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 This has been replaced by some with talcum powder although I would recommend finding uchiko.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.
