How To Preserve And Use A Japanese Sword

Taking Care of the Sword

In taking care of a Japanese sword it is important to pay attention to the rust development and scratches. Note that keeping any Japanese sword safe from damage is a task that requires time, accuracy and patience.

Rust is the worst enemy of the blade. Oiling the blade is not enough since rust can appear in many other places. The rust's favorite location is where the scabbard embraces the blade. In such cases the main thing to do is to take the sword to a specialist.

If the scabbard of a Japanese sword is old then rust and dirt are the ones that can have a negative impact on the steel of the blade. In such cases it is important to change the scabbard as soon as possible.

A Japanese sword needs to have a wooden scabbard as well as a wooden hilt. Thus the scabbard, when the blade is being affected by rust, could be easily cleaned on the inside. It is made of two halves that are fastened with the help of cooked rice paste. The halves, when opened, are very easy to be cleaned. There're no special chemicals that are used for fastening the parts of both hilt and scabbard.

There is no need to rub the rust off the blade with the help of a coin's edge. This is not a very effective way; in fact, it could provoke serious damage to the blade. In such cases a polishing professional is needed.

After the process of polishing the blade is still vulnerable and can be easily affected by rust. This is why it is important to apply oil on the blade every ten days. The whole procedure should be made for about six months.

Cleaning the blade every six months will protect it from rusting. When a film of oil is applied on the blade the sword should be kept in a horizontal position so oil won't go down. A dry place is needed for keeping the sword. The best place to keep it is the drawers that are made from paulownia wool.

Katana

Katana is one of the most famous Japanese weapons. It has a long history and a rich tradition. Japanese warriors wore this sword with them and protected the Emperor. Till nowadays Japan houses masters that have special skills to create a Katana sword using special techniques.

With no doubt Katana is one of the sharpest swords on the planet. It is thin, able to cut hard objects. It is important to hold the sword in such a way so not to commit serious injuries. The edge of the sword should never be touched and while cleaning and oiling the blade make sure that the edge is not in a position towards you.

Unsheathe the Blade!

Fitted in the scabbard, the blade of Katana is firm, so to avoid unsheathing it spontaneously. Note that pulling the handle apart from the scabbard is not the right thing to do. This process is dangerous. The correct process of unsheathing the sword includes: first of all holding with your left hand the wrapped part of the scabbard and having your right hand on the handle.

Then the guard should be pushed away from scabbard's throat. This is done using your left thumb. Thus you will be able to break the friction resistance and the sword will then be gently slid from its scabbard. When you withdraw the blade, its edge should not touch the scabbard because in this case it will get dull.

Katana is a weapon that needs to be handled accurately. It should be stored in horizontal position so its edge would be side up. Thus you will prevent it from bearing on the scabbard. This will also serve you well in preserving the condition of both the edge and the scabbard.

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