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How to Clean a Samurai Sword

Weapons collectors, enthusiasts and modern-day ninja warriors know the importance of properly maintaining a samurai sword. Unfortunately, too few people know that common household cleansers may end up doing more harm than good when used on a blade. Knowing the proper techniques for cleaning and maintaining a samurai sword is key for ensuring the integrity and beauty of the blade for years to come.

Things You'll Need

Harai gami (rice paper)/Erufu (cotton cloth) Uchiko (powder ball) Sword oil

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the sharp edge of the blade away from yourself and use a sheet of harai gami or an erufu to remove the oil from the face-up side of the sword only. Hold the harai gami or erufu firmly against the blade and wipe slowly from handle to tip.
- 2
  Lightly tap the blade with the uchiko from handle to tip, distributing an even dusting of powder as you tap.
- 3
  Polish the blade using a clean harai gami or erufu, making circular motions from handle to tip. Continue polishing until all the powder residue is dissolved. Turn the blade over and repeat the entire process.
- 4
  Apply three to five drops of sword oil to each side of the blade and use a clean harai gami or erufu to evenly spread the oil over the entire surface of the blade.

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