The samurai sword was developed from the horizontal sword (short handle) and the Mo Dao (long handle) that were widely equipped by the Chinese army during the Tang Dynasty. It was later widely used by Japanese samurai and has specific cultural significance and connotations.Since ancient times, the katana sword has been known for its beautiful shape as a weapon. Many famous swords are collected as works of art and contain the symbolic meaning of the soul of the katana sword. Different from swords from other countries, the biggest feature of Japanese swords is that in addition to the appearance decoration, the blade itself shows artistic sense. This makes it more like a work of art than a sword.Of course, samurai swords, like any other work of art, require delicate treatment and regular maintenance. If you want to better protect your work of art, please read this article carefully.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Samurai Sword
Cleaning a katana sword is not something you can do casually, so as not to damage it. First of all, avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the blade surface. Also, do not use abrasive materials or grinding wheels (even fine ones) for cleaning, grinding or sharpening. These operations should only be performed under the supervision of an expert in this field. Remember this golden rule: a Japanese samurai sword must be treated gently and with respect.
Avoid touching the blade with your fingers, as fingerprints can create imperceptible condensation that promotes rust. Instead, use a very soft cloth, cotton gloves, or special Japanese paper designed for this purpose. Finally, follow a precaution not specifically for the protection of your sword, but for your own safety: never hold a katana sword or any other katana sword with its blade facing you. The blade should always be facing outward, away from you, to avoid accidents. When you decide to care for your sword, do it alone, especially keeping children and pets away.
How to Protect Your Samurai Sword
Careful and proper maintenance can keep your samurai sword as trustworthy as ever, even after a long time.
1. Clean Regularly
After using the Japanese samurai sword , it should be cleaned with clean water in time to avoid food residues adhering to the blade, causing the blade to become blunt or corroded and rusted.
2. Keep Dry
It is also important to keep your knife dry; if it is left in a wet environment for a long time, it may cause corrosion and rust, ruining the edge.
3. Keep It Sharp
Frequent use will make the blade dull, which will not only affect the cutting efficiency, but also increase the risk of tool slippage and breakage. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the blade sharp at all times.
4. Grease Application
As a metal product, the samurai sword is very likely to oxidize. Therefore, we need to regularly apply good cooking oil or special maintenance agent to avoid oxidation and rust, while also increasing the sliding properties of the blade and keeping it sharp for a longer time.
5. Pay Attention to Storage
You also need to be extra careful when placing your samurai sword. Proper storage of the knife can prevent damage caused by friction or collision, so you should choose a suitable storage location to keep the knife intact.
6. Correct Way to Use
When using a katana sword , avoid direct impact with iron or stone surfaces to avoid damaging the blade. Also avoid excessive hammering or sawing. Do not hit or stab hard objects. Try to maintain gentle force and accuracy as much as possible.
7. Anti-Rust Treatment
The mirrored surface of a katana requires more care and special equipment when cleaning. If dirt, oil, and water accumulate in a katana, the knife will quickly deteriorate.
A wooden sheath may absorb the oil film from the Japanese samurai sword blade during storage, and over time, the wooden sheath may need to be replaced.
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, the Japanese samurai sword should be cleaned and oiled after each use. Over time, the oil film of the katana will wear off even when it is stored in the sheath, and it will need to be constantly replenished. During storage, the inside of the sheath will also gradually become damp, which also increases the risk of rust on the blade.
8. Maintenance Accessories
Most of the accessories of swords are made of copper. You can wipe the accessories with cloth or deerskin. It is best to apply a little oil on the cloth to protect it from oxidation. Take the sword guard accessories as an example. Use the cloth to wipe the accessories back and forth vigorously to make them shiny.
9. Wipe the Scabbard
The scabbard is also very important for the maintenance of samurai swords. The scabbard is basically made of solid wood. Use cotton cloth or deerskin to rub the scabbard vigorously and roughly, so that the wood will generate heat and gradually become shiny. You can also spray the scabbard with car instrument wax and then wipe it back and forth with cotton cloth to keep the scabbard shiny and beautiful.
Conclusion
The Japanese take the care of their katana and other Japanese samurai swords very seriously, reflecting their deep attachment to the values conveyed by these samurai symbols and codes of honor. It is a ritual, and we hope you will care for your katana with the same passion.
If you want to own a craft like this, I strongly recommend this Handmade Japanese samurai sword - meteor-1060 Steel. It not only has a smooth blade, but also a red shell. The overall look is very noble and elegant. If you like, please buy it home.
