Just as it is with every sword, the Samurai Katana has to be cleaned from time to time for proper maintenance. This is essential to avoid rust because the weapon is made of carbon steel. However, things can get tricky when it comes to keeping it neat and corrosion-free. You already know that this isn’t your regular sword. That is why it requires special cleaning.
In this piece, you will find the different ways a Samurai Katana used for Iaido should be cleaned for longevity. You will also find tips on what not to do while cleaning your Katana sword.
What Do You Need to Clean Your Katana
- Choji oil, specifically used to wipe Japanese swords, is an anti-corrosion agent.
- Nuguigami is an ingredient made from rice. It looks just like a piece of paper used to wipe the dust off the surface of the Katana.
- Uchiko ball (the Uchiko ball is a silk ball hanging on a stick. It is made of well-grounded stones to remove scratches from the Katana.)
- Oilcloth (this is a soft cloth used to oil the Katana. It doesn’t have a smooth surface.)
- Wiping cloth (the Oilcloth can also serve a smoothening purpose. However, it is wise to have different clothes for applying oil and for wiping the Katana.)
How To Clean Your Samurai Sword
Start the process by wiping out the dust. Simply take out the weapon from the saya to clean it. This phase will concentrate on dust and oil coatings on the surface. This should be done from top to bottom and should be repeated at least three times. It is the only way to adequately remove dust from your Katana.
The next step is polishing. You need to polish your weapon. This can be done by applying stone powder on the sides of the Samurai Katana. After applying the powder, gently rub it around the blade. After doing the above, the next thing to do is to wipe off the stone powder. You can do this with the wiping cloth. It removes the powder and oil on the blade.
The next step is to apply Choji oil to the Oilcloth and use it to clean the blade of your sword. Note that the Choji oil should be applied to the blade once. This will ensure that the blade doesn’t get contaminated. This is the time to wipe away any excess oil from the surface of your sword. It should be done cautiously to avoid exposing the weapon to rust.
After doing the above the final step is to put your Samurai Katana back into the saya. Make sure the saya doesn’t contain any contaminants. This will protect your sword from rust.
Final Words
As stated above, keeping your Katana clean can be tricky. This is why you must be cautious while doing it because any mistake can damage the weapon. Avoid using a harsh cloth to wipe it. From time to time, sharpening your Katana on a hard surface. Avoid using any other oil apart from the ones suggested above to clean your Samurai Katana. When you do these things you’ll keep your sword sharp and clean. It will be protected from rust.
