Drago Posted September 24, 2011 Report Posted September 24, 2011 @Admins: Should this be the wrong place, please fell free to move this topic. Hi, as some of you might be aware I am new to Japanese swords and will probably buy my first one within the next two months. Now I am aware that proper sword care is very very important. That is why I would like to ask a couple of questions concerning that topic. First. I read the NBTHK Sword Care Guide (The one hosted on The Japanese Sword Index) and this is a tried and true method of taking care of your sword. But somewhere else (I don't really remember where) it said that this method is very complicated and novices could even easily ruin their blades with it. Is that true? I really consider this method to be difficult and don't want to do anything wrong... Second. Is the traditional method the only one you would recommend and is it the only one that works properly? I am asking because I own a medieval exhibition fighting sword that probably rusts as easily as a Japanese sword, or even more. And for that I always used precisicion mechanics oil (the stuff you can use for sewing machines and watches and that neither causes stains nor does it form resin over time) and it always worked pretty well... There are a few additional things that I might ask later, when I have thought it through properly. For now, I'd like to hear your answers on my two questions... Thanks. Quote
Derek Posted September 24, 2011 Report Posted September 24, 2011 This topic has been pretty thoroughly covered several times on these forums; try search for "cleaning" or "oil" on site search function. Much depends on your climate and if your sword has a new polish. Derek Quote
Jean Posted September 24, 2011 Report Posted September 24, 2011 Too easy, use the same oil as for your swords, if freshly polished, you can oil it every week for two months, then space the process. Just wipe the sword with a thin non abrasive cotton cloth, then slightly re-oil it. I am living in Paris, weather is dry, I never oil my blades Quote
sanjuro Posted September 24, 2011 Report Posted September 24, 2011 Tobias. As already stated, the topic is well covered in previous posts and most of the variations will be covered there also. Quote I read the NBTHK Sword Care Guide (The one hosted on The Japanese Sword Index) and this is a tried and true method of taking care of your sword. Yes it is...... Once you try it, its not so complicated. The Japanese have been doing this for hundreds of years and it works. There are other methods and various shortcuts but these are not traditional and have usually not withstood the test of time as the traditional method has. When it comes to nihonto, sword care and maintenance is not a good area for experimentation by a novice. Quote
xxlotus8xx Posted September 24, 2011 Report Posted September 24, 2011 sanjuro said: When it comes to nihonto, sword care and maintenance is not a good area for experimentation by a novice. When it comes to Japanese blades I do not think there is any such thing as experimentation. If you practice what you read in the care guide then everything will be fine. Sword care and maintenance is not complicated what soever. Just be careful when wiping down the blade as you can easily cut yourself if your not paying attention. And blood will corrode a blade quit fast.. Quote
Brian Posted September 25, 2011 Report Posted September 25, 2011 Tobias, The oil you are using (light machine oil) will be fine for protecting your blade. Choji oil is merly this type of oil with a few drops of clove oil added for scent. Light coating of oil wil prevent rust, although do not over oil. Few drops on the soft cloth, then wiped over as per the instructions. Brian Quote
sanjuro Posted September 25, 2011 Report Posted September 25, 2011 Far be it from me to argue with the boss, but............. Quote (light machine oil) will be fine for protecting your blade. Choji oil is merly this type of oil with a few drops of clove oil added for scent. Not quite true: Choji oil is often camilla oil with clove oil added to adjust the acidity and adds the scent as an added bonus or not depending on whether or not you like the smell of cloves. Camilla oil is not a mineral oil.(At least this is what I understand). We have been through this a few times before however, and I will now probably become a target for the 'Brian support group'. Ah well... into each life a little rain must fall. :D Quote
nagamaki - Franco Posted September 25, 2011 Report Posted September 25, 2011 Drago said: it said that this method is very complicated and novices could even easily ruin their blades with it. Is that true? I really consider this method to be difficult and don't want to do anything wrong... Again, please read previous cleaning advice thoroughly. If you choose to use uchiko to remove oil beware that it can quickly scratch the surface of a blade even in the hands of experienced collectors, by using too much finger pressure, incorrect wiping motion, or poor quality products. Quote
Jean Posted September 25, 2011 Report Posted September 25, 2011 I'll say as far as it is possible please avoid uchiko on full polish bledes. Quote
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