For Those Using Gun Specific Oils On Nihonto

[PNSSHOGUN]

This is a *very* indepth and informative thread on just how different lubricants, gun oils and other similar products perform for protecting metals. Worth a read and compare with your own experiences using some on swords.

 

https://www.shootersforum.com/gun-cleaning/91566-results-gun-care-product-evaluation.html

 

I thought the staining and corrosive tests were particularly relevant due to the different and delicate materials found in Japanese swords. Some of the more aggressive gun cleaning products and oils are good for cleaning martial arts swords but none of us would dream of using them on Nihonto.

[vajo]

Very dangerous stuff for your health on that test list. I can say from my experience. Use Kurobara, Caramba70 (smells like vanilla) or WD40.
You dont need other stuff which could cause cancer.

 

I use this.

[paulb]

don't use WD40 on sword blades it contains solvents which at best stains and at worst damages the polished surface

[Stephen]

Agree never WD 40.

A light non scented gun oil if you have nothing else around.

[Ooitame]

Very nice find.

[Vermithrax16]

Derek did this for Nihonto, a great thread:

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/16303-nihonto-oil-a-study/

[PNSSHOGUN]

Derek did this for Nihonto, a great thread:

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/16303-nihonto-oil-a-study/

Ah excellent, I'm glad someone did it for Nihonto oil, it's really interesting seeing the two tests side by side.

[Hastur]

I tend to use Tuff Glide standard myself since I have it around. any concerns with that stuff on Nihonto?

[ROKUJURO]

The problem with tests is to reproduce the real conditions. Derek did a great job, but mild steel has a very different 'behaviour' than low alloy carbon steel as far as corrosion is concerned. Carbon steel is quite easily attacked by rust, mild steel not so much. 

[Bazza]

And "pure" iron as in unalloyed Fe??  The Iron Pillar of Delhi comes to mind:

http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/incredible-rust-resistant-iron-pillar-delhi-001503

 

BaZZa.

[ROKUJURO]

Yes, that is one of the properties of very pure iron. It is not so exposed  to the risk of corrosion. But there are also modern iron alloys with similar properties (e.g. CORTEN steel). These metals produce a (protective) superficial layer of rust, but the process stops by itself. We can see this quite often on regularly used items like handrails.

In Japanese metal craftsmanship we have SABIJI, an artificially induced, protective layer of iron oxides.  

Corrosion processes may be influenced by changing environmental conditions, e.g. pollution/acid rain.

[PNSSHOGUN]

I'd love to see the eggheads and boffins down at the labs cook up a scientifically formulated and specially designed protective product just for Nihonto. The market is there, especially for museum and high grade collections.

[Sporkkaji]

I'd love to see the eggheads and boffins down at the labs cook up a scientifically formulated and specially designed protective product just for Nihonto. The market is there, especially for museum and high grade collections.

 

I believe most museums, at least those which don't specialize in Nihonto displays but still have weapon collections use Renaissance Wax to protect them because it is so long lasting and low maintenance. I couldn't see most museum staff religiously oiling their swords like a serious private collector.

 

Personally every six months I reapply the highest grade gun oil I'm aware of, Wilson Combat Ultima Lube in the lightest viscosity they offer. Definitely never any off the shelf Wal-Mart stuff.

[Vermithrax16]

I'd love to see the eggheads and boffins down at the labs cook up a scientifically formulated and specially designed protective product just for Nihonto. The market is there, especially for museum and high grade collections.

How about a cyanobacteria produced oil derived from sunlight and waste CO2 gas for a high quality sword oil with no acidity?

[Jamie]

Why not just use what been used for centuries? It seems to have worked.

[Ken-Hawaii]

 

cyanobacteria produced oil derived from sunlight and waste CO2 gas for a high quality sword oil with no acidity

Wouldn't this eventually oxidize & degrade, Jeremiah?

 

Ken