cleaning shira saya

[Strider]

My question tonight is about cleaning and restoring shira saya. Does it affect value on a sword if you clean and refinish the storage saya? I have a tadayoshi in an old shira saya that is about the color of red cedar and although I like the aged look of the wood, I was wondering if collectors prefer clean and sharp looks. Regards Scott

[remzy]

Shira saya look are not important, from what i gathered.

I know i dont care as long as the inside is clean... it is 100% utilitarian and its main purpose should be to protect the blade above all.

 

..now i wouldnt recommand sanding/lacquring/varnishing or altering it in any kind of way tho, as this might make it look clean outside, while it may be dirty with rust particles inside, leading a inexperienced collector to think it is safe to use this shirasaya to store a freshly polished blade inside... (yes i know, freshly polished blade require a new shirasaya but this is just an exemple ).

[Strider]

Thanks Remy, I think I am going to leave it in it's present condition,afterall this is just part of the normal history of the piece and in my mind adds a certain mystique and charm. Regards from Missouri Scott