Practical Cleaning

I was wondering what practical advice people could offer about monthly cleaning. I understand there is a traditional method that may not be practical for today's applications. I've read everything from using gauze to benzene to WD40. I am interested in preserving the blade and reducing the risks of accidental damage. When it comes to cleaning, a lot of websites feature the same old pictures of the man in the suit that appear to have been taken a while ago. Does anyone have a more modern pamphlet or perhaps a personal procedure they feel comfortable with?  And also, some common accidents to avoid?

Many Thanks!

Hi .. (Please sign with a name)

The best to just preserve is to pick up some light machine oil, the type sold for sewing machines. A few drops on a clean and soft cloth, lightly wiped over the blade when it has been handled should do the trick. In climates that are not humid, cleaning does not even have to be done monthly. Less is more when it comes to Nihonto.

Uchiko an cleaning kits should be reserved for blades heavily out of polish,and even then sparingly.

Search the forum, there is a lot of info posted about cleaning.

Try here: http://www.militaria.co.za/nihontomessa ... aintenance and http://www.militaria.co.za/nihontomessa ... aintenance amongst others.

Dr Stein also has a great page on care and cleaning at http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/care.htm and that NBTHK sword care guide is still very much valid.

Regards,

Brian

Hi Brian -

Thanks for the quick reply and please bare with me as I become accustomed to the etiquette of this forum.

It seems that there is no "one size fits all" cleaning manual for nihonto and proper procedure various depending on given circumstances. From state of polish to regional environmental conditions to materials - the theories are numerous.

In my situation, I live in D.C. where in the winter it gets quite dry and in the summer quite humid. It would be fair to say that throughout the year, our humidity jumps from 0 to 100%. However, my blades are kept indoors where the temperature and humidity are regulated by centralized heating/cooling. I keep the temperature from 65 to 80 F throughout the year and I think it's fair to say the air is quite dry.

At the same time, the last thing I would want, is to damage a blade that otherwise could easily been prevented. I read that unscented toilet paper is OK for removing and adding oil. To me, this seems almost sacrilegious and disrespectful given the value of the blade. I also read the microfiber is an a great alternative for sword care. Does this apply to oil removal or just general wiping? From my limited knowledge, you need a tissue/cloth to A) remove the old oil B) Wipe the blade C) apply new oil if necessary.

It seems that machine or mineral are accepted amongst most readers but what about general care? What should I use for a,b,c?

Thank you for being so patient with a newcomer.

Arrigato,

Paul

I read that unscented toilet paper is OK for removing and adding oil. To me, this seems almost sacrilegious and disrespectful given the value of the blade. I also read the microfiber is an a great alternative for sword care. Does this apply to oil removal or just general wiping? From my limited knowledge, you need a tissue/cloth to A) remove the old oil B) Wipe the blade C) apply new oil if necessary.

 

 

 

Paul

As for the toilet paper - as the late Jim Kurrasch has once written (admittedly quite cockily) - if it does not leave slinters in your ... ahem... then it is unlikely to damage steel.

But taking microfiber is much more respectful, I agree. Use pure alcohol to remove older oil, avoid uchiko at all cost (it is abrasive after all) and do not apply to much oil (soft cloth like flannel will distribute it properly).

Also, keep your sword in a horizontal position, lest the oil flows down to the tip of the scabbard.

Careful when cleaning the area close to the tang - try to avoid moving the tissue up from the nakago - the tissue might catch some rust from the nakago and scratch the blade. Use choji oil or any other oil recommended by people on this message board.

Aha, move the tissue in one direction - from the tang to the tip. Never ever move your hand up and down - you will cut yourself badly some day.

That's all, I guess. Have I forgotten anything?

regards

I like using a microfiber cloth (the ones they sell for camera lenses or computer cleaning). Seems to get all the oil off with a few passes. I've stopped using uchiko almost entirely.

I use the choji oil that's sold in the Japanese cleaning kits. I've used mineral oil in a pinch but I find the consistency of the mineral oil to be a little too thick. The choji seems a bit more viscous and applies more evenly and doesn't pool up.

One thing to remember is that you can get the desired protection with very little oil. No need to soak the blade. I live in NYC where we get all 4 seasons. During the winter/fall, it's dry enough that I don't need to oil my blades at all.

Every month for cleaning/oiling is not necessary unless the blade has a fresh polish (and in this case, uchiko must not be used). I maintain every 2-3 months. Also remember blades shouldn't be kept in koshirae.

Good luck!

mike

Thanks for the ton of good advice. Let me see if I got it right.

Use toilet paper or microfiber to remove old oil (use pure alcohol if oil is very old). Throw away the toilet paper after and wash the microfiber? If so, do I just wash it in cold water?

Use toilet paper or flannel cloth to apply new oil. The flannel can re-used several times without the need to wash (since it was clean each time oil was applied)?

Avoid uchiko. Keep the blade in a shirasaya. Lay it horizontally. Use a little oil. Clean during each use or 2-3 months depending on environment.

Does that sound right?

Thank You,

Paul