Saya Cleaning

[Greg F]

Hello All, I have a blade that I believe is rubbing on inside the saya and until I can have it fixed or replaced I was hopping that someboxy here may have methods to try. When ever I oil it tap the saya mouth down to empty out any loose dust or debri. Ive read that some people use gun cleaning equipment? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

Greg

[b.hennick]

Do not use sandpaper. Files would work but finding long ones is a problem.

[Alex A]

I had the same trouble a while ago, very annoying, a good sword in good polish and I was a bit reluctant to get involved as it was a fair way down, maybe 6 or 7". I spoke to a saya maker that I know and he said that he might be able to sort it without splitting the saya.

 

I marked where it was marking with some masking tape and posted off the saya only (I don't like posting blades), he did the necessary work without having to split the saya, he had the tools for the job (better ones than me anyway). Store the sword safely out of the way if you do this.

 

All good now, no problems, hope that helps.

[SAS]

I cut a miniature 2 ended riffler file in half and welded a length of 3/16 mild steel to either end to handle this problem.....Namikawa sells something for this but it costs about $300 or so.

[Johnno]

Namikawa are good - If they have a tool for the job I am sure it would work fine - I just scored a shipment of goodies from them to look after my new sword...

[SAS]

If there were any takers at half the cost i would do some more.

[Greg F]

Hi guys. Thank you so much for the help. The blade rubs against the saya close to kissaki so the tool would have to be long. Does anyone have pics of these tools? I really want to get as many opinions/advice from members here before I try anything.

 

Steve, i may be interested but would like to know more. Is it a file or chisel? Any pics or video of it in use?

 

Alex, I really dont like posting blades either. A bit of a worry for me having the blade out to send the saya as it doesnt have shirasaya. A good idea using the tape.

 

All replies are much appreciated. Cheers.

 

Greg

[Grey Doffin]

Google riffler file to see the tool.

Grey

[SAS]

The one I made is 44 3/4 long, long enough to get into most saya. If you don't weld, any local fab shop could do this if you brought them the materials. The rifflers can be had from any woodworking store, and the 3/16 mild steel round from a big box home center.

[Alex A]

Hi Greg, i didnt have a Shirasya either, just oiled it and left it standing on its mune in a suitcase in the wardrobe out of the way. Pity its the kissaki end, good luck with sorting it.

 

Just to add, when i had this problem i switched to a more gloopy gun oil to help try and stop any more damage. Im not saying load it with oil, just be a bit more particular in that area of the blade until its sorted out. I suppose if its really bothering you then you could store the blade as mentioned in my first paragraph, again until its sorted. A real pain in the ass situation, keep a close eye on the swords for faint marks folks, this problem is a sneaky one.

[Greg F]

Hi thanks guys. I found out i should be able to get a riffler file at a local shop so will buy one and hopefully get back to you with positive results. I dont usually like to use uchiko on blades but have been using it to try reduce the tiny rust spots from developing. I used to put too much oil on blades but now just a thin coating. I just use choji oil off ebay, should I find a better quality do you think? Alex if I dont have success with the saya filing and have to send it to somebody I might have to try the old suitcase trick. Thanks for sharing your knowledge guys. Cheers.

 

Greg

[Alex A]

Hi Greg, the subject of oil as been covered extensively, if you do a search you will find many opinions.http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/14894-choice-between-these-two-choji-oil/?hl=choji    http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/12978-choji-oil-a-bad-idea/?hl=mineral&do=findComment&comment=134779

[Alex A]

And another.http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/12978-choji-oil-a-bad-idea/?hl=mineral&do=findComment&comment=134779

[ROKUJURO]

Some years ago, I bought a special SAYA rasp from NAMIKAWA for about $ 70, if I remember correctly, but it will only go up to the KISSAKI area of a KO-WAKIZASHI SAYA. Having one made as Steve suggests may be a good and much cheaper solution! But don't choose a fine grit, it will not work!

[Greg F]

Thanks Alex. Im thinking about using gun oil on my Nihonto instead of choji once my saya is sorted out. Oil is a must here as its humid. I use gun oil on my china made katana that are for Iaido and light cutting and they havnt had any rust. The small dots of rust I can just see starting to form where the saya rubs on my katana can hopefully be reduced or removed and doesnt pit if I use uchiko and a lot of elbow grease. Cheers.

 

Greg

[Alex A]

Thanks Alex. Im thinking about using gun oil on my Nihonto instead of choji once my saya is sorted out. Oil is a must here as its humid. I use gun oil on my china made katana that are for Iaido and light cutting and they havnt had any rust. The small dots of rust I can just see starting to form where the saya rubs on my katana can hopefully be reduced or removed and doesnt pit if I use uchiko and a lot of elbow grease. Cheers.

 

Greg

I stopped using Choji when I read the advice quoted below from Aoi, figured Tsuruta San knows more about this than me.

Now using Express gun oil again in moderation, was using sewing machine oil but don't like it, the gun oil forms a finer film and doesn't form droplets, but I suppose best not to start this one up again .

​

From Aoi,s page........

Special notes

"1. Generally, Chyoji oil has been used to treat Japanese swords. This is a sticky vegetable oil traditionally used in cleaning swords. It promotes ozidization of the blade that will result in rust in the future. In our opinion, and based on our experience. We not advise you to use chyoji oil. We suggest that you use high-quality machine oil on your sword. This is the same type used when maintaining guns or sewing machines, and it is the only oil that we use with our swords at Aoi Art."

[Greg F]

Seems to be the way to go. I hate the thought of hurting a blade long term by using something that im trying to preserve the blade with. Much appreciated thanks Alex.

 

Greg