How to remove a blemish

[BuckarooBanzai]

Hello everyone,

 

First time poster. Found this forum from some brief searching and was hoping to obtain some guidance. 

 

A friend of mine bequeathed a katana to me when he passed away. I've been doing my best to keep it perfect in his absence, as he treasured it very much. 

 

Today I noticed a small blemish/scratch on the blade, possibly done using a small sabitori block.  When I run my fingernail across the area you can't feel it, but the mark is indeed visible. If anyone knows what I can do to get rid of it, It would be very appreciated. 

 

Thank you. 

[JD808]

Hey man sorry to hear about your friend. just from the single picture it looks like a very nice blade you've been given. And kudos to you for taking the time to find this forum before doing anything to the blade. when it comes to nihonto this is "the forum". The blemish is indeed visible So if it doesn't bother you that much I'd leave it alone you said it's not deep and having it removed you'll find it's quite costly to do so but if you chose to do so hire a trained togishi,a professional polisher(other more knowledgeablepeople will happily point you in the right direction if thats what you want to do).also make sure you have the proper tools(micro cloth,choji oil)to properly maintain the sword. Some newbie advice from one to another. Always ask to confirm before doing anything when it comes to nihonto nomatter how trivial or obvious things may seem it will save you alot of head/heart aches not to mention money.   Regards 

[BuckarooBanzai]

4 hours ago, JD808 said:

Hey man sorry to hear about your friend. just from the single picture it looks like a very nice blade you've been given. And kudos to you for taking the time to find this forum before doing anything to the blade. when it comes to nihonto this is "the forum". The blemish is indeed visible So if it doesn't bother you that much I'd leave it alone you said it's not deep and having it removed you'll find it's quite costly to do so but if you chose to do so hire a trained togishi,a professional polisher(other more knowledgeablepeople will happily point you in the right direction if thats what you want to do).also make sure you have the proper tools(micro cloth,choji oil)to properly maintain the sword. Some newbie advice from one to another. Always ask to confirm before doing anything when it comes to nihonto nomatter how trivial or obvious things may seem it will save you alot of head/heart aches not to mention money.   Regards 

 

Thanks for the kind words JD808. I appreciate them. He was a great man and I'm just trying to do right by him. 

 

I may consider removing the blemish in the future by a good togishi if I can take it somewhere local. This isn't the kind of item I'd want to ship out. A bit subborn on my part, but I'd want to be around for any work done to the blade. If there are any good Los Angeles togishis, any recommendations would be appreciated. 

 

I indeed have the choji oil, rice powder ball, and microfiber cloth. I was given his kit along with the sword, and the small sabitori block was included.

[ChrisW]

Being that the polish is still in good shape, I would leave this blemish if it is not removeable with some high-purity isopropyl alcohol and a very good quality chamois or microfiber cloth. Tissue paper (unscented) is also fine. Leave it with a thin sheen of choji oil and make sure there is no beading.

 

The reason being that with every polish, the polisher removes layers of metal bringing the blade closer to a 'tired' (unusable) state. Of course, it is your sword to take care of now, so the call is yours. But doing the least is often the best when regarding care for these things. I would clean, oil, appreciate, and then put away in a cool dry place, only removing to appreciate and check on it. Depending on your climate, you may have to check it only twice a year, or three to four times if more humid. If it is a shirasaya, then less.

[BuckarooBanzai]

Thanks ChrisW. I see you're from Indiana. My friend was from Elizabeth, IN. 

 

Is there a tutorial or specific method to follow for attempting to remove a blemish with high-purity isopropyl alcohol? I could try that. I've only tried removing the blemish with the powder ball and microfiber cloth (re-oiling after). Thanks again. 

[JD808]

I wouldn't use that powder and ball setup thats uchiko powder and is a mild abrasive it will actually dull that new polish of yours if used excessively.i don't know of any legit togishi state side to my understanding do to the training method aby real polisher is located in Japan.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi K. Dim,

Do not try to remove the blemish yourself; if it is to be removed it has to be done by a properly trained polisher (of which there at least 2 in the US). Well meaning amateurs have made terrible messes with attempted repairs. If I were you I'd leave it as is. The blemish is cosmetic only; it will do no damage. If you absolutely have to get it removed, only those with proper training should touch it.

Grey

ps. Click here and scroll down to Care & Cleaning for a maintenance manual. https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

[BuckarooBanzai]

That you Del and Grey. Appreciate the advice. 

[ChrisW]

13 hours ago, BuckarooBanzai said:

Thanks ChrisW. I see you're from Indiana. My friend was from Elizabeth, IN. 

 

Is there a tutorial or specific method to follow for attempting to remove a blemish with high-purity isopropyl alcohol? I could try that. I've only tried removing the blemish with the powder ball and microfiber cloth (re-oiling after). Thanks again. 

Well, if you're ever in the area, feel free to join us at an Indiana Token Kai meeting!