Antique Swords, Samurai Swords, Armor and More

Although we recommend you use a professional to polish your swords, you can do the basic maintenance of your antique swords yourself. The Japanese antique swords require constant attention. If you live in a damper region or it is the damper part of the year the blade must be oiled more frequently. So we have offered a beginners step by step guide to maintaining the polish on your swords.

First you must wipe away all of the old oil from the blade with a high quality paper called hosho. This special paper may be hard to get a hold of so you can substitute it with a good quality flannel or tanned deerskin. Too deepen the cleaning process to remove more oil and dirt apply uchiko powder. This has been replaced by some with talcum powder although I would recommend finding uchiko. Always wipe away from the tang towards the point to avoid cutting you and harming your blade. Do this until the blade is free from powder.

It is now time to apply your fresh oil. The traditional oil evaporates rather quickly, oil of cloves, so we now use camellia oil. If you still want the authentic aroma you may add two or three drops of clove. If heavier oils are used they will soil the scabbard and cause residue to accumulate giving way eventually to rust. Applying your oil is easy. Take a piece of a thin paper called yoshinogami (or a piece of gauze) and put the oil on it. Fold the paper or gauze around the back side of the blade and while gently pressing the metal wipe the blade from the tang to the point, just as you did with the powder. Make sure you distribute the oil evenly so it does not accumulate in one spot A whitish film will be seen on the metal. That’s all there is to it.

When storing your antique swords avoid camphor wood chests. The fumes from the camphor wood can cause your swords to rust. Should rust appear get your sword to a professional as quick as possible for a polish. Polishing needs to be left to the experts so there is no damage done to your swords.

Maintain your antique swords properly and they will keep their beauty and value for years to come.

 Collecting antique swords can seem overwhelming to the beginner. There are so many types of swords and characteristics to look at. Acquiring some basic knowledge as a beginner will make your experience more enjoyable and save you from some embarrassing decisions. Here are 3 tips that will help you get well grounded before you start buying.

1. Research – Talk to other collectors, search the web or go to trade shows for antique swords. Familiarize yourself with the terminology and characteristics of the antique swords world, a library or used book store can be good for that. The research you do the better collector you will be. In the world of collecting you must also be aware of people who will take advantage of you so knowledge is your friend.

2. Purchasing – As beginner collector you will want to purchase your first antique swords from a major conservation organization or a reputable company instead of a private party. Search out information as to where the experienced collectors go and take a cue from them. Once you become more familiar with antique swords and collecting them you can then venture out to private collectors if you so choose.

3. Condition at Purchase – Swords that are already in excellent condition, ones that don’t need to be cleaned or sharpened, are better for the beginner to purchase. You will want to leave cleaning, polishing and sharpening to the professionals. If any damage is done to the sword during this process the value would decrease and you may permanently damage your sword.

You know the saying “The more you know the more you don’t know”. The same goes for the beginner antique swords collector. You can explore this fascinating world endlessly. Keep these 3 tips for beginners in mind as you venture out and you will be off to a good start.