Sword Care Instructions
The proper care and maintenance of Samurai swords is critical if they are to retain their condition. The composition of the quality sword steel Samurai sword masters use makes them very susceptible to rust. A cleaning kit has everything necessary for basic sword care. We recommend the Shinwa Sword Maintenance Kit shown below.
Sword Maintenance Kit Includes
- 1. Brass awl and hammer to easily dismantle the sword.
- 2. Rice paper for cleaning oil from the blade, polishing and spreading oil on the blade.
- 3. Extra large uchiko (powder ball), the pad contains non-abrasive powder that absorbs extra cleaning oil.
- 4. Bottle of choji oil, to prevent rusting.
- 5. Plastic container to store an oiled cloth.
Maintaining Your Samurai Sword Blade
Removing Oil (Fig. 1)
First, use a sheet of rice paper to remove oil from previous maintenance, holding the edge away from you and working very carefully to avoid injury. (Note: if you wish to save the rice paper, a soft cotton cloth may be substituted).
Polishing Blade (Fig. 2)
Then, tap the powder ball lightly against the blade every two inches or so along its length, dusting the blade very lightly with powder. (Note: when using the ball for the first time, you may need to tap the ball against the blade a few times to "start" the powder flow through the fabric of the ball.) Then, use a clean piece of rice paper or cotton cloth to carefully rub over the powder to polish the blade. Repeat until both sides of the blade have been polished and the powder is removed. Do not inhale the powder.
Oiling Blade (Fig. 3)
Apply a few drops of oil along the length of each side of the blade and use a piece of rice paper or cotton cloth to spread the oil evenly over the blade. Be sure not to touch the blade again before resheathing.
Maintaining Your Samurai Sword Scabbard
The scabbard of your Samurai sword is finished in many coats of lacquer. To preserve the sheen, the scabbard needs only to be wiped occasionally with a very soft cloth. Handle the scabbard only by holding the wrapped section; otherwise fine scratches caused by handling the lacquered sections will dull the finish.