Take Care of Swords



A sword today can serve as a weapon, a piece of art and decoration, or both. All swords need special treatment because they are not used very often today. This is why collectors not only have the goal of adding new swords to their collection but taking care of them as well. Note that if you do not have the time or money to take all your collection swords to a professional, then you can take care of them in your own home. The suggestions given below will help you in maintaining one or several swords.

Steps

  1. Clean the blade of the sword It's best to use a paper towel but you can also use a clean cloth or towel.
  2. Oil the blade. After cleaning, it's time to apply oil. Leave a thin film of oil on the blade. Remember that this is how you should proceed every 1 to 6 months.
  3. Note that wooden parts of the sword will also be handled; therefore, clean the handle and the scabbard with special lacquer, varnish, or wax. Lemon oil for cleaning the furniture is also useful for cleaning the sword's wooden parts.
  4. Polish the sword. If using either Brasso or Autosol, you will also be able to polish the brass components of the sword.
  5. Wax leather elements of the sword. In order to take care of leather scabbards, and sheaths and handles that are covered in leather, you may use a quality paste wax.

Tips

  • Leather sheaths should not have their blades stored in them. It will promote corrosion. Wooden scabbards should be stored with the blades in them, to prevent the wood from warping.
  • Remember that not only the blade but all metal components of the sword, along with the handles that are wrapped in wire, must be covered with a film of oil. You can use such things as Lanotec or silicone spray to keep your sword protected against rust.
  • The blade should be cleaned with oil depending on the type of storage area as well as on the level of humidity in the area. The more humid the area, the more times you will have to oil the blade.
  • To protect the blade of the sword from dust accumulation, which is the cause of pitted areas, you can use a gun/reel cloth.
  • Try to study about swords as much as you can. It may serve you well in the future.
  • Always put oil on the blade when after use and then pack it in either polythene or some bag. This will help remain long lasting and sharpness of the blade.
  • Never "practice" with an actual sword. Aside from the obvious potential injury, you can also leave chips in the blade as well as bend it.

Warnings

  • Testing the sword is a dangerous task, not only because you can harm yourself but also because blood causes rust on the blade.
  • If any bare steel is touched by fingers, you could be left with rusty fingerprints on the blade. Use gloves, or if you (or your inquisitive but uneducated friends) touch the blade with your bare hands, be sure to wipe it off afterwards and re-apply the light coating of oil within a day.
  • Banging the sword against various hard objects is certainly not advised. Despite the fact that a sword is a weapon, today it is used for collecting and not for testing its strength.
  • The blade of the sword surely needs care but do not use sandpaper, emery paper, or other materials that can easily scratch it; this would have a serious impact on its natural look and beauty.
  • Reenactor swords are made for being hit together and having their strength tested, but these are hardened and tempered for this purpose and you should first check if a sword has been hardened before hitting anything with it.
  • Do not bang your sword against another sword in a theatrical-style duel, unless it is specifically designed to do so.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth or paper towel
  • Oil for steel (Lanotec or silicone spray against rust)
  • Oil for wood (lacquer, varnish)
  • Brasso or Autosol (for brass components)

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Sources and Citations

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