Rust On Sword, Now What?

[SAS]

I live in a very humid climate. Rust happens quickly here, so I try to oil and clean regularly using accepted protocols. Unfortunately, a recently  purchased sword, an Aizu Kunisada wakizashi, had some openings which started to rust when the sword arrived. That was dealt with, but after returning from a short trip, I have discovered extensive rust even though the sword was oiled, kept in shirasaya, and in a sword bag. Advice? I have used alcohol to try to flush out the saya from any loose rust. Short of a repolish is there any non-destructive way to clean off and stop the rust?

[Travis Clarke]

Steve,

 

I don't think there is much you can do to benefit this sword other than what you have already done. You're best to just keep the sword oiled like you already are and send it to a professional togishi for further treatment.

 

Some might suggest uchiko, but that might damage the pre-existing polish.

[Toryu2020]

sometimes a light acid wash is used in polishing - if this is not neutralized properly you will see rust appear all over the blade no matter how many times it is cleaned and oiled.

 

I think a solution of baking soda and water is the answer - someone here is sure to have the formula,

-t

[Shamsy]

In terms of storage, I keep my swords in a small room and set desiccant materials around. They're called 'Moisture Hippo's' but basically a plastic pot with desiccant that draws moisture out of the air, usually made for closets or small spaces. Alternatively, there is a product which is called Zerust. It's a chemical agent that permeates the air and prevents rusting. Quite safe, though reasonably expensive. Worth it for safeguarding your sword collections.

[Ken-Hawaii]

There's an easy answer, Steve: http://www.amazon.com/ZCORR-Corrosion-Vacuum-Tactical-Rifle/dp/B00A2THDSQ

 

I'm actually their dealer here in Hawaii, & since our climates are similar, I can guarantee that once you put your well-oiled blade in one of these bags, it will look exactly the same when you next take it out. 

 

Aloha!

Ken

 

[SAS]

I will still have to get rid of the rust by putting it in the hands of a qualified polisher  but the Zcorr bags sound good......I will take 3 please, Ken. How do i order? Mahalo, Steve

[Brian]

I know that water can get into "ware" and cause rust from inside. Don't polishers sometimes seal these with clear lacquer?

[SAS]

None of them dare rear their heads to answer but I believe you are correct, Brian.

[Brian]

I think it is pretty standard actually, and has been for centuries. No reason for a trained polisher to hide his head  

[nagamaki - Franco]

I know that water can get into "ware" and cause rust from inside. Don't polishers sometimes seal these with clear lacquer?

 

 

Hello,

 

That can very well be the case and why sometimes when a sword is sent off to polish those small openings open up (into blisters) when the blade is put to stone. NLT Ono Kokei and his students were known to seal pits using lacquer. I used to own a sword I had polished by one of his students where lacquer was used to seal any pinpoint size openings that remained. Pinpoint size openings are at times not removed in order to leave that much more metal for the next polisher to work with. 

[SAS]

Not that i would know or anything, but it seems that moisture would best be driven from any ware before sealing with lacquer, in case anyone had the audacity to try this themselves.

[manfrommagnum]

Another option is to have a sealed glass case made and put the sword in it and fill with argon.

[truelotus]

Another option is to have a sealed glass case made and put the sword in it and fill with argon.

I actually have the same thought couple years ago ... it's not expensive and it will definitely shows the beauty of the blade without interference of oil on the surface

 

I even thought of tight fit plexiglass box for nihonto so it will be easier to carry and display