Removing black stains from Showato blade

[patrick7813]

All

 

I have a very nice oil quenched Showato blade, signed by Masahiro, that unfortunately has several black (former fingerprint) stains on the blade (see pic). These are not numerous but nevertheless distracting. Other than these stains, the blade condition would be rated mint. Does anyone know of a technique (short of a polish) that can be used to remove/obliterate these fingerprint stains? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Regards,

[drbvac]

Have u tried uchiko? Light application over several days should certainly remove some of it

[patrick7813]

Brian

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm relatively new at this (of all the gunto in my collection, this is the only with these types of stains) and haven't tried any technique as yet. I've read where some use both uchiko and choji oil to create a fine paste and then gently rub, rub, rub to remove the stains. They eventually come away. I want to guard against having a very clean appearing area with the remainder of the blade with it's original appearing wartime polish. I will try your suggestion.

 

Regards,

[sanjuro]

Hold the phone!..........

 

Alarm bells ... whistles etc. Can I warn you against using the choji oil and uchiko combo? Its extremely abrasive. Fine for removing rust from general hardware and heavy industrial machinery, or barnacles from wharf pylons, but it requires a light touch. Please dont try it on even a really bad Showato. Seriously, not wise unless all other methods have failed, and you really dont care about the end result.

[jason y]

So it is ok to do on hand made blade like gendaitos?

[sanjuro]

You are kidding right?

 

I tried to say it was extremely abrasive. I cant imagine an alternative warning that could convey the danger more clearly. That means basically that it is not for use by a newbie or any one who is not a polisher for that matter on any nihonto least of all traditionally made blades. The tendency for it to leave rather nasty fine scratches simply makes it too risky........An amateur with an abrasive compound in hand should not be allowed within twenty yards of a Japanese sword of any description. Just dont go there believe me. Regardless of what friends and other self styled collectors have told you, until you know a lot more about nihonto and what you are doing, leave it alone. There are a lot of well meaning idiots out there screwing up swords righteously armed with the best of intentions and the least of knowledge. Please dont become one of them.

Just for the record, what makes you think that all showato weren't hand made or that all gendaito were hand made. Could YOU tell the difference between a hand made blade and a machine made blade? (without the stamps and other little hints). :D

[patrick7813]

All

 

Ouch, as the OP, I didn’t mean to create a firestorm!

 

I do not want to destroy the blade in an attempt to remove the black stains and therefore will not use a uchiko/choji oil paste. I have tried multiple applications of uchiko and the stains are diminished but still present/visible, mainly as grey areas.

 

Discussions about discerning the differences between gendaito and showato (yes, I can) aside, the original question remains -- How (meaning best way short of a polish) to remove black stains resulting from old fingerprints from a blade (of any construct)?”. I’m open to any and all suggestions.

 

Cheers everyone,

[Stephen]

How (meaning best way short of a polish) to remove black stains resulting from old fingerprints from a blade (of any construct)?”. I’m open to any and all suggestions.

 

other than the polish your not going to get rid of them, sorry no short cuts.

[patrick7813]

Stephen

 

Thanks, I was afraid of that. I don't feel the blade is worth the expense of a polish (even Fred Lohman's $800 one). Too bad, otherwise it's a very nice, attractive blade with an active hamon (gunome). Unfortunately, IMHO, the black stains ruin it's appearance.

 

Cheers,