When cleaning Japanese swords, use rice paper instead of lint-free cotton cloths. Coffee filters will also work as a cheap alternative. [1] X Research source
To avoid over-oiling, you can also apply the oil directly onto the sword with an eye dropper. [7] X Research source
Ensure that the oils you use to protect the metal on your sword don’t touch the leather handle. This can cause the leather to rot. You may want to protect the leather with plastic wrap whenever you oil the blade.
Renaissance wax can also provide long-term protection for swords on display.
Do not store your swords in leather scabbards. This will quickly cause the blade to rust. While wooden scabbards are a better option than leather, they, too, will not protect the blade as well as well-secured rags and ties.
Some people choose to purposefully buy sturdier swords so they can handle them with less fear of damaging the metal. Even if you buy one of these swords, exercise caution and be prepared for damage.
If you’re worried about damaging the metal, you can wear cotton gloves when handling the sword. Don’t wear these gloves when cleaning, oiling, or polishing the sword, as they won’t provide you with the mobility you need to safely complete these processes.
Lay the sword down on a flat, secure surface. The tip of the blade should be facing away from you. Rub the sandpaper over the damaged area in one-directional, straight motions. Focus on small areas, moving through them one at a time. Finish with the fine abrasive pad to provide a satiny, scratchless metal surface. Clean any rust dust off the metal with a soft cloth, and oil the blade as you normally would. If rust develops on more expensive swords, call a professional. You don’t want to cause further damage to valuable items by trying to fix them yourself.
