'MICRO DEAR' (brand name) cloth for cleaning and wiping down their swords, as it will not scratch and cleans amazingly well. It is available from better camera shops for cleaning camera lenses. They're not inexpensive but can be washed and re-used, just be sure to use a chemical/fragrance free laundry detergent and dryer sheets too, something like an Arm and Hammer with baking soda detergent.

 

If you're going to use uchiko on a 'polished' sword, at least purchase 'polishers uchiko' from someone like Robert Benson at Bushido Swords and learn how to use it correctly to avoid scratching the polish. Also, plain Kleenex can be used for wiping swords. Never reuse soiled Kleenex or cloths to rewipe.

[Jean]

Further depending on where you live, the blade may not necessarily be oiled. I live in Paris and never have a single blade oiled. I wipe them perhaps 2/3 times a year and never use uchiko.

 

This is to tell ypu that sword care depends first on your environment. Sufficiently dry, little care. Damp/moist environment oil is necessary (very thin coat, otherwise it will stain the inside of the shirasaya). Clean it by wiping it gently then oil it. If the blade has been polished years ago, clean and oil it 2/3 times a year, NBTHK explains how to do it as well as a lot of nihonto website (Japanese sword Index).

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Steve,

NBTHK American Branch also has a care and etiquette brochure online, which talks about using micro fiber cloth and a few other points different from the 1st brochure mentioned above.

 

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

 

Grey

[Brian]

Also check out the NMB FAQ above the forum.

 

Brian

[steve69au]

Thank you for all the info i live in Australia near sydney so its pretty dry and sword is in a display case that well sealed off

[Jean]

In this case, care is very simple, no need to oil it, just wipe it with a soft cloth 2/3 times a year and each time you want to look at it.