Sword collecting requires special care and maintenance for lifelong use and display. All samurai weapons need special treatment since they are not often used on a daily basis. Rather, they are primarily used for aesthetic purposes such as for decoration. Taking care of your samurai weapons need not to be expensive, you can even give your samurai weapons your tender loving care right inside your own home. Learn more suggestions that may help you achieve rust-free and shiny blades of your samurai weapon collection.
Steps
1. Paper towel is the best cloth to clean the blade of the sword but you can also use a clean cloth or towel.
2. Oil it well. Right after cleaning, it’s time to apply oil. Leave a thin film of oil on the blade. Remember that this is how you should proceed every 1 to 6 months.
3. Don’t neglect the wooden parts of the sword. Clean the handle and the scabbard with special lacquer, varnish, or wax. You can also use lemon oil to clean the wooden parts of the swords the same way it’s used to clean furnitures.
4. Polish. Choose between Brasso or Autosol so you will be able to polish the brass components of the sword.
5. Wax leather elements. Look for a quality paste wax to take care of leather scabbards as well as sheaths and handles covered in leather.
When it comes to samurai swords, humidity plays a crucial factor whether your collection develop rust or not. It is wise to store your collection in a sealed case with enough desiccants to maintain humidity below about 30% to avoid getting rust, most especially in high humidity areas.
Look for ways to protect the blades of your samurai swords from skin contact. Upon any contact between bare hands and steel swords will leave oils and salts that will devour its way into your blade and eventually leave pits. Another effective way to avoid rust is not touching the blade and wipes it off once it is touched. Exposed steel will most probably rust over time. Inspect your swords at least once a year and look for new rusty areas. Use fine steel wool or Nev-R-Dull on them.
To Clean or Not to Clean
Closely monitor the blades to see when it is cleaning time. Do clean when handling (skin contact) has been made. For small or noticeable spots of rusts, decide the kind of cleaning suitable for the swords. Keep in mind not to harm the blade and create more harm than good thereby destroying its value.
Do not attempt to clean the blade when you wish to transform an old weapon to make it look new. Don’t try to polish any brass parts of the sword since it destroys the patina.
Caution
Remember not to take cleaning of your samurai weapons lightly. The blade is extremely sharp and can cause serious injury when mishandled. Never clean or oil the blade holding the edge towards you. Use discretion and common sense when working around other people. When in doubt or any signs of obvious damage of your sword during cleaning, it is wise to halt the cleaning and consult a professional.