I just bought me a sword, for my kung fu class. My teacher suggested using 3-in-1 or mineral oil on the blade to prevent tarnishing, but said that he had heard clove oil was even better, as it wouldn’t damage the interior of the (wooden) scabbard. Anyone else have any other tips? I’m afraid I don’t know what the blade is made of, except it’s not stainless steel, and it’s flexible. I know that oil from one’s hands, as well as perspiration, will tarnish the blade, as evidenced by the long-time student’s swords, which have clearly delimited spots of tarnish along the area where the flat of the blade rests against the (by this time sweat-soaked) arm during the form we’re soon to learn. Thanks.
To reiterate the question: Does anyone have any helpful advice/URLs regarding caring for my new sword?
You’re instructor has it down. If for some reason you do not use your sword for an extended period of time you should oil it down every 2-4 months. I oil my unused swords every 3 months.
Well, my sword came with a tube of something called “Metal Glo polishing paste”, made by United Cutlery Corp., but I don’t know what’s in it.
For what it’s worth, I understand that you’re not supposed to store a sword in its scabbard for extended periods of time, since the scabbard will tend to accumulate moisture. If you have female accquaintances who are willing to let you have a pair of old, worn-out nylons, you can keep the sword in one of the legs, to protect it from dust while still being porous enough to keep dry. Laugh all you want, but it works.
If your blade is kept in a scabbard, even a wooden one, for any length of time it needs a light coat of oil to keep it from rusting. Any light machine oil will do. There is nothing wrong with 3 in1, but if your want to spend a little money, go get a can of gun oil. It’s formulated to provide a protective oil film with out becoming sticky.
A good choice of oil is camelia oil.Camelia oil is traditionally used on japanese cutting tools.You should be able to find it at suppliers of japanese woodworking tools.A big benefit is the pleasant aroma too.
Metal Glo is good stuff, but is useful only for cleaning the blade (or removing rust from accidental finger-prints). It will not protect the blade, for that use a good oil (I personally use 3-in-1 with pretty good results.)
From your description, it sounds like your sword is spring-steel which is very corrosion resistant, and is used because of its high flexibility and high gloss as a performance and demonstration weapon. It shouldn’t require any care beyond an occasional wiping down with Windex to get the fingerprints off.
Others require great care however, cast and forged steel (even 440 “stainless” steel) are very susceptible to corrosion from fingerprints. A light mineral oil or gun oil(any knife shop or gun shop will have it) will protect it without destroying the scabbard. Cast aluminum swords, though not corroding as easily, also get dingy and dirty pretty quick and mineral oil will help keep them looking nice.
