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How to Care for a Samurai Sword

Highly prized among historians and collectors alike, the samurai sword is regarded as marvel of workmanship and design. Perfectly balanced, light, strong and very effective, the sword was the primary weapon during the samurai's rise to (and eventual fall from) power. If you're planning on buying a new sword or are already in possession of one, providing proper care for the sword will ensure decades of enjoyment. You can purchase many of the needed items from knife and sword dealers.

Things You'll Need

Clove oil
Two or three squares of flannel material
600-grit sandpaper
Pure rubbing alcohol
Gun/Reel cloth
Lemon oil
Paste wax (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the sword from the sheath and place the sword on flat work surface. Douse one of the flannel squares with alcohol and rub the entirety of the blade to remove previous oil, grime or the protective grease applied from the manufacturer. Set the spent flannel square aside.
- 2
  Use the gun/reel cloth to wipe the entirety of the blade, as this applies a light oily coat of clove oil to the blade that prevents dust accumulation and rusting. If the sword does have rusting (a common occurrence at the blade/hilt joint), use the 600-grit sandpaper to remove the rust prior to using the gun/reel cloth.
- 3
  Douse another flannel square with lemon oil and apply a light coat to the wood on the hilt to help prevent cracking. If needed, use another flannel square to apply a coat of paste wax to the sheath.
- 4
  Repeat this process every four weeks if you live in salty or damp air environments, or every three months for all other climates.

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