Gear by George Hernandez

Exploring martial gear and equipment, especially arms and armor.

Blade Safety

Some rules of thumb about handling blades.

If you are handing your blade to someone who does not know how to handle a blade, then it is your responsibility to tell them.
If you hand a blade to someone, then give them the hilt or scabbard first.
Never touch the blade with your bare hands because moisture, salt, and body oils are bad for the blade.
If inspecting the blade perpendicularly, then hold the hilt with one hand and use the scabbard, sleeve, a cloth, or the like to support the blade. If you have none of that then use your (gasp!) thumbnail at the blade.
Do not breath or even come close to breathing on the blade.
Do not point the blade at other people unless you have full intent to do so.
When waiting around with a blade (esp. during class), do not flourish it or point it in odd directions. Put it down, keep it sheathed, or hold it with point down or up.
Avoid laying your blade on the ground where it can pick up dirt, moisture, etc.

Do not allow your blade to rust or have the possibility of rusting. At least wipe it dry after using it.
Blade maintenance should be done every 2 weeks during usage. During periods of non-usage, once every 6 months is fine.
The Japanese sword maintenance process is basically as follows:
1. Wipe with nuguigami paper (or a cloth) to remove old oil.
2. Apply uchiko (whetstone powder) from a cloth sack.
3. Wipe to remove more oil.
4. Swipe with new abura (aka choji) applied with abura-nugishi paper (or a different cloth).
Recommended oils:
- Choji is 99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil for scent.
- Mineral oil is a great oil for blade care. FYI: Baby oil is mineral oil with perfume.
- Some people also use olive oil but olive oils may vary.
- Some people use gun oil.
- I do not recommend WD-40.
- Some people store their swords with Renaissance Wax (like many museums).
Do not store your blade in a sheath or scabbard since that may trap moisture on the blade.
If you must remove rust from a blade, use a fine grit sand paper (such as 400 or greater) or bone.
Unless you are a professional, do not do sharpen or remove rust from an antique blade because you will reduce its integrity and worth.
Unless you are a professional, do not sharpen you blade.

Page Modified: (Hand noted: 2007-10-16 01:18:15Z) (Auto noted: 2007-11-17 06:30:02Z)