Small rust on ha

Okan · January 30, 2023

Hi guys,

I'm really not sure if this a fresh active rust or an old one..But I seriously don't remember it so must be a new...And I keep them oiled hmm Guess I've missed a spot..Is there a special uchiko method or something? (Polish is not an option)

Wim V · February 1, 2023

Hi,

Maybe try rubbing gently with a piece of bone or ivory?

I must say I'm quite surprised you have new rust developing in the Netherlands if you keep your swords oiled in shirasaya. Or do you live in a very humid environment?

Alex A · February 1, 2023

Id be surprised if that wasn't already there.

Sometimes you just don't notice little marks, then notice them later.

WillFalstaff · February 1, 2023

Blade is ruined. Might as well use it as a hedge trimer or just ship it out to me :glee: :laughing:

Is the spot red? If it is it’s probably new active rust. Oopsies happen.

Okan · February 1, 2023

11 minutes ago, WillFalstaff said:

Blade is ruined. Might as well use it as a hedge trimer or just ship it out to me

Is the spot red? If it is it’s probably new active rust. Oopsies happen.

Too short to be a hedge timer..I'll use it as a kitchen knife..Dishwasher might help with the rust..

Okan · February 1, 2023

2 hours ago, Alex A said:

Id be surprised if that wasn't already there.

Sometimes you just don't notice little marks, then notice them later.

Yes Alex probably..

Okan · February 1, 2023

2 hours ago, Wim V said:

Hi,

Maybe try rubbing gently with a piece of bone or ivory?

I must say I'm quite surprised you have new rust developing in the Netherlands if you keep your swords oiled in shirasaya. Or do you live in a very humid environment?

Yeah I'm surprised too! I live in Amsterdam..maybe the rust was already been there I have no idea.

reinhard · February 3, 2023

Okan,

Telling from the bright color of the rust, the spots on the ha look pretty new.

Removal should not be a problem.

Try a tool like a spatula made of horn, soft enough to not scratch the steel.

The cause for newly building rust eventually lies within the saya.

Old shirasaya, depending on how they were used in the past, should eventually be cleaned.

Now that would be a job for a professional.

reinhard

Okan · February 7, 2023

On 2/3/2023 at 1:16 AM, reinhard said:

Okan,

Telling from the bright color of the rust, the spots on the ha look pretty new.

Removal should not be a problem.

Try a tool like a spatula made of horn, soft enough to not scratch the steel.

The cause for newly building rust eventually lies within the saya.

Old shirasaya, depending on how they were used in the past, should eventually be cleaned.

Now that would be a job for a professional.

reinhard

Yes it's in a very old Shirasaya..Maybe it's time to replace it. Thank you Reinhard!

WillFalstaff · February 9, 2023

You could do the naïve obtuse thing (like me :doh: )and try to make your own shirasaya. Might take longer to get a custom new one made, compared to sourcing Honoki wood and getting the proper tools. I think some of the gents on here have repaired the shirasaya themselves, so that's another option. (Or you could mail the blade to me, seeing the disastrous rust spot has destroyed all the value of the tanto :rotfl: )