A little care and common sense can significantly extend the lifespan of your swords, edged weapons, armor, and shields. Understanding your purchase’s capabilities and following proper maintenance practices is essential for keeping them in optimal condition.In this article, we will show you how to maintenance and use your sword!
Proper Sword Usage
We categorize swords into three primary types: Decorative, Functional (Battle Ready), and Sport Combat (Stage Combat). Each type serves a different purpose and requires specific handling:
Decorative Swords
• Made of stainless steel, which is brittle and should never be struck against any object.
• These swords are purely for display purposes.
Battle Ready Swords
“Proper Battle Ready Sword Care involves regular oiling and avoiding contact with hard surfaces to prevent damage.”
• Constructed with carbon steel, designed for light cutting.
• Avoid striking hard objects, including other swords, as this can damage the blade.
• Remember: swords in real combat were never used to block attacks with the blade edge, as seen in movies. This practice damages the cutting edge and leaves the wielder vulnerable.
Sport Combat Swords
• Designed with thicker edges to endure sword-to-sword combat.
• While these swords can handle such impact, overuse will eventually wear them down.
• Avoid testing any sword’s strength by striking hard surfaces—this can nick or even break the blade.
Cutting Practice
For cutting practice, only use a Battle Ready sword with a properly sharpened edge, and focus on soft targets like:
• Rice mats
• Cardboard tubes
• Water jugs
We offer a variety of rice mats, which are ideal for practice.
Important Safety Notes:
• Swords are inherently dangerous tools designed for combat.
• Seek proper training before attempting any cutting exercises.
• Never use a sword to chop down trees or hard, stationary objects. This can bend or torque the blade, causing irreparable damage.
Even the Japanese, known for their dedication to swordsmanship, practiced on thick bamboo rather than trees. Bamboo provides resistance without the rigidity that would damage a blade.
Care and Maintenance
Swords, especially those made using traditional methods, require proper care to prevent rust and maintain their condition. This Sword Maintenance Guide will help you preserve the craftsmanship and functionality of your swords for years to come.Here’s how to care for your sword:
Blade Materials
1. Stainless Steel:
• Highly resistant to rust, especially in higher grades.
• Typically used for decorative swords.
2. High Carbon Steel:
• Found in Battle Ready and Sport Combat swords.
• Prone to rust if not adequately maintained.
Storage Tips
• Avoid storing swords in leather scabbards for extended periods; leather retains moisture, leading to oxidation.
• Use a wood-core scabbard and apply a light oil coating to the blade before prolonged storage.
Preventative Maintenance
“Preventing sword rust is a key part of maintaining your collection, especially for high carbon steel blades.”
• Keep a light coating of oil (such as Hanwei Sword Oil) on the blade to prevent rust.
• Avoid excessive handling of the blade, as skin oils can damage the metal. Always wipe off fingerprints.
• Use Renaissance Wax for a protective waxed layer if you prefer it over oil.
Rust Removal
• For light rust, use WD40.
• For deeper rust, opt for a synthetic sanding pad (fine grade) or a Rust Eraser.
• Handle the cleaning process carefully to avoid scratching the blade.
Conclusion
With regular maintenance and proper care, your sword collection will retain its beauty and functionality for years to come. A little effort goes a long way in preserving the craftsmanship and value of your swords.
By treating your swords, edged weapons, and armor with respect and following proper maintenance practices, you can preserve their beauty, functionality, and historical integrity. Whether you are a collector, practitioner, or enthusiast, regular care ensures your investment remains a lasting testament to the art of bladesmithing and craftsmanship. A well-maintained sword is not just a tool but a piece of history that tells its own story.
