sword maintenence

Rich · 12th July 2008, 07:05 PM

Ren wax for my non-Japanese items; choji oil for the Nihonto.
Simple 3 in 1 oil for some misc stuff.

DON"T USE NAVAL JELLY!! It is a gelatinized phosphoric acid -
it will eat you blades - literallly.

Rich S

Lew · 12th July 2008, 07:09 PM

Yes wax is the way to go even a good car wax will do.

Lew

Atlantia · 12th July 2008, 08:27 PM

A steady dry enviroment is an obvious important factor. I find that a good rub with a light oiled cloth (not leaving the blade oily as it'll attract dust and airborne particles, just removing any hand grease) and my swords are generally fine. The big enemy is the inquisitive fingers of visiting friends. Someone with acidic sweat can leave a permernant corroded fingerprint in good steel overnight.

Rub the steel with newspaper to remove any grease or dirt, then a lightly oiled cloth, then a clean cloth.

ward · 12th July 2008, 11:22 PM

I have seen more sword blades and chain mail trashed with navel jelly than anything else.Rennaisance Wax is very good but expensive. A cheaper alternative is butcher's bowling alley wax. linseed oil never dries and collects dust.

12th July 2008, 07:05 PM	#1
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	Ren wax for my non-Japanese items; choji oil for the Nihonto. Simple 3 in 1 oil for some misc stuff. DON"T USE NAVAL JELLY!! It is a gelatinized phosphoric acid - it will eat you blades - literallly. Rich S

12th July 2008, 07:09 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Yes wax is the way to go even a good car wax will do. Lew

12th July 2008, 08:27 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	A steady dry enviroment is an obvious important factor. I find that a good rub with a light oiled cloth (not leaving the blade oily as it'll attract dust and airborne particles, just removing any hand grease) and my swords are generally fine. The big enemy is the inquisitive fingers of visiting friends. Someone with acidic sweat can leave a permernant corroded fingerprint in good steel overnight. Rub the steel with newspaper to remove any grease or dirt, then a lightly oiled cloth, then a clean cloth.

12th July 2008, 11:22 PM	#4
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	I have seen more sword blades and chain mail trashed with navel jelly than anything else.Rennaisance Wax is very good but expensive. A cheaper alternative is butcher's bowling alley wax. linseed oil never dries and collects dust.