July 19 (News about Japan) – Japanese swords, also called ‘katanas’, are samurai sword made in japan. Many sword collectors value katanas for their sharpness, durability, and rich history. That’s why a real katana can cost up to $200,000.
So if you have a katana, it’s important to clean and care for it. However, taking good care of your samurai sword is a lot harder than it seems. Luckily, this article is here for you. Here, we’ll share some expert tips that will make taking care of your katana easy.
Use the right equipment
Cleaning your katana is not something you should do lightly to prevent damage. You can’t just wipe your blade with a wet cloth every now and then. When cleaning a katana, you need to use the right equipment.
Use a soft cloth to wipe down your blade before cleaning it to remove dust and excess oil from the blade. You will also need an oil cloth to oil your blade after cleaning. Additionally, consider purchasing a cleaning kit specifically designed for katanas. This kit will contain most of the items you will need to care for your sword.
Avoid harsh polishing chemicals
There is nothing quite like the shine that a freshly polished katana gives off. That is why it is a common practice to polish your katana after cleaning it. Not only does this keep the katana looking good, it also preserves the blade. Nevertheless, you should polish your samurai sword wisely.
Avoid harsh polishing materials or chemicals. These substances can harm your knife by damaging the surface. In addition, harsh chemicals can cause your knife to rust. So avoid harsh polishing materials if you want your katana to last a long time.
Never sharpen your knife with abrasive materials
Another helpful tip for caring for your katana is to never use abrasive sharpeners or whetstones. While abrasive sharpeners can sharpen your katana, they will also damage your blade. You should only use Japanese water stones or whetstones to sharpen your blade.
Also, avoid sharpening your knife if you are not properly trained. If you are not trained, you could damage your knife or injure yourself. Always seek a professional to sharpen your knife.
Avoid touching the blade with your fingers
You should avoid touching the blade of your katana with your fingers. Why? When you touch the blade with your fingers, your fingerprints can leave invisible condensation. This condensation promotes rust formation, which damages your blade.
When handling the knife, always use a soft cloth, cotton gloves or Nuguigami (special Japanese paper).
Apply sword oil
Before storing your katana, it is important to apply a thin layer of non-abrasive oil to the blade after cleaning. This oil prevents oxidation and rust formation on the blade. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil to prevent it from attracting dust.
Please note that you should wipe off your old oil and reapply new oil to the blade every now and then. If you live in a dry region and store your sword properly, you should change the oil every three to four months. On the other hand, if you live in a humid region, you should clean your blade and reapply the coating more often. This tip can authentic katana sword to last longer.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual katana collector or a sword expert, taking good care of your samurai sword should be your priority. However, cleaning and maintaining your katana shouldn’t be done casually. You need to use the right equipment and know when to seek professional help. Doing so will help preserve your katana and its rich history.
