Whether you bought a high quality jian or katana, maintaining a traditional Asian sword can be a very intimidating task for the beginner collector. After all, these are functional swords that can actually be used. From keeping away rust to keeping your edge sharp, there are many things you can do to properly take care of your sword. Follow along with this guide to learn how to keep any of your battle-ready swords in top shape.
Oil the Blade
Traditional Chinese and Japanese swords can be made from a number of different types of metal. Some people prefer 1095 high carbon steel, while others like the more traditional tamahagane steel. Regardless of which your sword is made of, the blade can still rust if you don’t care for it properly. To prevent any rust on the blade, you want to oil it on a regular basis. You can use a natural oil, like clove or camellia, or opt for something synthetic, like silicone-based ones that come in a spray can.
Oiling your blade is quick and easy. It should only take about five minutes and you should be doing it every single time you use the sword. If your sword is just for ceremony or display, oiling should be done about once every three months.
Don’t Touch the Blade!
You might think this tip is obvious, but have you ever held a new sword and not wanted to feel the sharpness of the blade? Resist the urge! Any time you touch the metal of the blade, you’re transferring acid from your fingers onto the metal that can corrode and deteriorate it. These acids can also encourage rust. If you do touch the blade by accident, do your best to wipe down and oil the sword as soon as possible to remove any lingering contaminants from your body.
Store Properly
Storing your sword properly helps ensure two things: that your sword doesn’t collect dust that may damage your blade and that your scabbard doesn’t warp or distort. Scabbards made from wood can easily bend and twist, losing their shape from age, heat, dampness, and more. Keeping your sword in the scabbard is one way to prevent the scabbard from warping. You should also make sure that your sword is kept in a cool, dry place that’s safe from moisture or excessive warmth.
Occasionally, you should also be doing some maintenance for the scabbard as well as the blade. While you might be polishing the blade after each use, the scabbard and handle need to be cleaned, lacquered, varnished, and/or waxed to protect them. When cleaning, any mild wood furniture oil is appropriate.
Avoid Parrying
Not everyone chooses to use their sword, but if you do, there are certain moves that will definitely damage the blade. Parrying is the best way to damage the weapon and should be avoided at all costs. While it might look cool in the movies, exchanging whacks with friends is a good way to nick and notch the metal. You’re reducing the value of your sword and destroying the visual appeal of a clean blade.
If you really want to take a few swings at a friend in the practice hall, it’s best to use a shinai or polypropylene bokken for the safety of your sword and yourself.
Sharpening & Polishing
You can sharpen and polish your blade, but it is a lengthy and difficult process that you might want to leave to the professionals. Most traditionally made Japanese and Chinese weapons undergo a multi-step polishing process with several types of whetstones before they arrive at your doorstep. This process achieves an extremely specific angle and edge for your blade and polishing or sharpening on your own can change the angle and ruin the sharpness of the blade. If you’re trying to sharpen or polish a blade without experience, you could be causing more harm than good. Look for a blade specialist near you and take your blade to them instead.
How frequently a sword needs to be polished or sharpened depends on how you’re using it. Discuss your activities with a blade specialist to determine how often they need to run a whetstone over the metal.
Respecting Your Sword
You should always remember that real Chinese and Japanese swords aren’t toys. They come from centuries of tradition and culture and should be treated with respect. If you want a sword that just looks cool, the real thing may not be for you and you should buy a stainless-steel piece that requires no maintenance.
Fully functional pieces will always need extra maintenance and TLC to ensure they look their best and last for years. Whether you’re buying a sword for yourself or planning on gifting one to a friend, make sure you know everything entailed before you buy.
