Proper Care and Storage

[Humbleshogun]

Good Morning, All.

 

I was hoping to once again query the overwhelming amount of knowledge on proper nihonto care. I've read all prior posts regarding uchiko powder (and why we shouldn't use it) but I can't find any concrete conclusions or recommendations on a practical and proper way to store, clean and care a nihonto. The NBTHK care guide appears to be dated and focused more on tradition rather than practicality. On top of that, the pictures are old and do not do modern justice.

 

I am most interested in a practical (although not necessarily traditional) way to care for my new blade. What modern methods work for you and what are big no no's? The blade in question is in good but old polish (90%). The blade is kept in an AC environment, 75-80 F temperatures with low humidity.

 

All suggestions, recommendation and comments are appreciated.

 

V/r,

 

Paul

[remzy]

The old methods have been working for the past ~1600 years, why change them now?

 

I agree on the use of uchiko powder, should be used only when theres a necessity as whiping with clean, lotion free tissues do the trick to remove old oil.

 

chemicals on your blade would be a nono i think, however some people will tell you that its okay to use "some" to clean your blade, i for one will stick with the old methods as you never know what effect a chemical that wasnt there back then will have on your blade, in the long run after a couple of years of usage.

 

over oiling is another nono, soaking the blade in oil will make the scabbard moist and that will promote rust, quite the opposite of the initial wanted effect!

 

self fixes on the blade is yet another nono

 

In short... its the usual stuff you read everywhere!

[drbvac]

I agree that the old methods are fine, however some of the new lubricants and anti rusting agents weren't available 1600 or even 30 years ago. Although this has been discussed ad nauseum I really believe that the uchiko powder (which is a very mild polishing agent) was used because it was the best way at the time to remove old oil.

 

There is no doubt that over many years, removing oil residue with ukicho powder WILL polish and/or depending on the state of polish change the polished state from the time it was done initially.

 

Considering the relative lack of humidity in modern homes, oiling is still a must as you surely don't want rust to start, but even though I dont use them, I am sure there are synthetic products that would work possibly better than choji and at the same time be able to be refreshed or removed without aqny abrasives being applied to your new polish.

 

2 cents