I collect swords and one of sheaths is made of steel, at least I think it is steel. Any way, I noticed today that it is starting to rust. I cleaned it off pretty much, but I don’t know how to keep it from coming back. What can I do to preserve the life of my collection?
thanks,
Omega007
You could try http://www.japanesesword.homestead.com/files/care.htm which is about the care of Japanese swords, especially rust.
Rust is the major enemy of the Japanese sword blade. The best course of action is to prevent rust rather than to have to remove it. If possible the sword should be kept at relatively constant temperature and humidity. A thin coat of a light, non-acidic lubricating oil is all that is needed. Sword supply shops sell a special oil, CHOJI OIL, for this use. It protects well and has a nice aroma also. The blade should be re-oiled occasionally to prevent the old oil from becoming gummy. Wipe the old oil off with a clean, soft, WHITE cloth or tissue paper. Don’t use colored materials as the oil may cause the color to “bleed” onto the sword and stain it. Gentle wiping action is all that is required not vigorous rubbing. Don’t “soak” the blade with oil, just use a very light coating.
I know you said the sheath was the problem – this is the closest I can get at the moment. Hope it helps.
Another couple of sites:
http://www.by-the-sword.com/swordcare.html
All metal parts of your sword, including the wire wrapped handles, should always be covered with a light coating of oil to prevent rust. We ship our swords with either a light plastic spray or a heavy coating of grease to protect the blades in transport. You can remove these coatings with the use of a good solvent such as lacquer thinner or mineral spirits. Once you have finished this, apply your light coat of oil or a silicone spray. You can also wipe it with a silicone coated gun/reel cloth. In many respects, the gun/reel cloth is preferred as there is less tendency for dust to accumulate and trap oxygen to cause pitted areas in the blade.
http://necrobones.com/armory/maintain.html
Once the sword is cleaned up, it is a good idea to seal it with something to prevent rust in the future. This may not be necessary on aluminum display-swords. For steel swords it is a must. There are about as many different materials to use for this as there are collectors out there, and everyone has their own preference. I’ve heard that some people even use mineral oil, but I’ve also heard of a potential health hazard in that, so you may wish to use something else. Some common choices are motor-oil, gun-oil, Turtle Wax, Vaseline, Metal-Glo, and WD-40. All you need to do is apply the oil or wax to the blade evenly and thoroughly, and then wipe away all of the excess so that you can’t see that it is coated in anything. You only need a thin invisible coating on the blade to prevent rusting. If the crossguard and pommel are also made of steel, don’t forget to give them the same treatment you give to the blade.